London (VNA) – Sixteen Vietnamese companies took part in the Manchester Furniture Show (MFS), one of the United Kingdom’s largest furniture trade exhibitions, held on July 5-6, seeking to expand their presence in the British and wider European markets.
Regarded as the UK's second-largest furniture trade fair of the year, the exhibition brought together more than 150 brands showcasing over 25,000 furniture, homeware and interior décor products. This year's event attracted more than 4,000 buyers, with around half of the exhibitors participating for the first time, reflecting efforts by British retailers to diversify their supply chains as consumer spending gradually recovers.
Talking to a Vietnam News Agency (VNA) correspondent in London, Le Dinh Ba, Commercial Counselor and Vietnamese Trade Representative to the UK and Ireland, said Vietnam's competitive advantage in the wood and furniture sector lies in a combination of design capability, sustainability certification and logistics.
He noted that Vietnam has large-scale manufacturing capacity, consistent product quality and a well-developed supply chain. As sustainability becomes an increasingly important priority in the UK market, certifications on the legal origin of timber, sustainable forest management and environmental compliance have become almost indispensable for suppliers seeking to enter major retail chains.
"In today's market, competition is no longer about price but about overall value," he stressed, adding that product design, the ability to respond to consumer trends and flexible delivery services are crucial to building long-term partnerships with overseas buyers.
Nguyen Cong Danh, President and General Director of Fomex Global JSC, said the company hopes to use the exhibition to introduce Vietnamese products with transparent origins and reliable quality to customers in the UK and Europe.
His emphasis on product traceability reflects tightening British requirements on timber sourcing, carbon emissions and deforestation prevention, technical standards that increasingly favour manufacturers with transparent and sustainable production practices.
European buyers also expressed confidence in Vietnamese suppliers. Maciej Holubko of Poland's Best Craft Sp. z o.o. said Vietnamese companies offer high-quality products and have demonstrated flexibility in meeting customers' needs.
Vietnamese enterprises are open to discussing various opportunities and always seek suitable solutions for products partners are looking for, he stated, adding that he believes this cooperation will yield positive results in the future.
Looking ahead, Ba said the UK furniture market is expected to recover steadily as inflation eases and household incomes improve, boosting demand, particularly for mid-range, durable and environmentally friendly products.
He said this presents significant opportunities for Vietnamese exporters that continue to invest in innovative designs, product quality, and compliance with market standards.
Vietnam's exports of wood and wood products exceeded 17 billion USD for the first time in 2025, reaching a record 17.2 billion USD. However, exports to the UK amounted to only 244 million USD, indicating considerable room for growth.
Ba said the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA), under which many wood products enjoy zero tariffs, offers favourable conditions for Vietnamese exporters. However, tariff preferences alone are not enough.
While participation in trade fairs is an important first step in reaching buyers, he said, building lasting brand recognition in the UK requires sustained investment in quality, design, marketing, distribution networks and after-sales services. He encouraged Vietnamese businesses to develop their own brands and strengthen direct links with British retailers and distributors./.
