Wood and wood products are among Vietnam’s top export sectors to the United States. Last year, the export value of Vietnamese wood products to this market exceeded $9 billion, accounting for 38%–40% of the total US import volume for this product group, according to the Vietnam Timber and Forest Products Association. This positions the industry as one of the nation’s top contributors to its trade surplus. In contrast, Vietnam imports only about $323 million worth of timber from the US annually, of which approximately $300 million consists of raw materials such as oak and ash. These are processed domestically into finished goods and re-exported, often back to the US market. Notably, Vietnam is now the second-largest importer of US timber globally, as the US continues its search for stable export destinations. …Vietnam’s decision to waive import duties on timber shipments from the US, is an act demonstrating the country’s cooperative intent.