Vietnam's trade landscape is witnessing a positive shift as both the United States and Cambodia report promising developments. According to the latest data from the General Department of Customs, Vietnam's export of paper and paper products reached approximately $210.72 million in July 2026, reflecting a 26.12% increase compared to July 2025, despite a slight decline of 3.9% from June 2026.

Growth in Key Markets

In the first seven months of 2026, the total export value of paper and related products was estimated at $1.18 billion, marking a 14.4% increase year-on-year. The United States emerged as the largest export market for Vietnam, with exports valued at $442 million, an 18% increase from the previous year, accounting for 37% of the total exports. Cambodia followed as the second-largest market, with exports exceeding $111 million, up 22% compared to the same period last year.

Industry Insights

The Vietnam Paper and Pulp Association (VPPA) highlights that the paper and pulp industry has experienced significant growth over the past decade, with an average annual growth rate in double digits. By 2025, the total production output is expected to reach 6.34 million tons, driven largely by the demand for packaging paper and the rise of e-commerce.

However, the industry faces challenges, including fluctuating global economic conditions, new policies from the US government, and increased competition from countries like India. Additionally, stricter environmental regulations, particularly from the European Union, are putting pressure on Vietnam's paper industry to adapt.

Future Projections

Looking ahead, the total capacity for paper and cardboard production in Vietnam is projected to increase to approximately 10.9 million tons by 2030, with packaging paper demand expected to grow significantly. In 2025, Vietnam is expected to import 2.75 million tons of paper while exporting 1.49 million tons. The paper packaging sector is predicted to reach a market size of $3.5 billion by 2026, fueled by the shift away from plastic packaging and the growth of e-commerce.