The global trade landscape has undergone dramatic changes in recent years, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions and economic rivalries among major nations. In particular, the trade conflicts between the United States and China, and between the United States and Russia, have had a far-reaching impact on industries that depend heavily on raw materials — especially wood. As of 2024, the cabinet manufacturing sector faces challenges related to rising material costs, unstable supply chains, and growing uncertainty in global sourcing. For manufacturers like VIC Cabinet Vietnam, understanding and adapting to these global dynamics has become crucial for maintaining stability, competitiveness, and sustainability.

1. Trade Conflicts and Their Impact on the Wood Industry

1.1 The U.S.–China Trade War

The ongoing U.S.–China trade war has reshaped the global supply chain for wood products. With significant tariffs imposed on raw and processed wood, China — formerly a dominant supplier to the U.S. — has experienced a steep decline in export volumes. This disruption has directly affected American cabinet manufacturers who relied on Chinese wood for its cost efficiency, diverse species, and availability.

Symbolic image of U.S.–China trade war showing disrupted wood supply chain for cabinet production


As tariffs raised prices, many U.S. manufacturers were forced to seek alternative sourcing options, often from regions such as Vietnam, Malaysia, or South America. However, these alternatives can involve higher costs, longer lead times, and challenges in quality control. Consequently, the industry has seen a broader shift toward diversifying suppliers and localizing production to reduce dependency on single markets.

1.2 The U.S.–Russia Trade Tensions

In parallel, tensions between the United States and Russia have added further pressure to the global timber market. Russia, one of the world’s largest exporters of softwood and birch plywood, has faced sanctions and trade restrictions that have disrupted the steady flow of materials into global markets. This has particularly affected the supply of high-grade timber, which is widely used for premium cabinet production.
As access to Russian wood declined, manufacturers faced increased procurement costs and had to rely on other markets with less stable pricing. For U.S. importers and furniture producers, this has amplified cost volatility across the supply chain. The resulting imbalance highlights the growing importance of establishing long-term, compliant, and sustainable sourcing partnerships.

2. Consequences for Cabinet Manufacturing

The combined effects of these trade conflicts have created lasting repercussions across the cabinet manufacturing industry. Manufacturers now face not only logistical and financial challenges but also strategic shifts in sourcing and design.

Rising Material Costs: Tariffs and sanctions have driven up the price of imported wood, forcing manufacturers to adjust budgets and production strategies. This often translates to higher end-user prices in both retail and commercial projects.

Supply Chain Volatility: The reduced availability of materials has disrupted production timelines, increasing the risk of order delays. Companies now need advanced forecasting systems and flexible logistics to maintain consistent delivery performance.

Shift Toward Regional Sourcing: To minimize risk, manufacturers are investing in regional and domestic supply chains. Vietnam, with its strong wood-processing infrastructure and sustainable resources, has become a strategic hub for global cabinet production.

Increased Focus on Sustainability: Many manufacturers are now prioritizing FSC-certified wood and eco-friendly materials to ensure long-term reliability. This shift not only stabilizes sourcing but also meets consumer demand for environmentally responsible products.

3. Pricing and Market Implications

The intersection of trade restrictions and resource scarcity has significantly influenced pricing strategies within the cabinet industry. Fluctuating material costs, shipping expenses, and exchange rates have made price predictability a persistent challenge.

Manufacturers operating in export markets, such as VIC Cabinet Vietnam, face the dual pressure of maintaining quality while absorbing higher costs. By leveraging in-house veneer production, optimized logistics, and technology-driven efficiency, VIC Cabinet has managed to sustain competitive pricing despite global volatility.
For the broader market, the long-term effect is clear: price segmentation will intensify, with high-end buyers willing to pay premiums for superior materials, while cost-conscious consumers shift toward modular or RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) options.

4. VIC Cabinet Vietnam’s Approach to Stability and Quality

As a trusted name in the global cabinetry industry, VIC Cabinet Vietnam combines manufacturing excellence with responsible sourcing to mitigate the impact of global trade disruptions. The company’s dual sourcing strategy — utilizing both local Vietnamese wood and premium imported materials from the U.S. — ensures production continuity regardless of global trade conditions.

VIC Cabinet also upholds rigorous FSC and CARB P2 compliance, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable forestry and environmental accountability. By controlling every production stage — from raw material selection to precision CNC machining and RTA packaging — the company guarantees consistent quality, durability, and competitive pricing for international clients.

5. Conclusion

The global trade conflicts involving the U.S., China, and Russia have reshaped the landscape of wood supply and pricing for cabinet manufacturing worldwide. Yet, these challenges have also accelerated innovation and sustainability across the industry.
Companies that invest in diverse sourcing networks, eco-friendly materials, and process optimization will emerge stronger and more resilient in the years ahead.
With its deep expertise, sustainable practices, and world-class manufacturing capabilities, VIC Cabinet Vietnam continues to serve as a reliable partner for importers, builders, and distributors seeking quality, stability, and value in an unpredictable global market.

Contact VIC Cabinet

Head Office: Tran Thu Do Street, Hoang Liet, Hoang Mai District, Hanoi, Vietnam
HCM Office: N8 Street, Phu Thuan, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Phone: +84 987 459 628
Website: https://viccabinet.com
Email: krysta@viccorp.com.vn