Importing Furniture and Rattan from Vietnam to the Philippines

September 24, 2026 · AngkatPH

Vietnam is one of the world's biggest furniture exporters, and its rattan, bamboo and solid-wood pieces are some of the best value in Asia. For a Filipino shop, café or reseller, that makes it a serious sourcing option. It's also bulky cargo, so the freight maths decides whether it works. Here's how to do it properly.

What Vietnam does well

• Rattan and bamboo. Chairs, lounge sets, baskets, lampshades and decor, much of it still handwoven.
• Solid-wood furniture. Dining sets, tables and cabinets from a large export manufacturing base.
• Outdoor and hospitality furniture for cafés, resorts and restaurants.
• Ceramics and home decor to go with the furniture: vases, planters and tableware.

Where to source

The south: Binh Duong and Dong Nai. This is the country's main furniture-manufacturing belt, next to Ho Chi Minh City. Most export-grade factories are here, and many are used to foreign buyers and container-scale orders. Suppliers here are closer to our Ho Chi Minh City warehouse.

The north: the Hanoi craft villages. The villages around Hanoi are known for rattan, bamboo and handicrafts; Bat Trang, just outside the city, is famous for ceramics. Orders here tend to be smaller and more handmade. Suppliers here are closer to our Hanoi warehouse.

Not sure which warehouse to use? See Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh: which Vietnam warehouse.

The freight maths for bulky goods

Furniture is billed on the space it takes up, not its weight, and Vietnam freight costs more per cubic metre than China freight. So three things matter more here than they would for small goods. (For how Vietnam pricing works, see Vietnam to Philippines shipping.)

1. Knock-down (flat-pack) versus assembled

An assembled rattan armchair can take up a large share of a cubic metre, mostly air. A knock-down design, shipped in parts and assembled in Manila, can cut the space several times over. Ask every supplier whether a knock-down version exists, and compare the carton dimensions, not just the unit price.

2. Nesting and stacking

Stackable chairs and nesting tables are how furniture importers make the numbers work. Ten stackable chairs can take little more space than two or three non-stacking ones.

3. Price per piece versus freight per piece

Divide your freight cost by the number of pieces, then compare it with your selling price. Freight per piece can be a small share of a chair that retails for several thousand pesos, and a deal-breaker for one that sells for ₱1,500. The only way to know is to quote with real carton sizes.

Do this before you pay a deposit. Our landed-cost guide has the full formula.

Packing: where furniture orders go wrong

Damage is the biggest risk with furniture, and poor packing is the usual cause. Tell your supplier, in writing and before production:

• Export packing: corner protectors, foam or bubble wrap, and strong cartons.
• Crates or pallets for heavy or fragile pieces such as glass tops, ceramics and large solid-wood items.
• Your client code on every carton, plus a clear packing list.

We're not liable for damage caused by poor packaging, so this step protects you. Ask for photos of the packed goods before they leave the factory.

Regulations and documents

• Form D (ATIGA). Vietnam and the Philippines are both ASEAN members, and goods that meet the origin rules can qualify for preferential treatment with a Form D issued in Vietnam. Ask your supplier early. See our Form D guide.
• Wood and natural materials. Finished, treated furniture is routine. Raw or untreated plant materials, and some wooden packaging, can need phytosanitary treatment or certificates. If your order includes unfinished rattan, bamboo or wood, ask us before you order.
• Accurate declaration. Declare the real value and description. Under-declaring is illegal and gets caught.

A sensible first order

1. Shortlist two or three suppliers and ask each for knock-down options, carton sizes and export packing.
2. Order a few samples and ship them by small package or air to check quality, finish and packing.
3. Calculate freight per piece at real carton dimensions.
4. Place a first sea order of one to two CBM, and sell through it before scaling.

For the wider picture on the Vietnam lane, read shipping from Vietnam to the Philippines and Vietnam vs China sourcing. China is often cheaper for mass-market furniture, so compare both before you commit.

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth importing furniture from Vietnam to the Philippines?

It can be, for rattan, handcrafted and solid-wood pieces that sell at a good price. Furniture is billed by volume, so work out freight per piece before ordering.

Where is furniture made in Vietnam?

The main export furniture belt is Binh Duong and Dong Nai near Ho Chi Minh City. Craft villages around Hanoi are known for rattan, bamboo and ceramics.

How is furniture shipping from Vietnam charged?

By cubic metre, with the rate falling as volume rises. Knock-down and stackable designs reduce the space you pay for. Send us carton sizes for a quote.

Do I need special documents for wooden furniture?

Finished, treated furniture is routine. Raw or untreated plant materials and some wooden packaging can need phytosanitary treatment or certificates, so ask before ordering.