With the event (and the rest of the Asian furniture fair season) now just weeks away, HawaExpo promises to offer "more than a sourcing opportunity, representing a strategic window for buyers to secure verified, compliant, and tariff-advantaged capacity in one of the world’s fastest-growing furniture manufacturing hubs, before the next procurement cycle is locked in".
HawaExpo is set to return from 4-7th March at the SECC in Ho Chi Minh City. Organised by Vietnam’s principal wood and interior association, the event serves as a nationally endorsed 'verification gateway', connecting global buyers directly with Vietnamese manufacturers, rather than intermediaries or trading companies.
The 2026 edition will host over 450 exhibitors across 2,500 booths, with nearly 90% of participants being verified Vietnamese manufacturers. Each exhibitor is screened for domestic production capability, export history and sustainability compliance, holding certifications such as FSC, BSCI, SMETA, and CTPAT.
"This commitment to transparency ensures that the expected 18,000 international visitors connect with authentic factories rather than intermediaries, securing the full benefits of the EVFTA and other trade agreements," states the show's organiser.
"Sustainability and regulatory compliance are no longer elective but are the baseline for entry at HawaExpo 2026. Vietnam has demonstrated an accelerated adaptation to the EUDR and global traceability requirements, with over 70% of exhibitors having already passed internal vetting for supply chain transparency.
"Industry leaders including Living Ikon Home, Nghia Son Furniture, Sen Decor and Nitori confirm that partner factories maintain annual FSC certifications and strictly adhere to the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act. This proactive stance ensures that all timber is ethically sourced, offering global partners the necessary peace of mind to navigate the increasingly stringent environmental laws of the European and North American markets.
"HawaExpo 2026 also marks a clear upgrade in product and design capability. Across various export categories, exhibitors are showcasing a shift from basic OEM execution to advanced ODM solutions, combining wood with metal, stone, and sustainable fibers. A 40% expansion in design-focused exhibition space underscores the industry’s move toward higher-value, engineering-driven offerings suited to mid- to high-end markets.
"To maximise ROI for busy executives, HawaExpo 2026 has refined its Executive Buyer Programme to eliminate logistical friction. The programme offers a seamless experience through complimentary airport transfers, a continuous shuttle network, and elite support including stays at 4–5 star partner hotels.
"However, the true strategic value lies in the precision B2B matchmaking and exclusive factory visits, allowing buyers to verify production lines and close deals with absolute confidence.
"As the world’s sixth-largest furniture exporter and the leader in South East Asia, Vietnam offers a safe harbour for global capital, and HawaExpo 2026 remains the essential gateway to accessing that capacity."
