Why China Beats Vietnam in Furniture Manufacturing？

Sunbin Qi
Jun 16
3 min read

By Sunbin Qi, CEO of ASKT

As someone who has spent over 20 years serving furniture retailers and wholesalers across Europe, particularly in Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, I’ve witnessed firsthand the shifts in global furniture manufacturing. While Vietnam has made impressive strides recently, I firmly believe that China remains the superior choice for serious furniture group buyers. Let me share with you why.

1. True Cost Efficiency Beyond Labor

Yes, Vietnam has lower average wages, but looking at labor cost alone is misleading.

In China, large-scale industrialization and automation greatly reduce overall production costs. At ASKT, we have invested in advanced technologies such as automatic welding robotic arms, fabric cutting machines, and nailing machines. This dramatically increases efficiency and reduces manpower reliance.

Moreover, our quality control systems, including 12 testing machines for durability, strength, and safety, ensure fewer post-shipment defects or returns. This reduces downstream costs for buyers—costs often overlooked when focusing solely on wage data.

Table: Cost Considerations Beyond Wages

Factor	Vietnam	China (ASKT Case)
Avg Monthly Wage	$285	$990
Automation Level	Moderate	High (ASKT uses robotic arms, batch cutters)
Return/Defect Rates	Higher	Lower due to rigorous quality control
Total Quality Investment	Low to Medium	High ($20,000+ at ASKT)

2. Advanced Quality Control and Certifications

While Vietnam reports 70% ISO-certified factories, not all certifications are equal.

At ASKT, we don’t just hold ISO9001—we enforce a transparent, video-documented quality control system with 11 dedicated inspectors. Each inspector wears a professional video recorder to document every test, from seat impact to static load. This system ensures consistent output and builds trust with our clients in Germany and other European countries.

Additionally, we’re deeply involved in every stage of production. Our 1,200 sqm R&D center includes real-life mockups of German home settings, helping buyers better visualize product use.

3. Deep Product Innovation and Customization Capacity

Vietnamese factories are often limited in their customization capabilities due to resource constraints.

In contrast, ASKT operates four dedicated R&D centers across Bazhou, Anji, Huizhou, and Zhangzhou. We have expert pattern cutters with 20 years of experience and can prototype custom chairs in as little as 10 days. Our emphasis on innovation also includes investment in safer, more flexible 360-degree rotation axes and stronger chair bases, tailored specifically for our clients’ needs.

4. Environmental Responsibility and Compliance

While Vietnam ranks higher in EPI, ASKT’s actual environmental practices rival and often surpass those found in Vietnam.

In response to European Green Policies, we pioneered a zero-plastic packaging initiative, replacing all plastic with recyclable honeycomb paper, paper tape, and reusable non-woven fabrics. This helped our clients reduce plastic tax and packaging-related costs by over 15% annually. Some even avoided customs issues due to non-compliant packaging.

Our OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100-certified fabrics are formaldehyde-free and baby-safe, and we use recycled materials wherever possible.

5. Worker Welfare and Ethical Compliance

At ASKT, human rights are core to our operation. Our factories are BSCI-certified and every worker receives appropriate PPE and training. Whether it’s gas masks for gluing or metal cut-resistant gloves for cutting, our production lines are safe, compliant, and ethically sound.

This level of worker protection is not universal across Vietnam, where small workshops often struggle to meet similar standards consistently.

6. Strategic Global Presence and Reputation

Chinese manufacturers, particularly ASKT, benefit from decades of global exposure and brand development. I was honored to appear on the cover of Germany’s möbelmarkt magazine in February 2025—a first for any Asian furniture CEO. This reflects our longstanding commitment and reputation in the European market.

We’re not just suppliers. We’re strategic partners who understand the nuances of regional preferences, consumer behavior, and retail dynamics.

7. Logistical Maturity and Scalability

China has one of the most mature logistics networks in the world. With efficient ports, high-speed rail, and advanced warehousing, ASKT ensures timely deliveries across Europe. Our lead times are highly predictable and scalable for large orders, making us a reliable partner for wholesalers, supermarkets, and e-commerce platforms.

Conclusion

While Vietnam is a growing contender in furniture manufacturing, China—especially manufacturers like ASKT—offers a holistic, scalable, and technologically advanced solution. With rigorous quality control, sustainable practices, ethical labor standards, and proven customization capacity, we provide not only value but peace of mind.

If you're a furniture buyer looking to partner with a manufacturer that truly understands your needs and can scale with your business, let's start a conversation.