With the 46% U.S. Tariff: How Should Vietnamese Businesses Respond?
- Vinex Official
- Apr 8
- 3 min read
New tariff policies announced by the Trump administration have sparked major concerns across global trade partners. While the base import tariff is set at 10%, countries with significant trade deficits with the US may face much higher rates — and Vietnam tops the list with a staggering 46% tariff.
This has raised a critical question: how are Vietnamese businesses responding to US tariffs, and what strategies should they adopt to minimize damage and stay competitive?
Why Is Vietnam Being Taxed So Heavily?
The US uses a calculation based on: (Trade Deficit / Total Exports) ÷ 2→ For Vietnam: (USD 123.5 billion / USD 136.6 billion) ÷ 2 = 46%
Quick Comparison of Tariff Rates:
Vietnam: 46%
China: 34%
South Korea: 25%
Japan: 24%
EU: 20%
India: 18%
Mexico & Canada: 15% (due to USMCA)
But beyond the formula, several underlying reasons explain why Vietnamese businesses responding to US tariffs must act swiftly:
1. Concerns Over Transshipment Fraud
The US suspects that Chinese goods may be rerouted through Vietnam to avoid tariffs, prompting tighter monitoring on Vietnamese exports.
2. Rapid Export Growth
Vietnam has become one of the fastest-growing exporters to the US in recent years, shifting from a partner to a direct trade competitor.
3. Currency Manipulation Allegations
Washington believes Vietnam is keeping its currency undervalued to support exports, a practice that could be seen as indirect dumping.
Which Vietnamese Industries Are Hit the Hardest?
When costs rise dramatically, Vietnamese businesses responding to US tariffs must especially watch out in the following sectors:
Textile & Footwear
Being major export earners, these industries could see production costs soar, risking long-term contracts and global competitiveness.
Electronics & Components
Global giants like Samsung may be forced to rethink their pricing models and logistics for US-bound goods.
Wood & Furniture
High-end furniture exports may lose market share due to increased prices and stronger price competition.
Agriculture & Seafood
Products like shrimp, pangasius, and coffee may struggle to compete when rivals such as Ecuador and Thailand retain lower-cost access to the US market.
Are There Any “Safe Zones”?
Not all sectors are suffering. Some remain relatively untouched — and could become new directions for Vietnamese businesses responding to US tariffs:
Tech & Software
These sectors are not impacted by physical import tariffs, making them a potential growth engine amid global trade uncertainties.
New Export Markets
Now may be the golden time for businesses to expand exports to the EU, Japan, or the Middle East — where Vietnam has signed strong FTAs and benefits from preferential trade policies.
What Should Vietnamese Businesses Responding to US Tariffs Do Now?
Timely, strategic responses are essential. Here are key moves for Vietnamese businesses responding to US tariffs:
1. Reassess Export Markets
Don’t rely solely on the US. Diversifying export destinations helps spread risk and tap into new growth areas.
2. Maximize FTA Advantages
Leverage existing trade deals like EVFTA, CPTPP, and RCEP to explore indirect exports or build stronger footholds in other regions.
3. Optimize Supply Chains
Reduce reliance on Chinese inputs — a major trigger for US scrutiny and potential tariff escalation.
4. Strengthen Policy Advocacy
Work closely with trade associations, chambers of commerce, and government agencies to seek guidance, voice concerns, and influence trade discussions.
The new US tariff policy serves as a reminder that global markets are unpredictable — especially when a single market dominates your export portfolio. But it's also a valuable opportunity for Vietnamese businesses responding to US tariffs to review their long-term strategy, diversify markets, gain control of supply chains, and improve adaptability.
The market is constantly evolving. The real question is: are you adapting fast enough?ng luôn thay đổi. Câu hỏi đặt ra là: doanh nghiệp của bạn đã sẵn sàng thay đổi theo chưa?
Source: tienphong.vn
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