The recent adjustments in the US import tariff policy signal major shifts in global trade, with direct consequences for countries like Vietnam. As the United States tightens tariff controls to protect domestic production, Vietnamese exporters must proactively adapt. Failure to respond to these changes, could lead to significant setbacks in revenue, market access, and long-term growth.
Given the U.S. remains one of Vietnam’s top export markets — especially for industries like textiles, footwear, furniture, electronics, and seafood — changes, represent both risks and opportunities.
To navigate this complex landscape, Vietnamese businesses must take the following five steps:
✅ Step 1: Stay updated on U.S. import tariff policy developments
Monitoring ongoing developments in US import tariff policy is critical for all exporters. This includes tracking which goods are subject to increased tariffs, understanding anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations, and analyzing the broader geopolitical motivations behind these changes.
Exporters should:
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Stay in close contact with the Vietnam Trade Office in the U.S.
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Monitor announcements from the USTR, DOC, and relevant trade associations
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Evaluate how each tariff adjustment under, will affect pricing, margins, and competitiveness
✅ Step 2: Review supply chains and product origin documentation
As part of its stricter US import tariff policy, the US is intensifying scrutiny on the origin of goods and components, especially if they involve materials sourced from countries like China.
Businesses should:
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Ensure origin documentation (C/O, HS codes) is accurate and traceable
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Diversify raw material sources to avoid high-risk suppliers
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Invest in traceability tools that align with compliance requirements
✅ Step 3: Diversify beyond the U.S. market
While the US import tariff policy may narrow access to its domestic market, other markets remain viable growth avenues. Depending solely on U.S. buyers is no longer a safe bet.
Strategies include:
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Expanding to EU and Asia-Pacific markets via EVFTA, CPTPP, UKVFTA
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Penetrating emerging regions like the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America
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Upgrading product standards to meet import requirements in multiple regions, minimizing dependence on the US and its tariff shifts
✅ Step 4: Strengthen compliance with non-tariff barriers
The US import tariff policy is often accompanied by stringent non-tariff barriers. These include labor rights, environmental compliance, product safety, and intellectual property.
To align with US requirements:
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Obtain certifications like ISO, BSCI, RoHS, FSC, HACCP, etc.
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Ensure all materials and practices meet ethical and environmental standards
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Consider implementing blockchain or QR-code-based traceability, which supports transparency under
✅ Step 5: Collaborate with institutions to mitigate policy risk
In a dynamic trade environment shaped by the US import tariff policy, exporters should not operate alone. Support from institutions and industry groups can offer a significant advantage.
Recommendations:
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Engage with industry associations for updates, policy guidance, and legal defense
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Participate in government-backed programs to enhance capacity and global visibility
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Work with Vietnamese trade offices to navigate policy shifts and buyer negotiations in the US
🔚 Conclusion: Turn the U.S. import tariff policy into a strategic advantage
The evolving US import tariff policy is more than just a challenge — it’s a test of strategic vision, flexibility, and resilience. Vietnamese exporters who take action early will safeguard their position and capture new growth opportunities.
At Sekino, a leading Vietnamese manufacturer of stainless steel bathroom accessories, adapting to changes is part of a long-term vision. From ensuring clear material origins and international compliance to exploring diversified markets, Sekino demonstrates how proactive preparation is key to overcoming trade barriers and thriving globally.
These five steps reflect Sekino’s real-world approach — not only surviving shifts, but using them as catalysts for innovation and expansion.
