Vietnam’s breakthrough opportunity against world-wide US tariff wave

Vietnam is facing an important turning point as the world enters the stage of restructuring the global supply chain. The country is qualified to become a new manufacturing center of Asia if it knows how to take advantage of opportunities methodically and strategically, writes Nguyen Tuan Viet, CEO of Vietgo, an im-export consultancy firm.

Amidst the turmoil in the global trade order, the U.S.’s decision to tighten import tariffs is reshaping the global supply chain.

In this context, Vietnam, with its geostrategic advantages, extensive network of trade agreements, and stable political and economic environment, is emerging as an attractive alternative destination for global investors.

The White House has officially announced new reciprocal tax rates applicable to imported goods from dozens of countries. Vietnam is subject to a 20% tax rate for goods with a Vietnamese certificate of origin (C/O) and 40% for goods in transit from other countries.

This move is a continuation of the "America First" policy initiated in the previous term, emphasizing the priority of localizing production and protecting the U.S.'s domestic industry.

Tariffs - the U.S.'s strategic pivot and the gap left behind

However, the U.S.'s widespread imposition of tariffs not only increases trade tensions but also forces multinational enterprises to readjust their supply chains.

China, a key link in the global production system, is being hit the hardest, with many large corporations being forced to shift their production lines to other countries to avoid tax risks and ensure the continuity of the value chain.

Vietnam, with its strategic geographical location, developing industrial infrastructure, and flexible investment attraction policies, can take advantage of this time to attract high-quality FDI capital flows, while expanding its export market share thanks to its free trade agreements (FTAs).

The U.S.'s imposition of global tariffs seems to be a challenge, but it has inadvertently opened up a gap in the global supply chain that Vietnam is fully capable of filling if it acts decisively and quickly.

Three strategic advantages of Vietnam at a turning point

There are three core factors that help Vietnam become a strong candidate for the position of "new production center" in the context of geo-economics being reshaped.

Extensive FTA system key to opening the global market

As of mid-2025, Vietnam has participated in and implemented 17 FTAs, including many new-generation FTAs with a deep opening nature such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), or the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

These agreements not only help reduce import tariffs on Vietnamese goods but also improve production standards and product quality and promote domestic institutional reforms.

Making good use of FTA commitments helps Vietnamese enterprises penetrate deeper into developed markets such as Europe, Japan, Australia and Canada - markets with strict requirements but full of potential.

A report from the Ministry of Industry and Trade shows that in 2024, more than 65% of Vietnam's export turnover will enjoy tariff incentives from FTAs, helping to increase the competitiveness of Vietnamese goods.

Favorable geographical location in the heart of Asian manufacturing

Vietnam is located at an important maritime crossroads, connecting China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia. With a port system being strongly upgraded, Vietnam has the potential to become an ideal transit point for goods flows across Asia and Europe.

In addition, the country is also actively developing large-scale industrial parks such as Yen Phong (Bac Ninh province), Thang Long II (Hung Yen province), one in Long An province, and another VSIP Binh Duong (Binh Duong province), attracting many high-tech corporations like Samsung, LG, Intel, and Foxconn.

In the past, Vietnam mainly played the role of a place to process goods, but now we are gradually moving up the value chain, thanks to attracting investment in high-tech manufacturing and supporting industries.

Stable political environment, flexible economic management

In the context of many countries facing political crises, conflicts and policy fluctuations, Vietnam stands out with a stable socio-political environment. Unified management, flexible economic policies, and an aim to improve the investment environment have helped the country become a reliable destination for international investors.

According to a World Economic Forum (WEF) report, Vietnam has increased 10 places in the global competitiveness index from 2019 to 2024. Efforts in administrative reform, digital transformation, infrastructure investment, and support for startups are creating momentum for sustainable growth.

Are Vietnamese enterprises ready to seize the opportunity?

However, opportunities only really come to enterprises that know how to prepare in advance. The shift in supply chains and FDI capital flows will prioritize countries and enterprises with good internal capacity, compliance with international standards, transparency, and high adaptability.

Some specific recommendations

Invest in technology and automation: Reduce dependence on cheap labor, increase productivity, and meet the strict technical standards of developed markets.

Strengthen governance capacity: Improve production processes, risk management, product traceability, and compliance with environmental and labor regulations.

Make full use of FTAs: Proactively learn about rules of origin, access tax incentives, diversify export markets.

Developing domestic supply chains: Linking with domestic enterprises to reduce logistics costs, increase flexibility and control quality.

In the context of the U.S. continuing to tighten trade policies, improving Vietnamese enterprises' competitiveness is a vital condition for not only survival but also outstanding development in the post-crisis period.

Vietnam is facing an important turning point as the world enters the stage of restructuring the global supply chain. With a stable political foundation, a deep integration strategy, and a favorable geographical location, Vietnam is qualified to become a new manufacturing center of Asia if it knows how to take advantage of opportunities methodically and strategically.

The world is moving fast and Vietnam cannot stay out of the game. Opportunities will not wait for anyone, only for those who act quickly and prepare well.