July 16, 2025
A different perspective on Vietnam’s economy and doing business in Vietnam. Make sure to subscribe.
insights & analysis
Tag: trade
The Trade category covers import/export trends, trade agreements, and global market movements. It explores foreign direct investment, tariff policies, logistics, and international business relations, providing insights into market access, supply chain resilience, and regulatory impacts on trade flows.
Agriculture: AFIA secures US$242,600 for Vietnam export push
the-shiv June 7, 2025 7:30 am
The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) has secured US$242,600 in funding from the US Department of Agriculture’s Emerging Markets Program (EMP) to expand its market development efforts in Vietnam, World Grain has reported.
Trade: Vietnam named in U.S. steel rebar trade petition alongside Algeria, Egypt, and Bulgaria
the-shiv June 6, 2025 1:57 pm
The Rebar Trade Action Coalition and its member companies filed a petition Wednesday with the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). The petitioners are seeking Antidumping duties (AD) on imports of steel concrete reinforcing bar (rebar) from Vietnam, Algeria, Egypt, and Bulgaria, and Countervailing duties (CVD) on imports from Vietnam, Algeria, and Egypt.
Import-Export: Vietnam trade turnover tops US$78.6 billion in May
the-shiv June 6, 2025 9:21 am
Vietnam’s total import-export turnover in May reached US$78.64 billion, up 5.8 percent month-on-month and 15.5 percent year-on-year, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office. In the first five months of 2025, total trade hit US$355.79 billion, up 15.7 percent compared to the same period last year.
Trade: US Commerce Secretary rules out zero-tariff deal with Vietnam over China concerns: Politico
the-shiv June 5, 2025 7:41 am
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told a hearing Wednesday the Trump administration would not accept a reciprocal zero-tariff agreement with Vietnam, citing fears that Chinese goods could enter the US through Vietnam to bypass tariffs, according to a report from Politico.
Trade: Vietnam hires US$15K a month PR firm to tackle tariff threats
the-shiv June 4, 2025 8:31 am
As trade tensions escalate with Washington, Vietnam has enlisted the help of two politically connected US firms—Crowell Global Advisors and Tactic Global—to manage its response to the Trump administration’s proposed 46 percent tariff on Vietnamese imports, O’Dwyer PR has reported.
Trade: US pushes Vietnam to cut reliance on China amid tariff talks
the-shiv June 4, 2025 7:46 am
The US has submitted a detailed annex of “tough” trade requests to Vietnam with key demands that include reducing imports from China and tightening control over supply chain origins, Reuters has reported.
Trade: Vietnam’s imports from China climb 2.19 percent in April
the-shiv June 3, 2025 8:38 am
In April, Vietnam imported goods worth US$15.06 billion from China, representing a 2.19 percent increase compared to March. This brought the year-to-date total to US$53.16 billion, according to the latest data from Vietnam’s General department of Customs.
Trade: Vietnam ramps up commodity imports from Australia in April
the-shiv May 31, 2025 10:10 am
Vietnam’s imports from Australia rose to US$688.85 million in April, up 3.24 percent from March, bringing the year-to-date total to US$2.44 billion, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. The growth was driven by surging coal shipments and strong gains across key industrial and agricultural commodities.
HSBC’s 2025 Global Trade Pulse Survey: Key Takeaways for Businesses in Vietnam
the-shiv May 30, 2025 4:04 pm
A total of 80 percent of Vietnamese firms have already faced rising costs due to tariff and trade uncertainty, according to HSBC’s 2025 Global Trade Pulse Survey. A further 82 percent expect this to continue in the short term.
Retail: Vietnam cracks down on counterfeit goods at Saigon Square
the-shiv May 30, 2025 3:52 pm
housands of items suspected of violating intellectual property laws were seized during a surprise inspection at Saigon Square on May 29, VN Express has reported. Brands targeted included Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, Hermès, Dior, and more, with counterfeit goods ranging from watches and handbags to eyewear and suitcases.
Trans shipping: To What Extent is Vietnam China’s backdoor to the U.S.?
Mark Barnes May 28, 2025 9:20 am
Vietnam’s role as a transshipment hub for Chinese goods has become a key point of contention between the US and Vietnam. While there seems to be little question that this practice is taking place, there does seem to be some debate as to what extent. With this in mind, this article looks at a few key data points worth considering.
Trade & investment: US$10 billion in deals signed during Macron visit to Vietnam
the-shiv May 27, 2025 6:43 am
Vietnam and France have signed 14 agreements covering aviation, defence, space, healthcare, transport, and energy, during the first official trip by a French president to Vietnam in nearly a decade, Reuters is reporting.
Animal fats and oils: Vietnam imports fall 10.55 percent in April despite surge from Malaysia
the-shiv May 24, 2025 6:29 pm
Vietnam imported US$124.43 million worth of animal and vegetable fats and oils in April, down 10.55 percent from March, according to the latest data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Total year-to-date imports reached US$457.81 million, with Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand the top suppliers.
Waste & scrap: Vietnam imports up 17.70 percent over March, Japan lead supplier
the-shiv May 23, 2025 7:41 pm
Vietnam’s imports of ferrous waste and scrap reached US$200.05 million in April 2025, according to figures released by Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This represents a significant 17.70 percent increase compared to the import value in March, with a year-to-date import value of US$644.88 million for this category.
Sanctions: Three Vietnam firms added to EU Russia sanctions list named
the-shiv May 22, 2025 5:28 am
Three Vietnamese companies have been added to the EU’s Russia sanctions list as of 21 May 2025. The firms are accused of supporting Russia’s military or energy sectors through trade facilitation or indirect circumvention of export controls, according to an EU Council Decision issued May 20.
Vietnam’s US Tariff Threat Prompted Counterfeit Crackdown: Unpacked
Mark Barnes May 21, 2025 8:26 am
Counterfeit goods have been highlighted as one non-tariff barrier that led to the recently announced US tariffs on Vietnamese goods. Vietnam is now responding to try to bring down those tariffs by launching a crackdown on counterfeits. So, how prevalent is the counterfeit goods trade in Vietnam? Can it be stopped? And if it can, why hasn’t it been already?
Vietnam Trade Barriers 2025: USTR Trade Estimates Report Key Findings
the-shiv May 19, 2025 2:51 pm
The United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) 2025 National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report highlights persistent trade barriers and market access concerns in Vietnam. It has also been cited as a basis for the “reciprocal” tariffs announced by the Trump administration at the start of April and therefore warrants a deeper look. This article breaks down the key details.
Vietnam Trade: Exports, Imports & FTAs
the-shiv May 16, 2025 10:09 pm
Vietnam has established itself as a key player in global trade, thanks to its strategic location, favourable trade agreements, and robust manufacturing sector. In 2024, Vietnam continues to leverage its open economy, with exports playing a crucial role in driving growth. The country is well-integrated into the global supply chain, exporting a diverse range of goods including electronics, textiles, machinery, and agricultural products.
Trade: Dry cargo shortage insurance claims surge in Vietnam ports
the-shiv May 13, 2025 7:11 am
Dry cargo shortage insurance claims in Cai Mep and Phu My ports have nearly tripled between 2020 and 2024, according to Gard P&I Club and reported by Safety4Sea. Affected cargoes include soybean meal, corn, and fertilisers, with claims are generally low value but high frequency, raising cumulative risk
Chemicals: Vietnam chemical imports edge down 4 percent in April
the-shiv May 12, 2025 6:38 pm
Vietnam imported US$656.78 million worth of chemical products in April 2025, down 3.98 percent from March, according to the latest data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Total year-to-date imports reached US$2.47 billion, with China, South Korea and Japan the top suppliers.
Vietnam Labour Market Snapshot
Q2 2025
Q2 2025
knowledge hub