US–Vietnam Tariff Update: Reactions, Delays, and What Comes Next

In early April 2025, global headlines were dominated by one decision: the United States, under President Donald Trump, announced a 46 percent retaliatory tariff on Vietnamese imports. This dramatic move was designed to address what the White House called “persistent trade imbalances,” but it sparked concern among US importers and Vietnamese exporters alike.

However, within days, the landscape shifted. On April 10, Trump announced a 90-day delay on the tariff for countries that choose diplomacy over retaliation. Vietnam was among those nations. The delay provides a vital window—one Vietnam is using to propose constructive solutions and preserve its crucial trade relationship with the United States.

At the center of these developments are global businesses like Vietnam Outsourcing Pte Ltd (VNO), which serves as a strategic bridge between US/EU manufacturers and Vietnam’s leading suppliers. This article outlines key events, responses, and most importantly—what VNO’s clients should be doing right now.

US Action: A Bold Play, Quickly Softened

On April 2, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order to apply a sweeping 46 percent tariff on Vietnamese goods—impacting categories from metal components and textiles to electronics and aluminum parts. The goal: reduce US trade deficits and push countries toward bilateral trade renegotiations.

Reactions within the US:

• Commerce Department’s Firm Line: US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that over 50 countries had contacted Washington for tariff relief, but emphasized that there would be no blanket exceptions.

• Pushback from US Industry: US importers—especially those relying on Vietnamese manufacturing for high-quality, cost-effective components—sounded the alarm. Companies in the electronics, consumer goods, and custom fabrication sectors warned of price hikes, supply chain disruption, and lost competitiveness if the tariffs went into effect without time for adjustment.

• Market Volatility: Major US retailers and brands sourcing from Vietnam, including Nike and Home Depot, saw brief stock dips amid fears of cost inflation. Pressure mounted for a more measured approach.

Vietnam’s Response: Strategic, Diplomatic, and Solution-Oriented

Rather than retaliate, Vietnam moved swiftly to engage diplomatically.

• Call for Calm and Cooperation: Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately labeled the tariff delay a positive step, as reported by VietnamNet. Officials reiterated Vietnam’s preference for negotiation, not confrontation, and emphasized their commitment to fair, reciprocal trade.

• Direct Dialogue at the Highest Level: General Secretary To Lam spoke directly with President Trump, proposing a bilateral trade agreement and reiterating Vietnam’s openness to reduce tariffs on US goods to zero.

• Expanded US Imports: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh announced plans to increase imports of US defense, agricultural, and energy products, showcasing goodwill and economic cooperation.

• Business Community Cooperation: The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and the American Chamber of Commerce in Hanoi submitted a joint proposal urging flexibility, while Vietnamese exporters began reassessing global logistics strategies to buffer risk.

What This Means for Vietnam Outsourcing (VNO)

Vietnam Outsourcing Pte Ltd is built for moments like this. As a full-service sourcing and engineering partner for US and EU manufacturers, VNO helps clients manage complexity, lower costs, and reduce geopolitical risk.

Our immediate response:

1. Real-Time Policy Monitoring
   VNO maintains direct contact with both Vietnamese and US trade officials, providing clients with accurate updates—not headlines.

2. Supplier Diversification Plans
   We’re assessing backup production options across Southeast Asia, while maintaining quality control and technical requirements.

3. Customs and Compliance Support
   VNO is advising clients on how to adjust HS codes, certificates of origin, and invoice strategies to remain agile during this 90-day window.

4. US-Based Fulfillment Support
   For qualifying customers, we are exploring warehousing and fulfillment strategies within the US to reduce exposure to cross-border duties.

What Vietnam Outsourcing Clients Should Do Now

1. Review Your Exposure
   Identify product lines, shipping schedules, and existing supplier terms that may be impacted if the 46 percent tariff goes into effect. VNO can help calculate and model cost scenarios.

2. Use the 90-Day Delay Wisely
   This is not a pause—it’s an opportunity. Use it to renegotiate Incoterms, adjust production timelines, or reroute shipments to optimize for customs treatment.

3. Stay Connected with Your Account Manager
   VNO is actively assisting clients in contract reviews, risk assessments, and sourcing alternatives—now is the time to leverage that support.

4. Don’t Rush to Shift Away from Vietnam
   Despite the short-term uncertainty, Vietnam remains a strategic manufacturing partner due to its skilled labor force, improving infrastructure, and transparent regulatory framework. This moment demands flexibility, not abandonment.

5. Request a Tariff Mitigation Strategy Session
   We’re offering all VNO clients a complimentary consultation to assess their exposure, identify risk buffers, and prepare contingency plans in case the tariff is implemented after July 2025.

A Final Word: Stability Through Partnership

The 90-day delay is more than a diplomatic gesture—it’s a sign that Vietnam-US trade is built on trust, not tension. While the tariff announcement was a shock, the measured responses from both governments suggest that a path forward is still possible.

At Vietnam Outsourcing, we are not just your supplier—we are your engineering partner, supply chain advisor, and risk management ally. We will continue to navigate these policy shifts with you—professionally, proactively, and transparently.