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Vietnam US reciprocal tariff: what exporters should do now

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Vietnam US reciprocal tariff rates are now on hold, and exporters should plan for a 10 percent extra duty until at least 9 July 2025. On 2 April 2025, the United States listed Vietnam at 46 percent. A week later it paused that rate. Nothing is settled yet, so the smart move is to plan for more than one outcome.

What was announced on 2 April

On 2 April 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14257. It adds a duty on imports from most trading partners. The order says the duty starts at 10 percent for everyone. Countries listed in Annex I of the order then pay a higher, country-specific rate. Annex I lists Vietnam at 46 percent.

The order set two dates. The 10 percent duty applied to goods entered on or after 5 April 2025. The higher Annex I rates were due on 9 April 2025. Goods already loaded and in transit before each date are generally exempt.

Sources: The White House, Executive Order 14257, 2 April 2025; The White House, Annex I to the order.

The 90 day pause

On 9 April 2025, the President signed Executive Order 14266. It pauses the higher country rates from 10 April 2025 until 9 July 2025. During the pause, goods from the countries in Annex I pay an additional 10 percent. That includes Vietnam. China is the exception. Its rate rose to 125 percent under the same order.

The pause is short. It is not a deal. Vietnam's 46 percent figure is only suspended, and the order does not say what comes after 9 July. Treat the 10 percent rate as the floor, not the final answer.

Sources: The White House, Executive Order 14266, 9 April 2025.

What is not covered

Some goods are outside the reciprocal duty. The White House fact sheet names these groups:

  • Steel and aluminum articles, and autos and auto parts, that already face separate Section 232 tariffs.
  • Copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and lumber.
  • Bullion, plus energy and certain minerals not available in the United States.
  • Goods that may face future Section 232 tariffs.

Steel, aluminum and autos are exempt only from this duty. They still pay their own Section 232 tariffs. Check your product code against the lists in the order and its annexes before you assume you are exempt. Do not rely on a summary like this one.

Sources: The White House, fact sheet on the national emergency declaration, 2 April 2025; Executive Order 14257, Section 3.

Practical steps for exporters

Use the pause to get ready. These steps cost little and help in every outcome.

  • Find your customs code. Match each US-bound product to its code and check it against the exemption lists.
  • Price three cases. Work out your margin at 10 percent, at a middle rate and at 46 percent.
  • Read your contracts. See who pays duty under your shipping terms, and whether a price clause lets you share the cost.
  • Talk to your buyers early. Ask how they plan to handle the extra cost, and agree a method before an invoice is due.
  • Mind the shipping dates. The orders treat goods in transit differently, so record the load date on every shipment.
  • Keep origin records. The duty rate follows where goods are made, so keep your bills of materials and supplier papers in order.

Also tell your finance team now. A duty change affects cash flow, because the importer usually pays at the border. If your buyer asks you to cover the cost, you need to know your limit before the call. Write that limit down and share it with sales.

Avoid rushing big decisions, such as moving a factory or dropping a buyer. The rules changed in one week and may change again.

Sources: Executive Order 14257, Section 3 on in-transit goods and exemptions; Executive Order 14266.

What to watch next

Watch for three things. First, any announcement of talks or a deal between the two governments. Second, official notices that change the exemption lists or add new sector tariffs. Third, the 9 July 2025 date, when the pause is due to end. Read the primary text each time. News headlines often drop the details that decide your duty rate.

Until terms are clear, plan on the 10 percent rate, keep the 46 percent case in your model, and keep your records clean. That keeps you ready whatever comes next.

Sources: Executive Order 14266, 9 April 2025.

Sources list: The White House, Executive Order 14257 (whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/regulating-imports-with-a-reciprocal-tariff-to-rectify-trade-practices-that-contribute-to-large-and-persistent-annual-united-states-goods-trade-deficits); Annex I (whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Annex-I.pdf); Executive Order 14266 (whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/modifying-reciprocal-tariff-rates-to-reflect-trading-partner-retaliation-and-alignment); fact sheet on the national emergency declaration (whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/04/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-declares-national-emergency-to-increase-our-competitive-edge-protect-our-sovereignty-and-strengthen-our-national-and-economic-security).