Under the new policy, goods shipped before 12:01 a.m. on August 7 and cleared by 12:01 a.m. on October 5 (U.S. time) will still enjoy the previous tariff rate. However, transshipped goods will face an additional 40% tariff, alongside other pending regulatory details.

Le Tien Truong, Chairman of the Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex), said that immediately after the White House announcement, enterprises within the system began contacting U.S. partners to assess market changes and production impacts.

“Businesses need to maintain jobs, protect incomes, and manage finances flexibly. They should also diversify markets and adjust pricing strategies to retain orders and customers,” Truong stressed. He urged companies to invest in technology, maintain high productivity and quality, and stay alert to daily market shifts for timely solutions.

Hoang Manh Cam, Chief of Vinatex’s Office, noted that no major apparel-exporting country received a favorable rate, with the baseline set at 10%. Vietnam’s 20% rate matches Bangladesh’s but is higher than Turkey’s (15%) and Cambodia and Indonesia’s (both at 19%), while lower than India’s (25%). Some African countries enjoy a 10-15% rate but currently lack the production capacity to disrupt Vietnam’s market share.

According to Dr. Nguyen Huu Cung from the Vietnam National University, Hanoi, while the U.S. remains Vietnam’s leading export market, diversifying destinations is vital to reduce dependence on large markets. Tariff pressures could also serve as an incentive for upgrading the national value chain and pursuing sustainable growth.

Pushing production and sales

Despite global volatility - from geopolitical tensions to complex trade barriers - Vietnamese textile companies are striving to meet annual targets.

At the 8-3 Textile Company, General Director Vien Minh Dao reported that in the first seven months of 2025, output reached 6,832 tons of yarn (51.7% of the annual plan), revenue hit 460 billion VND (about USD 18.4 million), and cumulative profit was 800 million VND (about USD 32,000), with an average monthly salary of 13.2 million VND (about USD 530) per worker.

The company has optimized daily output, stabilized quality, and invested in automation, such as upgrading bobbin-winding machines and installing dust-filtering systems, to enhance product competitiveness.

Nguyen Thi Mong Hoai, Deputy Director of Hoa Tho Garment Factory (Quang Ngai), said the unit faced severe challenges after COVID-19, with declining orders. However, recent efforts have raised seven-month revenue to 85 billion VND (about USD 3.4 million), 59% of the annual target, with average monthly wages at 9.8 million VND (about USD 390). Current orders will keep the factory busy until October 2025, with some contracts extending to March 2026.

To meet the year’s export goal of 145 billion VND (about USD 5.8 million), the factory plans to invest in modern machinery, reduce costs, and explore new markets.

PV