VIETNAM-US Trade Profile

Comprehensive analysis of VIETNAM exports to the United States, including trade volumes, commodity breakdown, tariff rates, and logistics infrastructure.

Hedge tariff risk: Trade tariff prediction markets on Ballast Markets to lock in costs and protect margins against tariff changes affecting VIETNAM imports.

Trade Overview (2023)

| Metric | Value | |--------|-------| | Country | VIETNAM | | Country Code | VN | | Total US Imports | $280.51 billion (2023) | | Number of Products | 10+ HS codes tracked | | Tariff Exposure | 0-25% (MFN + potential Section 301/232) |

Top Import Categories

The United States imported 10+ different products from VIETNAM in 2023. Here are the top 10 by value:

1. Telecom equipment (HS 8517)

Import Value: $125.16 billion (44.6% of total)
HS Code: 8517
Tariff Rate: View HS 8517 VN tariff

Telecom equipment is a major export from VIETNAM, representing 44.6% of bilateral trade.

2. Furniture (HS 9403)

Import Value: $39.02 billion (13.9% of total)
HS Code: 9403
Tariff Rate: View HS 9403 VN tariff

Furniture is a major export from VIETNAM, representing 13.9% of bilateral trade.

3. Seating furniture (HS 9401)

Import Value: $23.73 billion (8.5% of total)
HS Code: 9401
Tariff Rate: View HS 9401 VN tariff

Seating furniture is a major export from VIETNAM, representing 8.5% of bilateral trade.

4. Textile footwear (HS 6404)

Import Value: $20.35 billion (7.3% of total)
HS Code: 6404
Tariff Rate: View HS 6404 VN tariff

Textile footwear is a major export from VIETNAM, representing 7.3% of bilateral trade.

5. Leather footwear (HS 6403)

Import Value: $19.64 billion (7.0% of total)
HS Code: 6403
Tariff Rate: View HS 6403 VN tariff

Leather footwear is a major export from VIETNAM, representing 7.0% of bilateral trade.

6. Sweaters/pullovers (HS 6110)

Import Value: $13.26 billion (4.7% of total)
HS Code: 6110
Tariff Rate: View HS 6110 VN tariff

Sweaters/pullovers is a major export from VIETNAM, representing 4.7% of bilateral trade.

7. Women's suits/jackets (HS 6204)

Import Value: $12.38 billion (4.4% of total)
HS Code: 6204
Tariff Rate: View HS 6204 VN tariff

Women's suits/jackets is a major export from VIETNAM, representing 4.4% of bilateral trade.

8. Men's suits/jackets (HS 6203)

Import Value: $7.33 billion (2.6% of total)
HS Code: 6203
Tariff Rate: View HS 6203 VN tariff

Men's suits/jackets is a major export from VIETNAM, representing 2.6% of bilateral trade.

9. Toys/games (HS 9503)

Import Value: $7.24 billion (2.6% of total)
HS Code: 9503
Tariff Rate: View HS 9503 VN tariff

Toys/games is a major export from VIETNAM, representing 2.6% of bilateral trade.

10. Sports equipment (HS 9506)

Import Value: $4.07 billion (1.5% of total)
HS Code: 9506
Tariff Rate: View HS 9506 VN tariff

Sports equipment is a major export from VIETNAM, representing 1.5% of bilateral trade.

Commodity Breakdown Table

| Rank | Product | HS Code | Import Value (2023) | Share of Total | |------|---------|---------|-------------------|----------------| | 1 | Telecom equipment | 8517 | $125.16B | 44.6% | | 2 | Furniture | 9403 | $39.02B | 13.9% | | 3 | Seating furniture | 9401 | $23.73B | 8.5% | | 4 | Textile footwear | 6404 | $20.35B | 7.3% | | 5 | Leather footwear | 6403 | $19.64B | 7.0% | | 6 | Sweaters/pullovers | 6110 | $13.26B | 4.7% | | 7 | Women's suits/jackets | 6204 | $12.38B | 4.4% | | 8 | Men's suits/jackets | 6203 | $7.33B | 2.6% | | 9 | Toys/games | 9503 | $7.24B | 2.6% | | 10 | Sports equipment | 9506 | $4.07B | 1.5% |

Tariff Landscape

Current Tariff Rates

MFN Tariff Rates: VIETNAM products enter under Most-Favored Nation rates:

Base Rates: 0-15% depending on HS classification
Average Rate: Varies by product category
Section 301 Risk: Potential additional tariffs if trade disputes arise
FTA Status: No current free trade agreement with US

Tariff Considerations:

Product-specific rates vary widely
No preferential access like USMCA countries
Lower than China but higher than Mexico/Canada

Tariff Impact by Product

View detailed tariff rates for specific VIETNAM products:

Logistics & Shipping

Major Trade Routes

VIETNAM goods typically ship to the US via:

Ocean Shipping:

Container services from major VIETNAM ports
Transit times: 7-25 days depending on route
Freight rates vary by season and capacity

US Ports of Entry:

Transit Times

| Route Type | Transit Time | Notes | |------------|-------------|-------| | Ocean Freight | 10-20 days | Port-to-port | | Air Freight | 3-7 days | Premium option | | Door-to-Door | 18-30 days | Including customs |

Risk Management

Supply Chain Risks

Tariff Volatility:

Moderate risk (potential Section 301 actions)
Policy changes can occur with 60-90 days notice
Effective tariff rates can double or triple

Logistics Risks:

Port congestion at US gateways
Regional supply chain bottlenecks
Seasonal capacity constraints

Hedging Strategies

1. Tariff Prediction Markets

Hedge VIETNAM tariff exposure using tariff prediction markets:

Example:

Exposure: $10M annual imports from VIETNAM
Current Tariff: 5-15%
Hedge: Buy "VN-US Tariff > 25%" position
Protection: Payout offsets increased duty costs

2. Sourcing Diversification

Don't rely solely on VIETNAM:

Blend VIETNAM with multiple regions
Reduce concentration risk
Maintain supply chain flexibility

3. USMCA Optimization

Consider shifting production to USMCA countries:

Mexico/Canada offer 0% tariffs
Shorter supply chains
Lower tariff risk

Related Resources

VIETNAM Ports - Major export gateways
Tariff Hedging Strategies - Risk management
Section 301 Tariffs - China trade actions
Container Shipping Routes - VIETNAM-US logistics

Sources

U.S. Census Bureau International Trade Data (2023)
Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Ballast Markets bilateral trade analysis

Risk Disclosure

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or trade advice. Tariff rates are subject to change based on government policy and bilateral negotiations. Trade statistics may have reporting delays. Verify current rates and compliance requirements with customs brokers and trade advisors. Prediction markets involve risk of loss.

Disclaimer

Ballast Markets provides this content as a free educational resource for the global trade community. Trade data is sourced from official U.S. government sources but may contain errors or be outdated. For sourcing and compliance decisions, always verify with customs brokers and industry experts.

Last updated: 2025-11-04