VCCI receives business feedback on proposed new U.S. trade measures

VCCI will continue collecting, compiling, and analyzing practical impact assessments from the business community regarding the proposed new trade measures of the United States.

Specifically, on June 2, 2026, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced the findings of its investigation and proposed remedial measures against 60 economies under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, concerning the issuance and enforcement of regulations related to goods produced using forced labor.

According to the USTR announcement, Vietnam is among the economies that may be affected by the proposed trade measures. Although the investigation findings acknowledged Vietnam’s explanation submitted on April 14, 2026 regarding measures that have been issued and are being implemented to prevent, detect and eliminate forced labor, the United States maintains that, at present, Vietnam has not established a direct legal prohibition on the importation of such goods.

Regarding the proposed measures, USTR has proposed imposing an additional ad valorem tariff on all products originating from the investigated economies, except for products listed in Annex A of the notice. The proposed tariff structure consists of two tiers: a 10% tariff rate for economies that have enacted import bans, established commitments through a Reciprocal Trade Agreement, or implemented partial control mechanisms; and a 12.5% tariff rate applicable to all remaining economies, including Vietnam.

In addition, the United States is considering a special mechanism for textile and apparel products, under which a certain volume of clothing and textile products may qualify for a preferential Section 301 tariff rate based on the proportion of raw cotton and textile yarn inputs imported from the United States.

However, all of the measures described above currently remain at the proposal stage within the public comment process conducted by the Section 301 Committee and do not yet constitute a final, legally effective determination.

USTR has set June 22, 2026 as the deadline for registering to testify and submitting a summary of comments and July 6, 2026, as the deadline for written submissions before public hearings are formally held on July 7, 2026.

Vietnam’s active participation in consultations with the United States, both previously and in the period ahead, demonstrates that the country continues to maintain strategic dialogue channels through which it can present its views and seek adjustments before any U.S. tariff measures are officially adopted.

VCCI believes that the period from now until July 6, 2026, represents a critical window during which government agencies, industry associations, and exporting enterprises should proactively prepare and submit comments, as well as register to participate in the public hearings. These efforts may help persuade the U.S. side to expand the list of products excluded under Annex A for key Vietnamese export products, while also providing clarification on the practical measures Vietnam is implementing to combat forced labor.

Such information will serve as important evidence in preparing draft comments to be submitted to USTR in the coming period. It will also help accurately reflect the realities of Vietnamese business operations while highlighting Vietnam’s efforts to improve the business environment, ensure compliance with labor standards, and promote transparent and sustainable supply chains.

In line with its role in representing and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of the business community, VCCI will continue serving as a focal point for receiving information and consolidating feedback and recommendations from enterprises and industry associations and for conveying them promptly to the competent U.S. authorities within the framework of the ongoing consultation process.

VCCI recommends that enterprises, particularly those exporting to the U.S. market, proactively review their supply chains, stay updated on developments related to the case, and promptly report any difficulties, concerns, or anticipated impacts.

Enterprises wishing to provide information or seeking support regarding the matter may contact VCCI so that their views can be consolidated and submitted to USTR before the July 6, 2026 deadline for public comments.

Contact information:

WTO and Integration Division
Legal Affairs Department
Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)
9 Dao Duy Anh Street, Kim Lien, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: 84-24-35771458 / 84-24-32216234
Email: banthuky@trungtamwto.vn