US Customs Inspects China-Linked Factories in Vietnam Amid Trade Compliance Review

U.S. customs officials have reportedly conducted spot inspections at factories in Vietnam with links to Chinese companies as Washington intensifies efforts to verify compliance with trade and import regulations, according to a Bloomberg News report citing people familiar with the matter.

The inspections focused on manufacturing facilities exporting goods to the United States, with officials reviewing company records, production processes, and the origins of raw materials. The goal was to determine how much value was added in Vietnam before products were shipped to the U.S., a key factor in establishing a product's country of origin under U.S. trade rules.

According to the report, inspectors also examined whether any software used in manufacturing operations could involve intellectual property violations, expanding the scope of the review beyond traditional customs compliance.

The inspections come as concerns persist that the United States could impose broader tariffs or stricter trade measures on Vietnamese exports, particularly as companies continue shifting supply chains from China to Vietnam to reduce exposure to existing U.S.-China tariffs.

Despite those concerns, Bloomberg reported there is currently no significant evidence that Chinese-made goods are being illegally rerouted through Vietnam to evade U.S. tariffs. The findings suggest that while customs authorities are increasing oversight, widespread transshipment violations have not been identified.

The inspections reflect ongoing U.S. efforts to ensure that imports claiming Vietnamese origin meet applicable trade requirements and comply with rules governing value-added manufacturing. Such reviews have become increasingly important as Vietnam plays a larger role in global supply chains and as multinational manufacturers relocate production from China.

Reuters said it could not independently verify Bloomberg's report. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment regarding the reported inspections or the scope of the enforcement activities.

The reported inspections underscore Washington's continued focus on enforcing trade regulations while monitoring supply chain shifts across Asia, even as concerns over tariff circumvention remain under close scrutiny.