A U.S.-Vietnam trade investigation into intellectual-property enforcement is approaching its Nov. 29 deadline, while companies and industry groups are divided over the prospect of tariffs on Vietnamese goods.
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) opened the Section 301 inquiry on May 29, after designating Vietnam a “priority foreign country” on April 30. Its notice asks whether Vietnam’s practices burden U.S. commerce and what action should follow if the agency finds them actionable. Tariffs and other measures are among the options; the notice sets no rate for a possible intellectual-property tariff.
USTR’s notice raises allegations involving online piracy, counterfeit goods, border controls and the use of unlicensed software, among other issues. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has said the alleged infringement harms U.S. innovators and creators. Vietnam Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang has called for a fair assessment that recognizes Vietnam’s efforts.
Reuters reported that Tesla urged USTR to weigh supply needs among U.S. manufacturers, while Samsung emphasized Vietnam’s role as a base for producing smartphones and network equipment sold in the United States. Reuters also reported that U.S. producer groups in steel, seafood, plywood, solar and wood products sectors sought tariffs, alleging unfair practices.
The Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America (FDRA), which says it represents more than 500 footwear businesses and brands and over 98% of the U.S. footwear industry, asked USTR in a July 2 filing to avoid additional duties. The group argued that footwear tariffs would increase costs for U.S. consumers.
U.S. Census Bureau data show that goods imports from Vietnam totaled $176.1 billion in January-August 2026, while the U.S. goods-trade deficit reached $163.9 billion. The figures are nominal and not seasonally adjusted. A separate Section 301 action put an additional 12.5% duty on covered Vietnamese products into effect July 24, subject to exemptions.
USTR’s determination is due Nov. 29, six months after the investigation began. The law allows a three-month extension in certain circumstances.
