Vietnam is no longer just a "China alternative" — it is a major manufacturing and export powerhouse in its own right. In 2025, Vietnam was the 6th largest source of US imports, with bilateral trade exceeding USD 130 billion. For importers hit by Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods, Vietnam offers a compelling combination: competitive manufacturing costs, no punitive tariffs, and improving infrastructure. Here is how to import from Vietnam to the USA.
Why importers are choosing Vietnam
The shift to Vietnam is driven by concrete economics:
- No Section 301 tariffs: Chinese goods face 25-100% additional tariffs. Vietnamese goods pay only standard MFN rates (typically 0-10% for most manufactured goods)
- Competitive labor costs: Manufacturing wages 30-50% lower than coastal China
- Young workforce: Median age 31, high literacy rate, strong work ethic
- Government incentives: Tax holidays, industrial zone benefits, and trade agreements (CPTPP, EVFTA, RCEP)
- Geographic advantage: Close to China's supply chain for components, with direct shipping routes to the US
Step 1: Find suppliers in Vietnam
Vietnam's supplier landscape is different from China's. Here is where to look:
Online platforms
- Alibaba: Filter by Vietnam origin — many Vietnamese factories list here
- Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (Vietrade): Government-backed supplier directory
- Made-in-Vietnam.com: Dedicated Vietnamese manufacturer directory
- GlobalSources: Has a growing Vietnam supplier section
Trade shows
- Vietnam Expo (Ho Chi Minh City): Largest general trade show, held annually
- VIFA Expo: Furniture and home accessories
- VTG (Vietnam Textile & Garment): Textiles and apparel
- Canton Fair: Some Vietnamese suppliers exhibit here too
Sourcing agents
Consider a Vietnam-based sourcing agent if you are new to the market. They handle factory vetting, quality inspection, and logistics coordination. Expect to pay 3-8% of order value or a flat monthly retainer.
Step 2: Understand the tariff landscape
Vietnam's tariff advantage is the primary reason importers are shifting sourcing here. Use our Import Duty Calculator to check specific rates.
Standard duty rates (MFN)
| Product category | Typical US duty rate (Vietnam) | Effective rate from China (with 301) |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture | 0-5% | 25-30% |
| Textiles/garments | 5-20% | 30-45% |
| Footwear | 8-48% | 33-73% |
| Electronics | 0-5% | 25-30% |
| Plastics | 0-6% | 25-31% |
| Machinery | 0-5% | 25-30% |
| Seafood | 0-10% | 25-35% |
The savings are dramatic. A USD 100,000 furniture shipment from Vietnam pays roughly USD 3,000 in duty. The same shipment from China pays USD 28,000+.
Critical warning: Country of origin rules
CBP is aggressively targeting transshipment — goods manufactured in China but routed through Vietnam to avoid Section 301 tariffs. To qualify as Vietnamese origin, goods must undergo substantial transformation in Vietnam. Simple repackaging, relabeling, or minor assembly does not count.
What counts as substantial transformation:
- Manufacturing a finished product from raw materials in Vietnam
- Significant processing that changes the character of the goods
- Assembly that involves complex operations (not just screwing parts together)
What does NOT count:
- Shipping Chinese goods through Vietnam
- Repackaging or relabeling in Vietnam
- Minor assembly of Chinese-made components
- Adding a "Made in Vietnam" label to Chinese products
Penalties for transshipment fraud include seizure of goods, fines up to 4x the evaded duties, and potential criminal charges.
Step 3: Shipping from Vietnam to the USA
Vietnam's major ports and shipping options:
Major ports
- Ho Chi Minh City (Cat Lai / Cai Mep): Handles ~60% of Vietnam's container traffic. Best for southern Vietnam factories.
- Hai Phong: Northern Vietnam's main port. Serves Hanoi-area manufacturers.
- Da Nang: Central Vietnam. Smaller volume but growing.
Transit times
| Route | Ocean (FCL) | Ocean (LCL) | Air |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam → US West Coast (LA/Long Beach) | 14-18 days | 18-25 days | 3-5 days |
| Vietnam → US East Coast (NY/NJ) | 28-35 days | 32-40 days | 4-6 days |
| Vietnam → US Gulf (Houston) | 25-30 days | 30-38 days | 4-5 days |
Shipping costs (2026 estimates)
| Method | Cost range | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| FCL 20ft container | USD 2,500-4,500 (to West Coast) | Large orders (15+ CBM) |
| FCL 40ft container | USD 4,000-7,000 (to West Coast) | Full container loads |
| LCL (per CBM) | USD 80-150 per CBM | Smaller shipments (1-10 CBM) |
| Air freight | USD 4-8 per kg | Urgent, high-value, lightweight goods |
| Express (DHL/FedEx/UPS) | USD 6-15 per kg | Samples, very small shipments |
Vietnam shipping costs are comparable to China for West Coast destinations. East Coast shipments may cost 10-20% more due to fewer direct services. See our shipping cost guide for comparison.
Step 4: Required documents
You will need these documents for US customs clearance. See our complete documents checklist for details on each.
From your Vietnamese supplier
- Commercial invoice: Must show FOB/CIF value, HS codes, country of origin (Vietnam), and detailed product descriptions
- Packing list: Carton count, dimensions, weights, contents per carton
- Bill of lading (ocean) or air waybill (air): Issued by the carrier
- Certificate of origin (CO): Issued by Vietnam Chamber of Commerce (VCCI) — critical for proving Vietnamese origin
- Phytosanitary certificate: Required for wood products, agricultural goods
- Test reports: Required for consumer products (CPSC), food (FDA), electronics (FCC)
US-side requirements
- Importer of record number: Your EIN or CBP-assigned number
- Customs bond: Required for shipments over USD 2,500
- ISF (10+2) filing: Required 24 hours before vessel departure for ocean shipments
- Entry summary (CBP Form 7501): Filed by your customs broker
Product-specific requirements
| Product type | Agency | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Food/seafood | FDA | Prior notice, facility registration, FSVP |
| Textiles/garments | OTEXA/CBP | Fiber content labels, country of origin labels |
| Electronics | FCC | FCC certification or declaration of conformity |
| Children's products | CPSC | Third-party testing, CPC certificate |
| Wood products | APHIS/Lacey Act | Plant and plant product declaration |