Washington — Tesla and Samsung Resist Potential New US Tariffs on Vietnamese Imports
Major international companies are opposing the possibility of additional US tariffs on Vietnamese products, citing concerns that further trade restrictions could disrupt manufacturing operations and international supply chains.
Tesla and Samsung are among the companies urging caution as the Trump administration approaches a November 29 deadline to conclude its investigation into alleged intellectual property violations in Vietnam.
Launched in May, the investigation examines concerns about Vietnam’s protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights. Washington has classified Vietnam as a “priority foreign country,” placing it in the most serious category of its intellectual property watchlist. Vietnam is the first jurisdiction to receive that designation in 13 years.
The United States has accused Vietnam of failing to resolve longstanding concerns over intellectual property protections. A separate investigation examining alleged excess production capacity is also ongoing.
Despite these concerns, businesses remain divided over whether imposing additional tariffs would be the right response.
Tesla has asked the US Trade Representative to account for the supply needs of American manufacturers before introducing further trade restrictions. The electric vehicle manufacturer said some advanced components and precision manufacturing equipment remain difficult to source domestically, even after substantial investments in US production facilities.
Samsung’s US operations have expressed comparable concerns. Vietnam manufactures a significant proportion of the smartphones and network equipment Samsung sells in the American market.
The South Korean technology company is also Vietnam’s largest foreign investor, having committed approximately $25 billion to the country.
Business groups representing footwear, apparel and consumer goods manufacturers have likewise spoken out against additional duties. Their industries depend substantially on Vietnamese factories to manufacture products destined for US consumers.
Vietnam’s export figures illustrate the importance of the trading relationship. In the first eight months of 2026, the country’s exports to the United States rose 42% from the corresponding period in 2025.
That increase positioned Vietnam as the US trading partner with the largest goods surplus, overtaking China and Mexico. Vietnam had occupied fourth place at the end of 2025.
While companies relying on Vietnamese production fear higher expenses, other American industries are pushing Washington to take a more aggressive position.
Domestic producers of steel, seafood, plywood, solar panels and wood products have alleged unfair business practices by Vietnamese companies and are calling for additional tariffs.
Organizations representing intellectual property rights holders are also urging the US government to obtain stronger commitments from Vietnam to tackle online piracy and the unauthorized distribution of software.
The Business Software Alliance, which counts Microsoft, Oracle and IBM among its members, pointed to a 2017 survey showing that approximately three-quarters of software installed on personal computers in Vietnam was unlicensed.
The Motion Picture Association has also identified Vietnam as a major hub for online piracy. According to the organization, websites offering unauthorized movies and television programs recorded more than 12.5 billion visits worldwide last year.
It is calling for tougher enforcement and improved market access for legitimate streaming services.
The competing demands leave Washington facing pressure from different segments of the business community. Companies dependent on Vietnamese manufacturing are concerned about rising production expenses, while domestic industries and intellectual property groups want stronger trade protections.
The potential scope and design of additional tariffs connected to intellectual property concerns have yet to be determined. Washington could consider wider trade measures or impose restrictions aimed at particular industries.
As the November 29 deadline draws closer, businesses involved in US-Vietnam trade continue to face uncertainty about future manufacturing expenses and access to markets.
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