By Vincent Wen    Photo：CANVA

With Trump's recent tariff policy shifts, exporters around the world are facing numerous uncertainties. The United States continues to impose high tariffs on Chinese imports while waiting for negotiations, prompting many exporters to halt shipments to observe future policy directions and avoid potential losses.

For years, in order to circumvent the punitive tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Chinese goods, many Chinese companies relocated their production lines to Vietnam. These companies import raw materials from China, assemble them in Vietnam, and then export the finished products to the U.S., effectively changing the country of origin to bypass high tariffs. However, such "country of origin switching" practices are now under much stricter scrutiny.

To signal its willingness to cooperate with the U.S., the Vietnamese government has started imposing tariffs on raw materials imported from China, aiming to prevent the country from becoming a transshipment hub. Statistics show that 85% of Vietnam’s exports are destined for the U.S. market, making it crucial for Vietnam to navigate the China-U.S. trade tensions carefully and strike a balance between diplomatic and economic interests. This policy change is a serious warning to Chinese companies operating in Vietnam, especially those in the footwear and apparel sectors, which are now facing the biggest impact.

At the same time, China's former method of exporting to the U.S. through the "T86 clearance" process for low-value shipments has been abolished. It has been replaced by the new "T11" clearance channel, which applies to shipments valued under USD 2,500 per parcel. Although the handling fee is only USD 2.62 per shipment, the T11 process takes longer, affecting overall supply chain efficiency.

Amid such global trade policy uncertainties, exporters must proceed with heightened caution. Whether it's product origin certification, customs declarations, or the legality of order transfers, all potential risk points must be taken seriously. Especially now, as origin-switching is being heavily scrutinized, even minor missteps could lead to hefty fines or being blacklisted.

Due to the unpredictable nature of Trump’s tariff policies, it is currently difficult to foresee the direction things will take. On April 9, Trump announced a 90-day suspension of reciprocal tariffs on 75 countries, excluding China. His strategy continues to use tariff policy as a bargaining chip—imposing pressure first, then creating room for negotiation. How exporters worldwide should respond remains full of uncertainty.

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