Navigating the New U.S. Transshipment Tariffs: Compliance Tips for Vietnamese Exporters

The U.S. has always been a critical market for Vietnamese exporters, especially in sectors like textiles, furniture, footwear, and electronics. However, recent developments have put the spotlight on transshipment practices—when goods are routed through a third country to avoid tariffs or quotas.

In response, the U.S. has introduced new transshipment tariffs and stricter enforcement measures. For legitimate Vietnamese exporters, this means more paperwork, tighter checks, and higher stakes if compliance isn’t watertight.

What Are the New U.S. Transshipment Tariffs?

The U.S. government is cracking down on products suspected of being rerouted through Vietnam (or mislabeled as “Made in Vietnam”) when they actually originate from other countries.

Tariffs apply when authorities find evidence of transshipment, and in many cases, penalties can extend beyond the shipment in question.

Industries most affected: steel, aluminum, solar panels, textiles, and furniture—but other categories are not immune.

Why This Matters for Vietnamese Exporters

Vietnam has seen rapid export growth to the U.S., but that growth has also attracted scrutiny. Even businesses that operate cleanly may face:

• Increased inspections: Customs may hold or delay goods to verify origin.
• Documentation demands: Importers require stronger evidence of production in Vietnam.
• Reputational risk: A single compliance issue can damage trust with U.S. buyers.

Key Compliance Challenges

Exporters now need to be ready for stricter standards, including:

• Certificates of Origin (COs): These must be complete, consistent, and verifiable.
• Supply Chain Transparency: Authorities may ask for proof of raw material sourcing.
• Factory Verification: U.S. importers may request site audits to confirm production capacity.
• Complex Regulations: Tariffs and rules vary by product category, making it easy to overlook details.

Compliance Tips for Vietnamese Exporters

Strengthen Documentation

Keep detailed, accurate COs and invoices. Inconsistencies—even minor ones—can trigger red flags.

Verify Your Supply Chain

Ensure that inputs are sourced transparently and traceably. Work only with suppliers who can provide verifiable records.

Stay Audit-Ready

Maintain organized production and logistics records in case buyers or customs authorities request proof.

Communicate with U.S. Partners

Proactively share compliance information with importers to build trust and avoid shipment delays.

Monitor Policy Changes

Tariff rules and enforcement priorities shift often. Staying informed can prevent costly surprises.

How ZendEase Supports Exporters

At ZendEase, we understand that compliance is not just about paperwork—it’s about keeping trade moving smoothly. Here’s how we help:

• Accurate Documentation Support: We guide exporters in preparing Certificates of Origin and ensuring consistency across trade documents.
• Customs Declarations: Our team helps minimize errors in filings to avoid unnecessary delays.
• End-to-End Transparency: We provide exporters with clear tracking and reporting tools that align with U.S. importer requirements.
• Regulation Updates: ZendEase keeps exporters informed on the latest tariff and compliance developments, so businesses stay one step ahead.

Conclusion

The new U.S. transshipment tariffs are a reminder that compliance is non-negotiable in international trade. For Vietnamese exporters, the stakes are high—but so are the opportunities. By tightening documentation, ensuring supply chain transparency, and working with the right logistics partner, businesses can protect their U.S. market access and grow with confidence.

ZendEase is here to make that journey smoother—helping exporters navigate the complex compliance landscape and focus on what matters most: building lasting partnerships with U.S. buyers.

Ready to Export with Confidence?

Reach out to ZendEase by 1Export today and let our team support your U.S. shipments—from accurate documentation to customs declarations. Together, we’ll ensure your goods move seamlessly across borders.