Tesla, Samsung oppose new US tariffs on Vietnam as probe deadline nears

The United States administration has reclassified Vietnam as a priority foreign country, marking it as the first jurisdiction in 13 years to be added to the strictest US watchlist. This move has sparked debate among businesses, with some major companies opposing potential new tariffs on Vietnamese goods. Tesla and Samsung, among others, have voiced their reservations, citing concerns over the impact on their supply chains and the region's critical manufacturing components.

Vietnam, however, has urged the US to carry out its investigations fairly and objectively. The country has been accused by the US of consistently failing to address longstanding intellectual property protection concerns. An investigation into alleged excessive capacity is also ongoing. While the US currently imposes a 12.5% tariff on Vietnamese goods, the exact nature of any new tariffs related to IP violations remains unclear.

The US administration's goal appears to be to restore tariffs at levels that were previously struck down.