October 2025 Update: U.S. Export Tax and Vietnam’s Export Trends to the United States
Overview of Vietnam’s Export Performance to the U.S. in 2025
Overview of Vietnam’s Export Performance to the U.S. in 2025
The United States will remain Vietnam’s largest export market in 2025.
According to Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, the export turnover from Vietnam to the U.S. reached approximately USD 97 billion in the first nine months of 2025, accounting for nearly 25% of the country’s total export value.
Major Vietnam exports to the U.S. include textiles and garments, wood products, seafood, electronics, machinery, and processed agricultural goods.
Along with the strong growth, 2025 also marks significant changes in the U.S. export tax and bilateral trade policies.
This is the time for exporters to closely follow regulatory updates to seize new opportunities and minimize risks.
>> Read More: Air Freight from Vietnam to the USA
The Latest U.S. Export Tax Policy and the New Bilateral Trade Framework
On October 26, 2025, the Governments of Vietnam and the United States announced a New Bilateral Trade Framework, aimed at rebalancing and modernizing the U.S.–Vietnam export tax policy.
Under the agreement:
- The U.S. maintains an average import tax of 20% on Vietnamese goods but is expected to grant zero-tariff access to certain strategic product categories between 2025–2026 — particularly agricultural products, coffee, wooden furniture, and electronics.
- Several U.S. industrial products exported to Vietnam will also benefit from a 3–5% export tax reduction.
As a result, the U.S. export tax in 2025 has become more flexible compared to 2023–2024, creating favorable conditions for Vietnamese exporters to expand their presence in the U.S. market.
Transshipment Control and Rules of Origin Enforcement
Transshipment Control and Rules of Origin Enforcement
In addition to tax reductions, the U.S. export tax policy in 2025 comes with stricter transshipment and origin-verification requirements.
The U.S. has imposed up to 40% export tax on shipments identified as transshipped goods — meaning products imported from a third country, minimally processed in Vietnam, and re-exported to the U.S.
High-risk sectors include:
- Textiles and footwear, using fabrics or accessories imported from China.
- Wood products, using untreated imported lumber.
- Electronics and semi-assembled devices.
Exporters must ensure a genuine level of local value-added, complete C/O documentation, and transparent production records to qualify for tariff incentives and avoid penalties.
>> Read More: What Are CO and CQ? Why Crucial in International Trade? (Updated 2025)
U.S. Export Tax Comparison (2023 – 2025)
| Year | Average U.S. Import Tax on Vietnamese Goods | Key Trade Developments |
| 2023 | 25 – 30% | U.S. tightened transshipment checks; higher tariffs on furniture and garments. |
| 2024 | 22 – 25% | Tax reduction negotiations under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). |
| 2025 | 20% (0% for selected strategic goods) | New trade framework announced with preferential tax for key industries. |
Overall, the current U.S. export tax is significantly lower than in 2023–2024, enabling Vietnamese exporters to accelerate export growth to the U.S. in 2025.
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus with the U.S. and Market Outlook 2025
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus with the U.S. and Market Outlook 2025
According to Vietnam Customs, the country recorded a trade surplus of over USD 80 billion with the U.S. in the first nine months of 2025.
Top Vietnamese exports to the U.S. include:
- Textiles and garments – USD 18.5 billion
- Wood and wooden products – USD 10.2 billion
- Machinery and equipment – USD 8.9 billion
- Electronics and components – USD 14.7 billion
- Seafood – USD 2.1 billion
Despite trade barriers, Vietnam continues to strengthen its position as one of Asia’s leading exporters to the U.S. market.
Opportunities and Challenges for Vietnamese Exporters
Opportunities:
- Enjoy new tariff incentives under the updated bilateral trade framework.
- Expand exports of high-potential products such as agricultural goods, wood, electronics, and textiles.
- Benefit from the U.S. strategy to diversify supply chains away from China.
Challenges:
- Risk of anti-transshipment investigations if the origin of production cannot be fully verified.
- Stricter technical standards, documentation, and customs declaration requirements.
- Increasing competition from ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
>> Read More: Wood Import to Vietnam in 2025: New Regulations, Market Insights & Procedures
Strategic Direction for Exporters and Logistics Providers
To make the most of Vietnam–U.S. export tax advantages, businesses should:
- Review their entire supply chain and production process.
- Maintain transparent and verifiable origin documentation.
- Collaborate early with experienced U.S. route logistics providers to optimize cost and transit time.
At King Freight Logistics Vietnam (KFLV), we provide comprehensive solutions for exporters to the U.S.:
- Direct shipping services from Haiphong / Ho Chi Minh City to Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Houston.
- C/O documentation and U.S. customs advisory compliant with CBP requirements.
- LCL (Less-than-Container Load) solutions to optimize costs for SMEs.
>> Read More: Cargo Insurance Conditions for Import and Export (Updated to ICC 2009)
U.S. Export Tax Advisory and End-to-End Logistics Solutions with KFLV
U.S. Export Tax Advisory
The year 2025 marks a pivotal phase in Vietnam–U.S. trade relations.
The U.S. export tax 2025 has been adjusted to be more flexible, opening new opportunities for Vietnamese goods to expand their market share — while demanding higher compliance and transparency from exporters.
Now is the ideal time for exporters to strengthen their supply chain, build reliable logistics partnerships, and leverage updated tax incentives to gain competitive advantage in the U.S. market.
With years of experience in customs clearance and global logistics, King Freight Logistics Vietnam (KFLV) is ready to support Vietnamese exporters in optimizing their operations for the U.S. market.
Our services include:
- U.S. Export Tax Consulting (2025): Accurate updates to ensure lawful, transparent HS code declarations.
- Customs documentation support (C/O, invoice, packing list): Standardized under CBP requirements.
- Full-service customs clearance and freight forwarding (FCL & LCL): Saving time, minimizing cost, and avoiding post-clearance audits.
- U.S. Supply Chain Advisory: Ensuring goods qualify as “Made in Vietnam” and compliant with anti-transshipment rules.
Hotline: +84 (0) 938 188 796
Email: cs1@hcm.kfkingfreight.com
Contact KFLV today for expert advice on U.S. export tax compliance and integrated logistics solutions, helping your business export safely, lawfully, and cost-effectively — while staying competitive in the U.S. market.
Written bykflv.vn
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