US Launches New Trade Investigation Into Vietnam Over Intellectual Property Concerns

The United States has initiated a new trade investigation into Vietnam’s handling of intellectual property (IP) rights, a move that could eventually lead to additional tariffs on Vietnamese imports. The investigation, announced by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), will examine Vietnam’s intellectual property protection policies, enforcement practices, and their impact on American businesses and commerce.

The probe falls under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act, a legal mechanism that allows Washington to investigate and respond to what it considers unfair trade practices by foreign governments. If the USTR determines that Vietnam’s IP enforcement remains inadequate, the investigation could provide the basis for future trade penalties, including tariffs on Vietnamese goods entering the U.S. market.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that the investigation is intended to address long-standing concerns regarding intellectual property enforcement in Vietnam. According to Greer, the United States expects Vietnam to implement sustainable measures that effectively prevent future intellectual property violations and strengthen enforcement efforts.

This latest action adds to two ongoing Section 301 investigations already targeting Vietnam. Those probes focus on allegations related to excess manufacturing capacity and forced labor practices, with findings expected later this year. Together, these investigations highlight growing trade tensions between Washington and Hanoi.

Vietnam was recently designated as a “priority foreign country” in the USTR’s annual intellectual property report, marking the first time in 13 years that a nation has received this classification. The designation reflects continued U.S. concerns over intellectual property protection and enforcement standards.

Vietnamese officials have emphasized their commitment to addressing these issues. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung reaffirmed the country’s determination to combat intellectual property violations following discussions with Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Rick Switzer in Hanoi.

The investigation also comes amid ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries. Despite months of talks, the United States and Vietnam have yet to reach a comprehensive agreement due to disagreements over transshipment practices, market access, and Vietnam’s expanding trade surplus with the U.S. Recent data show Vietnam’s trade surplus with the United States reached approximately $178.2 billion in 2025, significantly higher than the previous year, further increasing scrutiny from U.S. policymakers.