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As Washington prepares to conclude an intellectual property investigation into Vietnam by November 29, Tesla and Samsung are warning that fresh tariffs could disrupt supply chains and hurt American manufacturers. However, US steel, solar and wood industries are pushing for tougher trade penalties.
Tesla and Samsung are pushing back against the Trump administration’s latest tariff push against Vietnam, warning that additional duties could disrupt supply chains and increase costs for American manufacturers.
The two companies are among several businesses opposing new tariffs on Vietnamese goods as Washington approaches the November 29 deadline to conclude an investigation into alleged intellectual property (IP) violations by the Southeast Asian country, according to submissions to the US government.
The US Trade Representative (USTR) launched the investigation in May and designated Vietnam a “priority foreign country”, placing it in the most serious category of Washington’s intellectual property watchlist. It was the first time in 13 years that a country had been added to the category.
Washington has accused Vietnam of failing to address longstanding concerns over intellectual property protection and enforcement. However, the proposed tariff measures have divided American businesses, with some industries demanding penalties while others warn against disrupting established manufacturing networks.
Tesla has urged the USTR to consider the supply chain requirements of American manufacturers before introducing additional duties.
In a submission dated July 2, the electric vehicle maker argued that certain advanced components and precision manufacturing equipment cannot be sourced domestically, despite significant investments in US production capacity.
More from BusinessSamsung’s US unit has also opposed additional tariffs, highlighting Vietnam’s importance to its manufacturing operations and American supply chains.
Vietnam produces a substantial share of Samsung’s smartphones and network equipment destined for the US market. The South Korean electronics giant is also Vietnam’s largest foreign investor, with investments of approximately $25 billion in the country.
Retail groups and trade associations representing footwear, apparel and consumer goods manufacturers have similarly recommended against additional tariffs, citing their extensive manufacturing presence in Vietnam.
While technology companies and retailers are warning against fresh duties, several American industrial groups are calling for tougher action.
Industry associations representing US steel, seafood, plywood, solar panel and wood producers have accused Vietnam of unfair trade practices and urged Washington to impose new tariffs.
Meanwhile, software, film and music industry groups have called for stronger enforcement against intellectual property violations and online piracy.
The Business Software Alliance, whose members include Microsoft, Oracle and IBM, claimed that around three-quarters of software installed on personal computers in Vietnam was unlicensed, citing a 2017 survey.
The Motion Picture Association has also described Vietnam as a major online piracy hub, claiming websites distributing unauthorised film and television content attracted more than 12.5 billion visits globally last year.
The tariff debate comes as Vietnam’s trade surplus with the United States continues to expand.
Vietnamese exports to the US surged 42 per cent during the first eight months of 2026 compared with the corresponding period in 2025, making it Washington’s largest goods-trade deficit partner ahead of China and Mexico.
The US currently imposes a general 12.5 per cent tariff on Vietnamese goods, introduced in July following an investigation into alleged failures to prevent imports of products made using forced labour.
Vietnam had earlier faced a 20 per cent tariff under Trump’s so-called Liberation Day trade measures, but those duties were struck down by the US Supreme Court.
It remains unclear whether any additional tariffs arising from the intellectual property investigation would apply across all Vietnamese imports or target specific sectors.
Vietnam has urged Washington to ensure its investigations are conducted objectively.
The outcome of the probe could have significant implications for American companies dependent on Vietnamese manufacturing, as well as industries seeking stronger protection against alleged unfair trade practices.
