Tesla, Samsung oppose new US tariffs on Vietnam as probe deadline nears
TSLA•Tesla and Samsung oppose new US tariffs on Vietnamese goods, while some US industry groups urge penalties. The US trade probe is due to conclude by November 29.
1. Businesses split on tariffs
Businesses are divided over whether Washington should propose new tariffs on Vietnamese goods as a US intellectual property probe nears its November 29 deadline. Tesla urged the US Trade Representative to consider American manufacturers’ supply-chain needs, saying some advanced components and precision manufacturing equipment cannot be sourced domestically. Samsung’s US unit cited Vietnam’s role in producing a significant share of its smartphones and network equipment for the US market.
2. Industry groups weigh in
Retail groups and associations representing footwear, apparel and consumer goods makers also opposed additional tariffs. Groups representing US steel, seafood, plywood, solar panel and wood producers called for new tariffs, while software, film and music industry groups urged stronger action against piracy.
3. Probe and trade figures
The administration launched the probe in May over alleged intellectual property violations and designated Vietnam a priority foreign country. The US currently applies a general 12.5% tariff on Vietnamese goods, imposed in July after a separate investigation into alleged failures to prevent imports made with forced labour. Vietnam’s exports to the US rose 42% in the first eight months of the year compared with the same period in 2025, according to the article.
