The US opens a new trade investigation against Vietnam and threatens tariffs that would impact Spanish supply chains.

Royalty-free stock photograph created by Kyle Glenn and Unsplash.

US-Asia Trade Tensions

The Trump administration has launched a third investigation into Vietnam's trade practices, raising the risk of new tariffs. This move creates uncertainty for Spanish companies with production facilities or suppliers in the Asian country, a key component of their diversification strategy to compete with China.

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The President's Administration Donald Trump has launched a new commercial offensive by starting the third official investigation into the business practices of VietnamAnnounced on May 29, 2026, this action significantly increases the risk of new tariffs being imposed, generating a wave of uncertainty in global supply chains that directly affects Spanish companies with interests in Southeast Asia.

The measure, which falls within the framework of the protectionist trade policy of EEUUIt focuses on a country that has established itself as a nerve center of manufacturing production and a key piece in the strategy "China+1" for many multinationals, including Spanish ones, that seek to diversify their geopolitical and operational risks.

The background of the investigation: suspicions of commercial triangulation

Although the specific details of the investigation have not been made public in full, industry sources indicate that the main objective is to determine whether Vietnam is being used as a platform for the transshipment of Chinese goodsThe aim of this practice would be to evade the tariffs that Washington keeps about Pekín.

This is the third investigation of its kind, demonstrating the growing concern in EEUU due to the trade imbalance and practices they consider unfair. The possibility of new tariffs threatens to make products manufactured in [country/region] more expensive. Vietnam and exported to the North American market, a scenario that would have a domino effect globally.

Direct impact on the Spanish supply chain

For Spanish businesses, the consequences of this protectionist escalation are numerous and go beyond simply higher prices.The dependence on Vietnam as an alternative to China It is now being challenged by the regulatory instability it introduces EEUU", warn foreign trade experts consulted by Foreign CompanyThe main areas of impact for Spanish companies are:

• Increased costs: Companies that manufacture in Vietnam To export to the US market, they would face an immediate loss of competitiveness.
• Logistical uncertainty: The threat of tariffs forces a reevaluation of supply routes and strategies, generating additional costs and potential delays.
• Need for diversification: The measure reinforces the critical need to avoid concentrating production or sourcing in a single country, even if this is part of an initial diversification strategy.
• Reputational risk: Companies could face investigations if their products contain components that are proven to evade tariffs.

Risk Table for Spanish Companies

Type of Risk	Impact Description
Direct Risk	Companies with production subsidiaries in Vietnam that export to EEUUIncreased tariffs and loss of profit margin.
Indirect Risk (Supply Chain)	Companies that import components or finished products from Vietnam for assembly or sale in EuropaPossible price increases and logistical disruptions.
Strategic Risk	Questioning the viability of Vietnam as a pillar of the strategy "China+1" long term.

Key points and frequently asked questions about the US investigation into Vietnam

How does this investigation affect my company if I import from Vietnam to Spain?

Although the tariffs would apply to imports of EEUUThe indirect impact is significant. It can generate increased demand from alternative suppliers, putting pressure on prices and production capacity in other markets. Furthermore, if your supplier in Vietnam It depends on the US market and could face financial problems that affect its supply.

What are the consequences for European and Spanish supply chains?

The main consequence is an increased perception of risk in Southeast Asia. This forces chief operating officers (COOs) to accelerate supplier diversification and conduct more in-depth analysis of the origin of goods to avoid being implicated in triangulation practices, which could lead to future sanctions.

What should Spanish exporters and importers do in the face of this uncertainty?

It is recommended to carry out a due diligence exhaustive analysis of business partners in VietnamReviewing certifications of origin and ensuring complete product traceability. It is prudent to begin exploring and approving suppliers in other regions (such as India, México or countries of Europa del Este) to build a more resilient supply chain.