In the evolving landscape of global commerce under heightened U.S. tariff measures, analysts and officials are scrutinising whether Vietnam and Thailand are inadvertently becoming conduits for Chinese goods to bypass American duties.

The United States has imposed elevated tariffs on a range of imports from China in two thousand twenty-five, part of a broader effort to rebalance trade and fortify domestic industry, prompting multinational supply chains to seek alternatives across Southeast Asia.

Vietnam has emerged at the centre of this discussion.

Its exports to the United States have surged in certain categories as companies diversify production away from China.

This shift has been particularly pronounced in electronics assembly, where significant output now bears the label “Made in Vietnam.” Some officials in Washington have raised concerns that Chinese-origin components may be routed through Vietnam with limited transformation before reaching U.S. markets, potentially reducing tariff exposure and challenging the intent of U.S. trade policy.

Hanoi has responded by engaging constructively with U.S. counterparts on reciprocal tariff arrangements and enhanced customs cooperation, underscoring its commitment to transparent and rules-based trade.

Thailand has also been drawn into the conversation as it deepens its economic engagement with both the United States and China.

Bangkok has pursued discussions aimed at securing stable and competitive access to U.S. markets while maintaining its central role in regional supply chains.

While Thailand has faced fewer explicit allegations of tariff circumvention, trade specialists note that its advanced manufacturing base inevitably incorporates Chinese inputs, reflecting the realities of integrated Asian production networks rather than deliberate avoidance strategies.

U.S. authorities have emphasised that enforcement of rules of origin and verification mechanisms remains a priority, alongside dialogue with partner governments.

Vietnam and Thailand have both highlighted their willingness to cooperate closely with U.S. agencies to ensure compliance and protect the integrity of international trade.

As global supply chains continue to adjust to Washington’s tariff strategy, Vietnam and Thailand are positioning themselves as reliable, rules-abiding partners.

The ongoing debate illustrates the broader reconfiguration of trade flows driven by U.S.–China economic competition, with Southeast Asian economies navigating this shift through diplomacy, regulatory engagement, and sustained industrial development.