Vietnam Tariffs on Transshipped Goods Are a Step Toward Fairer E-Commerce, Says ITIF

WASHINGTON—Following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a new trade agreement with Vietnam that includes tariffs on transshipped goods, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), the leading think tank for science and technology policy, released the following statement from Policy Analyst Eli Clemens:

The reported commitment by Vietnam to impose 40 percent tariffs on transshipped goods is a constructive step toward fairer global e-commerce trade practices.

Chinese e-commerce platforms have deliberately exploited the de minimis loophole and offshored production to low-cost transshipment hubs, including Vietnam, to retain duty-free access to the U.S. market. A tariff framework that targets transshipment while preserving the potential benefits of efficient cross-border commerce is a smart move—and a model for future trade deals—if enforced transparently and paired with clear rules of origin.

For global e-commerce enforcement to keep pace with supply chain rerouting tactics, policymakers should build on this momentum by strengthening Customs and Border Protection’s ability to detect origin fraud through the adoption of artificial intelligence solutions.

Vietnam’s tariff commitment shows that transshipment enforcement can be a viable trade priority. Future trade negotiations should also include targeted transshipment deterrents that level the playing field for U.S. manufacturers and retailers.

Contact: Nicole Hinojosa, [email protected]