Changes in USA Trade Policy Toward Vietnam and Their Impact on China-Vietnam Relations Under the Second Trump Administration

Introduction. In 2025−2026, the legal basis and agenda of U.S. trade pressure on Vietnam changed. The article examines its effects on U.S.-Vietnam political relations and China-Vietnam economic, political, and security ties. For Russia, the case illustrates how U.S. trade law and market access extend compliance requirements to Southeast Asian production links.
Materials and Methods. The study uses the historical method, comparative analysis, and descriptive statistics. Sources include official documents, trade and investment data, and studies covering January 20, 2025-August 1, 2026.
Results. The study identifies trade-law instrument substitution that maintained U.S. pressure after the IEEPA tariffs ended. The shift from the Section 122 surcharge to Section 301 measures moved the focus from country-specific tariffs to checks on origin, labor conditions, and intellectual property protection. Compliance requirements raised verification costs for Chinese inputs, led Vietnam to strengthen traceability and local sourcing, and encouraged Chinese firms to expand production in Vietnam. Trade disputes made the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership more conditional, while contacts continued.
Discussion and Conclusion. The change reflected U.S. market power, competition with China, and U.S.-Vietnam economic complementarity. Vietnam remains dependent on U.S. demand and Chinese production resources while maintaining multi-vector cooperation within strategic autonomy. Competition in final goods intensified, while production, political, and security ties continued. The article is relevant to international relations, world economy, and regional studies specialists.