Vietnam is set to gain most in ASEAN from the US move to a flat 15% Section 122 tariff surcharge. This change lowers tariff costs for Southeast Asia and improves price competitiveness for exports to the US. <\/p>\n
Vietnam\u2019s export-led growth model and its role in global supply chains mean the new tariff structure is expected to support its US-bound production. Vietnam is also the third-largest Asian exporter to the US. <\/p>\n
The shift removes higher tariff rates that applied under the previous IEEPA approach. This is relevant for Vietnam because its exports to the US are concentrated in low-value-added consumer goods. <\/p>\n
Key product groups include apparel, footwear, and toys. These categories previously faced heavier penalties, and the removal of those higher rates is expected to strengthen Vietnam\u2019s position against regional and global competitors. <\/p>\n
The article was produced using an Artificial Intelligence tool and reviewed by an editor.<\/p>\n
Looking back at the US shift to a flat Section 122 tariff in 2025, we can see the clear benefits for Vietnam’s export-led economy. This continued strength suggests upside for the Vietnamese Dong (VND), as robust export revenues increase demand for the local currency. Derivative traders should be watching for opportunities to go long the VND against the US dollar in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n
The data we’ve seen since the change confirms this view, with Q4 2025 GDP growth hitting an impressive 6.72% year-on-year. Furthermore, January 2026 trade figures revealed a remarkable 42% surge in exports compared to the previous year, with shipments to the US leading the charge. This confirms the tariff change is directly fueling economic momentum.<\/p>\n
This powerful economic backdrop makes long positions on Vietnamese equities, particularly through VN-Index futures or call options, an attractive strategy. We are seeing sustained strength in sectors like apparel, footwear, and furniture manufacturing, which were the biggest beneficiaries of the IEEPA rate removal. These companies are now posting record profits, driving the index higher.<\/p>\n
Historically, when economies have received this kind of preferential trade access, we’ve seen multi-year bull runs in both their currency and equity markets. While much of the initial explosive move may have passed, the underlying fundamental strength remains firmly in place. For those with a bullish but more conservative outlook, selling out-of-the-money puts on Vietnam-focused ETFs could be a way to collect premium while expressing this positive view.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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