The recent announcement that Trump paused tariffs on Vietnam for 90 days gave many importers a brief sigh of relief. But let’s be clear, this isn’t a resolution. It’s a delay. And for businesses that rely on Vietnamese manufacturing, that 90-day window is more like a ticking clock than a safety net.
If the 46% tariff on Vietnamese imports snaps back into place, it could hit sourcing budgets, timelines, and supply chain stability hard. That’s why knowing how to prepare for Trump tariffs is no longer optional, it’s urgent.
In this article, we’ll break down what happens if the tariffs return, what risks you should anticipate, and the proactive steps businesses can take now to protect their operations. Whether you’re a buyer sourcing from Vietnam or a supplier working with U.S. clients, this guide will help you stay one step ahead.
What Happens If Tariffs Snap Back Into Place
The proposed 46% import tariff was a shock to the system. Though the decision has been temporarily suspended, the impact of the original announcement is still rippling through global trade networks. Companies preparing for Trump tariffs are already reevaluating sourcing strategies, contracts, and pricing structures. If tariffs return, here’s what you can expect:
- Immediate Cost Hikes: A 46% surge in import costs would cut directly into margins, especially for businesses that depend heavily on Vietnam for apparel, furniture, electronics, or parts manufacturing.
- Supply Chain Bottlenecks: If buyers rush to shift orders to other countries, logistics and production lines could jam up fast, causing delays that extend far beyond Vietnam.
- Pricing Instability: Contracts may need to be renegotiated. Wholesale prices could spike. And businesses might struggle to stay competitive while managing cost increases.
The Trump tariffs impact isn’t limited to just U.S. buyers, it also creates serious Vietnam sourcing risk. Smaller factories may lose critical orders. Long-standing partnerships could be disrupted overnight.
In short: the pause is temporary, but the consequences could be long-term if you’re not ready.
How to Prepare for Trump Tariffs: Key Steps to Take Now
You don’t need to panic, but you do need a plan. Here’s how your business can start preparing today:
1. Diversify Your Sourcing Footprint
Relying entirely on Vietnam could leave your business vulnerable if the tariff kicks in after the 90-day pause. The smart move? Start exploring supplier options in other countries such as Thailand, India, Indonesia, or even within Latin America.
Diversifying doesn’t mean abandoning Vietnam, it means building resilience into your supply chain.
Bonus Tip: Platforms like VALO Vietnam give buyers access to pre-vetted suppliers across multiple regions, making diversification easier without losing quality or trust.
2. Reassess Supplier Contracts
If tariffs resume, you don’t want to be locked into a pricing agreement that no longer works. Now is the time to:
- Add flexible pricing clauses that adjust based on import duties
- Include timeline extensions or contingency plans in case of shipping delays
- Renegotiate volume commitments if needed
This way, both you and your suppliers have a roadmap if things shift quickly.
3. Run Tariff Scenarios into Your Pricing Models
What would a 46% increase in landed cost mean for your products? Build multiple pricing models now to answer that question before it’s too late.
- Simulate costs with and without tariffs
- Adjust expected profit margins accordingly
- Consider how increased pricing would affect your competitiveness
Better to stress-test your numbers now than scramble when rates go live again.
4. Strengthen Communication Across Your Supply Chain
Good communication is your first line of defense. Don’t wait for tariffs to hit, talk to your partners now.
- Discuss alternative suppliers or shipment routing with logistics partners
- Set expectations with your buyers or customers
- Coordinate with factories on potential demand shifts
Everyone in your supply chain needs to be on the same page, so any transition, if needed, can happen smoothly.
Why Vietnam Still Deserves a Spot in Your Supply Chain
Even with the tariff uncertainty looming, it would be a mistake to write Vietnam off. In fact, for many businesses, Vietnam remains one of the most competitive sourcing markets in the world, and that’s not changing anytime soon.
Here’s why:
Competitive Labor and Manufacturing Costs
Vietnam consistently offers lower labor and production costs compared to many of its regional neighbors. Even if tariffs resume, the cost savings from manufacturing in Vietnam can still offset a portion of the impact, especially for high-volume or labor-intensive goods.
Strategic Location with Improving Infrastructure
Vietnam’s proximity to major trade routes, ports, and logistics hubs makes it a smart geographic choice. The country continues to invest in transportation infrastructure, including ports, roads, and railways, making it easier to move goods efficiently.
Willingness to Adapt and Negotiate
Vietnamese suppliers are known for their flexibility and responsiveness. Amid trade tensions, many are already:
- Offering more favorable payment terms
- Sharing part of the cost burden
- Exploring ways to optimize operations for international clients
This kind of supplier agility is rare, and incredibly valuable in an unpredictable trade climate.
If you’re figuring out how to prepare for Trump tariffs, keeping Vietnam in your sourcing mix, with the right partners, can still give you a competitive edge.
How VALO Vietnam Helps Businesses Stay Ahead
In an unpredictable trade environment, the right sourcing partner isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. VALO Vietnam exists to give you that edge, especially when dealing with challenges like tariff uncertainty.
Direct Access to Trusted Suppliers in Vietnam
We connect Western buyers directly with pre-vetted Vietnamese manufacturers, no middlemen, no inflated commissions. Our curated supplier network covers a wide range of industries, ensuring quality, reliability, and transparency from day one.
Whether you’re sourcing apparel, machinery, furniture, or consumer goods, VALO gives you access to Vietnam’s most trusted production partners.
Commission-Free, Flat Membership Model
With VALO, you’ll never worry about hidden costs. Our flat-fee membership model means no commissions on orders, ever. That allows you to maintain cost transparency and keep more of your margins, even if tariffs return.
This model is designed to support smart, long-term sourcing, especially when pricing matters more than ever.
Expert Guidance During Market Shifts and Tariff Uncertainty
We actively monitor changes in trade policy, so you don’t have to. As things evolve, we help you:
- Stay informed on key developments
- Adapt your sourcing strategy in real time
- Find new suppliers within Vietnam to match changing business needs
If you’re figuring out how to prepare for Trump tariffs, having VALO in your corner means you’re not alone, we help buyers and suppliers move with confidence, even during chaos.
Don’t Wait, Start Preparing Now with VALO Vietnam
Navigating trade uncertainty isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. Whether tariffs return in 90 days or not, knowing how to prepare for Trump tariffs gives your business a critical advantage. From diversifying sourcing to building pricing flexibility, now is the time to future-proof your supply chain.
At VALO Vietnam, we connect Western buyers with pre-vetted, reliable Vietnamese suppliers, backed by expert insights and a transparent, commission-free pricing model. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your existing supplier relationships or explore new ones, our team is here to help you adapt, stay agile, and move forward with confidence.
Stay ahead of tariff changes, partner with VALO Vietnam today. Contact us now to start building a more resilient sourcing strategy.