
How to Export to Vietnam in 2026: The Complete US Exporter's Guide with Tariff Math, Documents, and Real Costs
US exports to Vietnam changed dramatically in October 2025 when both governments signed the US-Vietnam Framework Agreement. Vietnam agreed to eliminate tariffs on almost all US-origin goods, including food, agricultural products, and most industrial exports. That single change flipped the way to export to Vietnam from a mid-tariff endeavor into one of the most preferential markets available to US exporters — and almost nobody writing about how to export to Vietnam has caught up. This guide walks through the current 2026 process to export to Vietnam, the new tariff landscape, documents required, port strategy, and real cost math on a shipment.
To export to Vietnam in 2026, US businesses now benefit from the October 2025 US-Vietnam Framework Agreement that eliminated tariffs on almost all US-origin goods, making it one of the most preferential markets for US exporters. Key facts about the current export to Vietnam landscape:
- Previous average MFN tariff to export to Vietnam: ~7.9 percent — now largely eliminated for qualifying US goods
- Total 2024 bilateral goods trade: $149.6 billion, with US exports at $13.1 billion (expected to grow substantially in 2026-2027)
- Vietnamese VAT still applies at 10 percent standard rate even for tariff-free US goods
- Top US export categories: agricultural products, semiconductors, aerospace, machinery, energy, medical devices
- Filing requirement: AES/EEI submission for shipments above $2,500 per Schedule B code
Best US ports to export to Vietnam: Los Angeles/Long Beach (highest volume to Ho Chi Minh City, 25-30 day transit), Oakland, Seattle-Tacoma. Best Vietnamese ports: Cat Lai/Cai Mep (Ho Chi Minh City), Hai Phong (northern Vietnam), Da Nang (central).
Nine things US businesses need to know to export to Vietnam in 2026
- Vietnam eliminated tariffs on almost all US-origin goods under the October 2025 Framework Agreement — a game-changing shift most guides on how to export to Vietnam haven't updated for.
- US exporters must file Electronic Export Information (EEI) through AES for shipments above $2,500 per Schedule B code.
- Vietnamese VAT (typically 10 percent) still applies on imports, regardless of preferential tariff treatment when you export to Vietnam.
- Vietnamese importers must handle their own customs clearance — US businesses that export to Vietnam cannot serve as importer of record.
- Ho Chi Minh City handles most US export to Vietnam trade through Cat Lai and Cai Mep terminals; Hai Phong serves northern Vietnam.
- Ocean freight transit from US West Coast runs 25 to 30 days; East Coast via Panama Canal adds 10 days.
- Vietnamese non-tariff barriers remain significant — product registration, quality inspection, and labeling requirements often exceed US standards in complexity.
- Agricultural exports require USDA APHIS phytosanitary certificates; food products need Vietnamese Ministry of Health registration.
- Certificate of Origin from the US Chamber of Commerce is required to claim preferential tariff treatment under the Framework Agreement.
What changed for US export to Vietnam in the October 2025 Framework Agreement?
The US-Vietnam Framework Agreement signed in October 2025 committed Vietnam to eliminate tariffs on almost all US-origin exports, transforming the way US businesses export to Vietnam and creating one of the most preferential market access arrangements in Southeast Asia.
Before the Framework Agreement, US exports to Vietnam faced an average Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff of approximately 7.9 percent, with certain categories facing significantly higher rates. The new agreement dramatically restructures this landscape by granting duty-free entry to almost all qualifying US goods, subject to proper origin documentation.
According to the USTR Fact Sheet on the Framework Agreement, Vietnam specifically committed to:
- Removing tariffs on almost all US goods, including food and agricultural products
- Accepting vehicles built to US federal safety standards without additional certification
- Addressing non-tariff barriers across industrial and consumer categories
- Streamlining customs procedures for US-origin imports
The agreement's impact on US exporters is substantial. Agricultural exporters, industrial manufacturers, and vehicle producers can now compete in Vietnam without the tariff disadvantage they faced against Chinese, Japanese, and Korean competitors under prior trade regimes.
How does this compare to other Vietnamese trade agreements?
Vietnam already had multiple preferential trade agreements including CPTPP, RCEP, and EVFTA — the US Framework Agreement now places US exports on comparable or better terms than those from most Asian and European competitors.
Under CPTPP, member countries (Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, and others) enjoy duty elimination on 97 to 100 percent of tariff lines. Under EVFTA, European exporters get tariff elimination on 99 percent of goods traded with Vietnam. The Framework Agreement now brings US exports into this preferential category for the first time.
Who should export to Vietnam in 2026?
US businesses best positioned to export to Vietnam in 2026 include agricultural producers, high-tech manufacturers, industrial equipment sellers, automotive companies, energy exporters, and consumer goods brands targeting Vietnam's rapidly growing middle class.
What US products have the biggest export to Vietnam opportunity?
The largest US export to Vietnam opportunities in 2026 are agricultural products (soybeans, corn, dairy, tree nuts, beef), high-tech products (semiconductor manufacturing equipment, aerospace parts, medical devices), industrial machinery, automotive vehicles built to US standards, energy products (LNG, refined petroleum), and consumer goods (packaged foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals).
Vietnam's rapid industrialization creates sustained demand for capital equipment. Vietnamese factories producing electronics, textiles, and furniture for global markets need semiconductor equipment, industrial automation, and specialized machinery — categories where US manufacturers hold competitive positions.
The consumer side is equally compelling. Vietnam's middle class exceeds 30 million households, growing at roughly 7 percent annually. This creates opportunities for US packaged foods, personal care products, and premium consumer goods that were previously priced out by the 7.9 percent tariff.
How do you export to Vietnam step by step from the USA?
To export to Vietnam step by step from the USA involves eight main steps from product classification through delivery to your Vietnamese buyer, with total ocean freight timelines running 25 to 45 days depending on port pairing and customs clearance efficiency.
Here's the complete operational sequence:
- Verify export eligibility — Check that your product isn't restricted under US export controls (EAR, ITAR, OFAC sanctions) or Vietnamese import restrictions.
- Classify your product — Determine the correct 10-digit Schedule B code for AES filing and confirm the Vietnamese HS code with your buyer for import purposes.
- File Electronic Export Information (EEI) — Submit through AES if the shipment exceeds $2,500 per Schedule B code or requires an export license.
- Prepare export documentation — Commercial invoice, packing list, Certificate of Origin (essential for Framework Agreement preferences), any product-specific certificates.
- Engage a licensed freight forwarder — Book ocean or air freight from your US port to the Vietnamese destination port (Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, or Da Nang).
- Coordinate with Vietnamese importer — Your buyer serves as the importer of record in Vietnam and handles customs clearance, quality inspection, and duty payment.
- Vietnamese customs clearance — Your buyer's customs broker files with Vietnam Customs, pays applicable VAT (typically 10 percent), and manages any inspection requirements.
- Final delivery — Buyer arranges inland transport from the Vietnamese port to the final destination.
For a deeper look at the complete US export procedure framework applicable to any destination country, our companion guide on export to Vietnam procedures and broader import export procedure walks through the compliance foundation US exporters need before their first international shipment.
Which US and Vietnamese ports work best when you export to Vietnam?
The best US ports to export to Vietnam are Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, and Seattle-Tacoma for West Coast exporters, while Norfolk and Savannah serve East Coast exporters via the Panama Canal — matched with Ho Chi Minh City for southern Vietnam, Hai Phong for the north, and Da Nang for the central region.
Ho Chi Minh City (Cat Lai + Cai Mep)
Hai Phong (Northern Vietnam)
Da Nang (Central Vietnam)
Get a structured export plan that captures the Framework Agreement benefits
Our consultants walk through your specific products, Vietnamese buyer relationships, and shipping logistics to design an export operation that captures the new preferential tariff treatment. No charge for the initial planning conversation about your Vietnam market opportunity.
Why is 2026 the year to focus on the export to Vietnam opportunity rather than importing?
Everyone in trade media is focused on the challenges of importing from Vietnam under the new 20 percent US tariff — but the far bigger 2026 opportunity is to export to Vietnam, where the Framework Agreement just eliminated tariffs on almost all US goods, creating market access that didn't exist eighteen months ago.
Here's what most guides miss. While US importers are absorbing the 20 percent Section 122 tariff on Vietnamese goods, US exporters just got the opposite: near-total tariff elimination in a market that was previously charging 7.9 percent average duties. The exporters who move first capture disproportionate market share as Vietnamese importers evaluate American alternatives to previously cheaper Japanese, Korean, or Chinese sources.
The math changes competitive positioning dramatically. A US agricultural exporter competing against Australian beef in the Vietnamese market was previously paying tariffs while Australia enjoyed CPTPP preference. Under the Framework Agreement, US beef now enters at the same zero-tariff rate as Australian beef, but with US brand equity, quality reputation, and often better pricing on premium cuts. Similar dynamics apply across dozens of product categories.
The window matters. Vietnamese importers form supplier relationships that persist for years. The 12-to-18-month window immediately after the Framework Agreement is when Vietnamese buyers actively evaluate switching to US sources. Exporters who show up during this window capture positions that competitors will find hard to displace even if trade preferences shift again in the future.
What documents do you need to export to Vietnam?
US businesses that export to Vietnam need eight core documents: commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, EEI/AES confirmation, any required US export licenses, product-specific certificates (phytosanitary, veterinary, quality), and Vietnamese import declarations prepared by your buyer.
| Document | Prepared by | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | US exporter | Details product, value, terms of sale for customs valuation |
| Packing list | US exporter | Details contents, weights, dimensions per package |
| Bill of Lading / AWB | Ocean or air carrier | Contract of carriage and title document |
| Certificate of Origin | US Chamber of Commerce | Required to claim Framework Agreement preferential tariff |
| EEI / AES filing | US exporter or authorized agent | Required by US law for shipments above $2,500 per Schedule B code |
| US export license | BIS, DDTC, or other agency | Required for EAR/ITAR-controlled items |
| Phytosanitary certificate | USDA APHIS | Required for plant products, seeds, agricultural goods |
| Import declaration | Vietnamese importer | Filed with Vietnam Customs for entry processing |
Missing documentation is the most common reason US exports get delayed at Vietnamese ports. Coordinate with your Vietnamese importer well before shipment to confirm all required documents on both sides.
For US exporters new to the AES filing process, our detailed guide on AES filing requirements for US exports walks through the complete Electronic Export Information submission process, timing requirements, and penalty exposure for late or incorrect filings.
Real 2026 cost example: what it costs to export to Vietnam
Here's a realistic 2026 cost breakdown for a US business looking to export to Vietnam — specifically shipping $80,000 worth of industrial machinery from Los Angeles to Ho Chi Minh City under the Framework Agreement's preferential tariff treatment.
| Cost line | Amount (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Product FOB value (industrial machinery) | $80,000 | US manufacturer's FOB Los Angeles price |
| Ocean freight (20ft FCL, LA to HCM) | $2,800 | Standard market rate 2026 |
| US export documentation | $350 | Certificate of Origin, EEI filing |
| Cargo insurance (0.4%) | $332 | Coverage during transit |
| US customs broker fees | $450 | Export filing services |
| Vietnam base import duty (Framework Agreement) | $0 | Eliminated under October 2025 Framework Agreement |
| Vietnamese VAT (10%) | $8,348 | Applied to CIF value plus any duties (buyer's cost) |
| Vietnamese customs broker fees | $400 | Buyer's cost for import clearance |
| Vietnamese port handling | $650 | Terminal fees at Cat Lai or Cai Mep |
| Inland transport (port to final destination) | $800 | Truck to buyer's facility in industrial zone |
| Total delivered cost to Vietnamese buyer | $94,130 | ~17.7% above FOB value |
Under the pre-Framework Agreement tariff regime, the same shipment would have added approximately $5,600 in base import duty (7 percent MFN rate on this equipment category), bringing total delivered cost above $99,000. The Framework Agreement saves the Vietnamese buyer roughly $5,600 on this single shipment — a savings that goes directly to competitive positioning against non-US alternatives.
Expert help with AES filing, Certificate of Origin, and Vietnamese market entry
Our export consulting team helps US exporters navigate the new Framework Agreement, structure Vietnamese buyer relationships, handle AES compliance, and coordinate with Vietnamese importers for smooth customs clearance. For businesses looking at inbound compliance too, we cover the full import consulting side of the equation.
What non-tariff barriers should you watch for when you export to Vietnam?
US businesses that export to Vietnam face several non-tariff barriers that persist even under the Framework Agreement, including product registration requirements, quality inspection procedures, labeling standards, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and sector-specific licensing.
What products require Vietnamese pre-import registration?
Vietnam requires pre-import registration for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, medical devices, food additives, chemicals, and telecommunications equipment among other regulated categories, with registration taking anywhere from 30 days to 12 months depending on product complexity.
Common categories requiring registration:
- Pharmaceuticals — Ministry of Health registration typically requires 6-12 months and detailed clinical data
- Cosmetics — Notification through the Ministry of Health, generally 30-60 days for standard products
- Medical devices — Ministry of Health approval based on device classification (Class A, B, C, or D)
- Food and food additives — Ministry of Health food safety registration
- Chemicals — Ministry of Industry and Trade registration with declaration of chemical composition
- Telecommunications equipment — Ministry of Information and Communications type approval
- Fertilizers and pesticides — Ministry of Agriculture registration and testing
How does Vietnamese quality inspection work for imported goods?
Vietnam requires quality inspection for many imported goods at the port of entry, adding 3 to 10 days to customs clearance depending on product category and inspection agency workload.
The Ministry of Science and Technology oversees general quality inspection, while sector-specific ministries handle regulated categories. Some goods require pre-shipment inspection at the US origin before goods can be loaded. Your Vietnamese importer typically coordinates inspection through their customs broker, but US exporters should confirm inspection requirements before booking freight to avoid delays and demurrage.
What US products are restricted or prohibited from export to Vietnam?
US export controls (EAR, ITAR, OFAC) and Vietnamese import restrictions create three categories of restricted or prohibited items requiring specific attention before you plan to export to Vietnam.
- US-controlled defense articles (ITAR) — USML-listed items require State Department license approval regardless of destination
- Dual-use items (EAR) — Items with ECCN classification require BIS license review for Vietnam destination
- Vietnam-restricted imports — Certain agricultural pests, hazardous chemicals, some second-hand goods, weapons and ammunition
- Cultural artifacts — Vietnamese cultural property regulations restrict certain historical items
- Encryption software and equipment — Certain encryption categories require both US export license and Vietnamese import approval
For US exporters dealing with defense articles, dual-use items, or any technology potentially subject to export controls, our comprehensive guides on ITAR certification requirements and choosing an ITAR consultant walk through the compliance framework needed before any restricted shipment.
What are the most common mistakes when US businesses export to Vietnam?
The most common mistakes US businesses make when they export to Vietnam include missing Certificate of Origin (losing Framework Agreement benefits), incorrect product classification, underestimating non-tariff barrier requirements, poor coordination with Vietnamese buyers, and misunderstanding the buyer's role as importer of record.
- Missing Certificate of Origin for Framework Agreement claim. Without proper certification, your goods default to standard Vietnamese MFN rates instead of the new preferential treatment.
- Underestimating VAT exposure. Even under duty-free Framework Agreement treatment, Vietnamese buyers still pay 10 percent VAT on CIF value. Budget accurately.
- Assuming your product doesn't need registration. Many Vietnamese import categories require pre-import registration that takes weeks or months to complete.
- Skipping the AES/EEI filing. US exporters remain legally responsible for EEI filing regardless of whether the shipment cleared Vietnamese customs successfully.
- Not verifying US export controls. Vietnam has no US embargo, but individual products may still require BIS or DDTC licensing.
- Poor Vietnamese buyer selection. Your buyer is the importer of record. Their capability to handle Vietnamese customs, VAT payment, and any inspections determines shipment success.
- Wrong port selection. Shipping to HCM when your buyer is in Hanoi adds unnecessary inland transport cost and time.
- Ignoring Incoterms carefully. Whether you sell FOB, CIF, DAP, or DDP dramatically affects your responsibilities and Vietnamese customs valuation.
"The US businesses that capture the export to Vietnam opportunity in 2026 treat the Framework Agreement as a strategic moat, not just a paperwork advantage — and they invest in the market before competitors catch up."
Frequently asked questions about how to export to Vietnam
Read more on exports, compliance, and international trade
If this guide was useful, here are related resources from our blog that go deeper on adjacent topics.
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From verifying Framework Agreement qualification and Certificate of Origin preparation to AES filing, Vietnamese importer selection, non-tariff barrier navigation, and shipment coordination — our team helps US exporters turn the new preferential market access into real revenue growth. Start with a no-cost conversation about your Vietnam opportunity.
Emma Smith
With more than 8 years of experience working within the import-export ecosystem, Emma Smith brings practical industry knowledge to her writing at Trade Globe Consultants. Her articles focus on simplifying complex topics such as compliance requirements, trade procedures, and cross-border operations, making them accessible for businesses looking to grow internationally.
Emma Smith
With more than 8 years of experience working within the import-export ecosystem, Emma Smith brings practical industry knowledge to her writing at Trade Globe Consultants. Her articles focus on simplifying complex topics such as compliance requirements, trade procedures, and cross-border operations, making them accessible for businesses looking to grow internationally.
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