I. Current U.S. Tariff Policy in 2025: Protectionism and Its Global Impact

1. Overview of the U.S. Tariff Measures

As of April 2025, the U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, has reintroduced and expanded tariff measures aimed at reshaping global trade dynamics. Key developments include:

General Import Tariff of 10%: This blanket tariff applies to most imported goods.
Special Tariff of 145% on Chinese Products: Designed to curb the trade deficit and promote domestic manufacturing.
120% Tariff on Goods Under $800: A reversal of previous de minimis exemptions, directly affecting low-value imports commonly purchased through e-commerce platforms.

2. Impact of the Tariff Policies

Consumer Prices Surge: Companies such as Shein and Temu have increased prices by up to 91% to offset rising import duties.
Pressure on U.S. Businesses: Firms dependent on global supply chains are facing higher input costs, forcing them to either pass costs to consumers or seek alternative, potentially less efficient sources.
Lower-Income Populations Hit Hardest: Essential and affordable goods are becoming less accessible due to significant price increases.

II. Vietnam’s Agricultural Sector: Strong Export Growth Amid Global Challenges

1. Performance in Early 2025

Vietnam’s agricultural exports have shown notable growth:

$9.38 Billion in Agricultural Exports in the first two months of 2025, up 8.3% year-over-year.
Seafood Exports Surge: Reached $4.4 billion, a 32.7% increase.
United States as a Major Market: The U.S. accounts for over 21% of Vietnam’s agricultural export volume, making it the second-largest market after China.

2. Challenges Facing Vietnamese Agriculture

Strict Import Standards in the U.S.: Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, along with rigorous quality control measures, demand greater investments in agricultural processing and certification.
Price Volatility: Products like rice and watermelon face fluctuating prices due to competition from regional exporters and shifting consumer trends.
Climate-Related Risks: Prolonged droughts and unpredictable weather patterns also threaten crop yields and supply reliability.

3. Opportunities for Expansion

Product Diversification: Vietnam has begun exporting newer fruit varieties such as citrus, seedless limes, and plums to the U.S., tapping into niche markets.
Enhanced Value Through Quality Compliance: Meeting international standards improves Vietnam’s reputation and allows for higher-value positioning in global markets.
Strategic Trade Partnerships: Ongoing cooperation with the U.S. aims to open new agricultural product categories to export, reinforcing long-term trade ties.

III. Conclusion

The U.S. tariff landscape in 2025 underscores a decisive shift toward protectionist trade policy, significantly impacting global supply chains and consumer markets. For Vietnam, while the agricultural export sector is witnessing robust growth, particularly to the U.S., it must navigate increasingly stringent import conditions and competitive global markets. Long-term success will depend on strategic investments in quality control, technological innovation, and market diversification.