Last week saw a wave of tariff adjustments across multiple countries, with the United States rolling out a string of new trade rules one after another.

First, the U.S. ramped up trade pressure on Vietnam. On July 16, the U.S. Trade Representative stated that a Section 301 probe into Vietnam’s intellectual property protection is underway, while two other relevant Section 301 investigations targeting Vietnam are being expedited. If all take effect, Vietnamese goods exported to the U.S. will face four layers of overlapping duties: baseline tariffs, Section 301 tariffs for IP violations, a 12% Section 301 tariff over forced labor concerns, and Section 301 tariffs addressing overcapacity. Goods suspected of transshipment may also be subject to a 40% punitive tariff rate.

Second, on July 15, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative formally announced new Section 301 tariffs on Brazil. Starting July 22, an additional 25% tariff will be imposed on nearly all goods of Brazilian origin, stacked on top of existing duties, with only a small number of products granted exemptions.

Enterprises engaged in U.S.-bound import and export business as well as cross-border logistics are advised to closely track updates on relevant policies.