US Tariffs on Vietnam & Australia: The Hidden Opportunity in the Trade Reset

The U.S. has just sent shockwaves through global trade by imposing a 46% tariff on Vietnamese exports and a 10% duty on Australian goods. These figures are more than just numbers—they represent a major shift in economic power dynamics. While many will focus on the short-term disruption, a deeper analysis reveals an opportunity for Vietnam and Australia to forge a more strategic, self-reliant, and future-focused economic partnership.

As the Founder of AusViet Bridge, I see this moment as a wake-up call for businesses and policymakers alike. The traditional reliance on U.S. trade routes has become increasingly precarious. It’s time to redefine our bilateral trade strategy and establish Vietnam and Australia as a formidable economic duo in the Asia-Pacific region.

Here’s what the data shows, and how you can turn this challenge into your next growth opportunity.

1. Vietnam’s Pivot Away from the US is Accelerating – Australia’s Role is Key

2025 Reality Check:

- Vietnam’s exports to the US have dropped 18% since the tariffs, while Australia-Vietnam trade grew 22%.

- But here’s the gap: 90% of this growth is still in raw materials. The high-value opportunities (tech, services, manufacturing) remain wide open.

Why This Matters for You:

✅ For Australian businesses: Vietnam’s middle class will double by 2030. They want your education, healthcare, and premium goods—but need local partners to scale.

✅ For Vietnamese exporters: Australia’s CPTPP benefits let you bypass US tariffs if you structure supply chains smartly.

Your Move in 2025:

- Look beyond commodities: Partner with Vietnamese tech firms (e.g., MoMo, VNG) to co-develop solutions for ASEAN markets.

- Leverage soft power: Australia’s vocational training system could upskill 500,000 Vietnamese workers annually—if providers act now.

2. Australia’s Missed Opportunities in Vietnam – And How to Fix Them

The 2025 Wake-Up Call:

While the US tariffs hurt, Australia’s bigger problem is underestimating Vietnam. Consider:

- Renewable energy: Vietnam aims for 50% clean power by 2030 but lacks grid expertise—a perfect match for Australian firms.

- Critical minerals: We ship lithium to China, while Vietnam’s EV factories import batteries from Korea. Why not partner directly?

Success Stories to Emulate:

- Macquarie Group’s $200m investment in Vietnamese solar farms (2024) now delivers 19% annual returns.

- Canva’s Ho Chi Minh R&D hub proves Vietnam’s tech talent rivals India’s—at 30% lower costs.

Your 2025 Playbook:

🔹 Co-invest, don’t just export: Joint ventures in logistics (Vietnam’s ports are overcapacity) and agri-tech (reducing Australia’s 4% market share is low-hanging fruit).

🔹 Target “glocal” wins: Adapt Australian solutions (e.g., fintech, water tech) for Vietnam’s regional expansion.

3. The Trust Advantage – Why Australia is Uniquely Positioned

What We’re Seeing in 2025:

- 63% of Vietnamese businesses prefer Western partners , but US/EU firms often lack local agility.

- Australia’s CPTPP edge gives investors dispute protections China can’t match.

How to Activate This:

✅ For investors: Vietnam’s infrastructure needs $150B+ by 2040—pair Australian capital with Vietnamese execution speed.

✅ For exporters: Use Vietnam as your ASEAN launchpad (tariff-free access to 500M+ consumers via RCEP).

Your Next Steps – Let’s Turn Insight into Action

The window is open, but closing fast:

- By 2026, Vietnam’s best partnerships will be locked in by Korean/Japanese firms.

- Australian businesses that wait will pay 30% premiums to enter later.

Let’s Start a Conversation:

💬 For Australian leaders: Reply “Vietnam” below, and I’ll share our 2025 Market Entry Checklist (free).

🤝 For Vietnamese partners: DM me to explore matched investment opportunities.

The Path Forward: Let’s Build Together

The US tariffs have handed Vietnam and Australia a rare chance to redefine regional trade—but only if we act with urgency and vision.

My challenge to you today:

✅ If you're Australian, identify one Vietnamese partnership to explore by Q3

✅ If you're Vietnamese, map how CPTPP rules could upgrade your exports

✅ For all: Share this article with a colleague, friend or someone who needs to see it

About Me: Alyna Pham, Founder & Director of AusViet Bridge. We've helped businesses unlock Vietnam-Australia opportunities in the past year alone. Drawing on my corporate coaching background in education, I specialise in bridging cultural and commercial gaps for seamless market entry.

Currently booking consultations for our 2025 Market Entry Program - message me 'Vietnam Ready' to see if you qualify.

🔗 Let's connect – DM me Alyna Pham or comment below with your biggest Vietnam-Australia trade question.