Tesla, Samsung flag manufacturing risks from Trump's Vietnam tariff push

Tesla (TSLA) and Samsung (SSNLF) have opposed additional U.S. tariffs on Vietnamese goods, citing supply-chain concerns, as the Trump administration approaches a November 29 deadline to conclude an investigation into Vietnam's intellectual property practices.

In submissions to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), Tesla (TSLA) argued that certain advanced components and precision manufacturing equipment needed by American manufacturers cannot currently be sourced domestically, despite investments in U.S. production, according to a Reuters report.

The electric vehicle maker urged the agency to "take into account the supply chain needs of American manufacturers" in comments submitted on July 2.

Samsung's (SSNLF) U.S. unit raised similar concerns, pointing to Vietnam's importance as a manufacturing base for smartphones and network equipment destined for the American market. The South Korean electronics company has invested ~$25B in Vietnam, making it the country's largest foreign investor.

The Trump administration launched the probe in May, designating Vietnam a "priority foreign country" over intellectual property concerns, the first such designation in 13 years.

The scope of any potential tariffs remains unclear, with Washington yet to specify whether additional duties would apply broadly or target specific industries. Vietnamese goods currently face a general US tariff of 12.5%, imposed in July following a separate investigation concerning forced-labor imports.

Tesla and Samsung are among several businesses opposing additional duties, including trade groups representing footwear, apparel, bicycles, and video game console manufacturers. However, U.S. industry groups representing steel, seafood, plywood, solar panels, and wood products have called for tariffs, alleging unfair trade practices by Vietnam.

Vietnam's exports to the U.S. increased 42% in the first eight months of 2026 Y/Y, giving it the largest goods trade surplus among U.S. trading partners, ahead of China and Mexico.