Tesla and Samsung oppose possible new US tariffs on Vietnamese goods as the US Trade Representative nears a November 29 deadline to conclude its probe into Vietnam’s intellectual property practices.

The case, opened on May 29, is conducted under Section 301 of the Trade Act, which can lead to tariffs or other trade measures.

Tesla cited US manufacturers’ supply-chain needs. Retail and apparel groups opposed additional tariffs, while steel, wood, and solar industry groups supported them.

Software industry groups also urged stronger enforcement against piracy.

Samsung, the South Korean electronics giant and Vietnam’s largest foreign investor, said Vietnam is a key supply base for smartphones and network equipment sold in the US.

Samsung has invested about US$25 billion there.

The US also imposed a general 12.5% tariff on Vietnamese goods in July after a forced-labor-related probe.

The US Trade Representative separately confirms a forced-labor-related Section 301 action covering 60 economies. The scope of any new intellectual-property-related tariffs remains unclear.

🔗 Source: Reuters

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