On May 29, 2026, Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) initiated a Section 301 investigation into Vietnam’s acts, policies, and practices related to intellectual property (IP) protection and enforcement.
The investigation follows Vietnam’s designation as a “Priority Foreign Country” in USTR’s 2026 Special 301 Report and will assess whether the country’s practices are unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict US commerce.
According to a Federal Register notice published on June 3, 2026, USTR will examine the following concerns related to Vietnam’s intellectual property framework:
- Enforcement efforts to address online piracy and counterfeiting
- Border measures used to prevent the import and export of counterfeit goods
- Enforcement against the use of unlicensed software
- Criminal enforcement related to cable and satellite signal theft
- Additional IP-related practices that may affect fair and equitable market access for US businesses
While USTR acknowledged that Vietnam has taken steps to address certain issues, it was determined that longstanding enforcement and infringement challenges continue to affect the US rights holders and businesses.
The investigation will evaluate whether Vietnam’s actions, policies, or practices are actionable under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act (19 U.S.C. 2411(b)).
As the review continues to develop, USTR is seeking comments from interested parties regarding these concerns. Public comments are due by July 2, 2026.
Potential Trade Implications
At this stage, the investigation does not impose any new trade restrictions or tariffs. However, responsive measures may be imposed if USTR determines that a foreign country’s practices are unreasonable or restrict US commerce.
Mohawk Global recommends businesses with sourcing, manufacturing, distribution, or intellectual property interests in Vietnam stay informed as the investigation progresses, as any future actions could affect trade flows and market access considerations.
What This Means for Businesses
The Section 301 investigation signals increased US attention to Vietnam’s intellectual property enforcement practices. We will continue to monitor developments closely and keep you informed with updates and guidance as more information becomes available. Contact your Mohawk Global representative with any questions regarding potential impacts to your business.