Major markets such as the United States, Australia, and Singapore are tightening tariffs and regulatory frameworks, requiring Vietnamese exporters to proactively adapt in order to mitigate risks and additional costs.

Recently, in its February 2026 market update on Australia, the Vietnam Trade Office in Australia noted that the Australian Treasury is seeking public consultation on a draft “Unfair Trading Practices” law.

Cautious calculations amid new developments

The draft law introduces significant changes aimed at protecting consumers. Businesses would be required to disclose all mandatory transaction fees upfront, rather than adding hidden charges at the final stage of online payment.

Additionally, companies would have to provide transparent information before users subscribe, send reminders prior to automatic renewals, and ensure that cancellation procedures are simple. The draft prohibits covert use of consumer data for personalized pricing and bans artificial pressure tactics such as fake countdown timers or misleading claims like “only one room left.” Violations could result in fines of up to AUD 50 million for corporations and AUD 2.5 million for individuals.

Given these proposed requirements, Vietnamese exporters should pay close attention when conducting business in Australia to avoid potential risks if the draft law is adopted and enters into force.

As a business with extensive experience in trade between Vietnam and Australia, Do Van Long, Chief Executive Officer of Auschain PTY LTD, advised that Vietnamese enterprises operating in Australia must carefully prepare for differences in product standards, legal regulations, inspection procedures, consumer culture, and market access approaches.

He also noted that compliance costs, initial investment requirements, and the time needed to penetrate the Australian market present challenges that Vietnamese enterprises must evaluate prudently.

Although Australia remains a relatively favorable market, Vietnamese exporters should not be complacent. Strict quarantine regulations for food products and high logistics costs, with shipping times ranging from 14 to 18 days, remain notable constraints.

To mitigate risks in the Australian market, experts recommend that Vietnamese enterprises strengthen digital traceability systems and obtain international certifications to enhance competitiveness.

Observers also point out that, compared with the United States, Australia remains more stable, with less political volatility and a transparent legal system, thereby reducing long-term risks for Vietnamese enterprises.

Meanwhile, new policies in the United States continue to pose challenges for Vietnamese exporters. Notably, U.S. tariff policy has recently changed following a Supreme Court ruling on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), while the White House issued a new executive order imposing a 15% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.

In light of these developments, exporters have questioned whether they must continue paying IEEPA tariffs.

According to experts, from a legal standpoint, the U.S. government must cease collecting IEEPA-based tariffs. However, in practice, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires time to update systems and issue implementation guidance.

Vietnamese exporters to the United States are therefore advised that, pending official guidance, if the system continues to require tariff payment, enterprises should comply to avoid administrative penalties and disruptions to customs clearance.

Need for a proactive strategy to safeguard interests

At the same time, exporters to the United States should review specific HS codes to determine whether their goods qualify for exemptions. Recent developments present a dual scenario: the invalidation of IEEPA tariffs reduces certain legal pressures, while the 15% global tariff under Section 122 creates additional short-term costs.

Accordingly, exporters should reassess contracts and pricing terms, verify HS classifications and exemption eligibility, closely monitor CBP guidance, and prepare documentation to pursue IEEPA tariff refunds if eligible.

Observers note that U.S. policy remains in a transitional phase and further litigation may arise. Vietnamese exporters must therefore continuously update information to limit legal risks and unexpected costs.

In practice, risks have already become evident under new U.S. policies, particularly for Vietnamese tuna. According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), exports to the United States in 2026 are expected to face significant challenges and slow growth. From January 1, 2026, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries requires a Certificate of Admissibility (COA) for seafood products exported to the United States to demonstrate that species composition, harvesting methods, and locations do not fall under import restrictions pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).

“This may increase the risk of customs delays or order disruptions if documentation and verification processes are not properly synchronized. In addition, the high reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States on Vietnam are making it more difficult for Vietnamese tuna products to compete with rivals such as Thailand, Ecuador, and Indonesia,” VASEP stated.

Beyond policy changes in Australia and the United States, the Singapore government in February 2026 introduced a series of tax policy adjustments affecting the business sector and two specific product groups, namely automobiles and tobacco.

In response, the Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore recommended that Vietnamese enterprises producing and exporting automobiles and auto parts, as well as tobacco manufacturers and exporters, closely monitor Singapore’s new policies to ensure timely responses when conducting business in that market.

Furthermore, according to Cao Xuan Thang, Vietnam’s Trade Counselor in Singapore, exporters should be supported in green transition and ESG (Environmental – Social – Governance) transformation. As Singapore places strong emphasis on ESG and sustainable products, Vietnamese enterprises will have a competitive advantage if their products meet sustainability standards.

Ultimately, Vietnamese goods entering overseas markets must be managed with close monitoring of new and evolving policies, as major markets continue to implement stricter regulatory adjustments. Exporters need to respond swiftly with proactive strategies to safeguard commercial interests and minimize emerging risks.

Source: Vnbusiness