Amid a temporary 90-day pause on U.S. tariffs announced by President Trump, Vietnamese manufacturers are navigating a turbulent export environment marked by unpredictability and divergent strategies. The pause, though offering a brief window of opportunity, has led to split reactions across industries, with some ramping up production while others scale back in anticipation of future uncertainty.

Diverging Strategies Among Manufacturers

Vietnamese manufacturers have not adopted a unified approach. Companies with strong U.S. ties, like Pegatron, are seizing the moment to boost production before potential tariff reinstatements. Meanwhile, others are scaling down operations due to postponed or canceled orders from their U.S. clients.

In many factories, production schedules have shifted, with some operating only on select weekdays (e.g., Mon-Wed-Fri), highlighting the hesitancy to commit to full-scale output without clarity on long-term U.S. policy.

Sector-Specific Impacts

The effects of the tariff pause ripple differently across industries. Textiles, footwear, electronics, and agriculture are among the most affected, with major global brands like Nike and Adidas caught in the policy crosswinds. While some suppliers are pushing forward to meet projected demand spikes, others are holding back due to erratic order flows.

Key Industry Data Snapshot

Category	Details
Tariff Action	90-day pause on U.S. tariffs announced by President Trump
Manufacturer Strategies	Increased production (e.g., Pegatron) vs. Reduced operations in some firms
Factory Schedule Changes	Shift to part-time (Mon-Wed-Fri) in several factories
Sectors Most Affected	Textiles, Footwear, Electronics, Agriculture
Major Companies Mentioned	Nike, Adidas, Samsung, LG, Pegatron
European Business Survey	183 European firms in Vietnam; many planning cost cuts, layoffs
Electronics Adjustments	Samsung briefly ramped up; LG suspended some lines
Warehousing Implications	U.S. warehouses expected to fill due to short-term export boost

Survey Signals Economic Strain

A recent survey involving 183 European businesses operating in Vietnam revealed growing concern. A majority of firms are weighing cost-cutting measures, including workforce reductions, due to the instability in trade policy and demand forecasts from the U.S. market.

Electronics Sector on Edge

The electronics sector, heavily dependent on export timing, shows sharp contrast. Samsung ramped up production briefly before the original tariff date, leveraging the window to ship out additional units. On the other hand, LG has suspended some production lines, opting to wait for further clarity before recommitting resources.

The Road Ahead: Short-Term Gains, Long-Term Questions

While the 90-day pause provides temporary breathing room for Vietnamese exporters, it’s far from a solution. The unpredictable nature of U.S. trade policy continues to send mixed signals through global supply chains. As some companies prepare for an export surge, others remain cautious, wary of warehouses in the U.S. becoming oversaturated in the months ahead.

Vietnam’s manufacturing base, known for its agility, is once again being tested — not just in its capacity to produce, but in its ability to adapt to ever-changing geopolitical and economic landscapes.