Oil Turmoil Adds Fresh Pressure to Apparel Sourcing Hubs
March 12, 2026
Rising energy costs are rippling through global sourcing networks, squeezing
TRADE ISSUES | Tariffs
After the Trump administration announced a 46% tariff on Vietnamese goods, among the highest levied on any U.S. trading partner under the current “reciprocal” tariff framework, manufacturers and US brands are sweating out a scenario where any profits they might have hoped for with quickly turn into massive losses.
Vietnam is urgently negotiating to avert or reduce this tariff, which, if implemented, would severely impact its export-driven economy.
REALITY. With Vietnam heavily dependent upon exporting to the US, it has few options other than to given into US demands.
WALKING THE TALK. Vietnam is proactively making pre-emptive commitments to buy more American products and is leveraging business ties-including high-profile deals and partnerships with U.S. corporations-to improve the trade balance and build goodwill with the Trump administration
Here’s a summary of where US-Vietnam negotiations stand:
SOURCING & SUPPLY CHAIN
Rising energy costs are rippling through global sourcing networks, squeezing
Two-day transit times and duty-free access under USMCA are reshaping
Rising energy prices could be even more disruptive than tariffs
Materials prices face greater upward pressure as geopolitical tensions heat
US tariffs enter a 150-day holding pattern that means continued
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