U.S. Tariffs: What EuroCham Members Are Saying

HCMC, April 2025 — In response to the recently announced reciprocal U.S. tariffs, EuroCham Vietnam conducted a rapid survey from 4 to 9 April, with the support of its 9 Affiliated Business Associations, to capture the immediate reactions and concerns of European businesses operating in Vietnam.

Key Survey Highlights:

🔺 High Uncertainty & Risk
  • 71% of respondents reported experiencing “High” or “Very High” uncertainty, causing delays in strategic decision-making.

  • On average, 25% of business activity is considered at risk, with a notable portion of firms preparing cost-cutting, workforce reductions, or even relocation strategies.

📉 Financial Impact Expectations
  • Most companies anticipate a 10–30% decrease in their bottom line, with 20% being the most commonly cited loss estimate.

  • Despite this, the majority are not yet in crisis mode, but are proceeding with caution.

🌍 Indirect Exposure
  • 47% of respondents do not have direct U.S. business ties, suggesting the concern lies in broader global supply chain impacts and market unpredictability.

🕰️ Strategic Posture: Wait-and-See
  • A significant 83% of businesses remain in wait-and-see mode, monitoring developments before making major operational decisions.

  • 55% of respondents expressed some level of confidence in Vietnam’s ability to navigate the situation, but sentiment remains fragile.

Moving Forward: What Members Need

  • Immediate diplomatic engagement between Vietnam and the U.S.

  • Diversification strategies involving the EU, Japan, and ASEAN markets.

  • Resilience-building through domestic investment incentives.

  • Supply chain restructuring support.

  • Real-time updates, expert briefings, and sector-specific guidance from EuroCham.

This survey captured the views of 183 EuroCham members and was conducted shortly after the announcement of the tariffs and before the 3-month implementation pause announced by the U.S.

📄 Download the full report here