| Factor | 🇲🇽 Mexico | 🇻🇳 Vietnam |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Rank | #2 | #7 |
| Annual US Imports | $475B | $137B |
| Trade Agreement | USMCA | None |
| Avg Duty Rate | 0% (USMCA qualifying) | 12.7% average (apparel/footwear heavy) |
| Section 301 | ✓ None | ✓ None |
| Section 232 (Steel/Alum) | 25% on steel, 10% on aluminum | 25% steel, 10% aluminum Sectio |
| Compliance Complexity | ● Medium Complexity | ● Medium Complexity |
Trade Agreement: USMCA (0% for qualifying)
MFN Status: USMCA Partner
USMCA rules of origin are strict. Failure to qualify means MFN rates apply. Auto parts have complex regional value content (RVC) requirements.
Full Mexico Profile →Trade Agreement: No FTA (IPEF — not in force)
MFN Status: MFN/WTO Member
Anti-circumvention investigations ongoing. Vietnam-origin goods must demonstrate substantial transformation, not merely assembly from Chinese inputs.
Full Vietnam Profile →The right sourcing decision depends on your product category, shipment volume, and tolerance for compliance complexity. Here's what you need to know:
Mexico benefits from the USMCA trade agreement, potentially eliminating duties entirely on qualifying goods. Vietnam has no comparable FTA benefit, meaning full MFN rates apply.
General tariff comparisons are useful, but the real answer depends on your specific product, shipment size, freight costs, and current exchange rates. Use our landed cost calculator to compare both origins with actual numbers.
Enter your product details to see a full duty + freight + fees breakdown for Mexico vs Vietnam side-by-side.
Tariff comparisons sourced from USITC HTS Schedule and USTR Section 301 lists as of 2026-04-05. Country of origin rules, Section 301 product lists, and trade agreement applicability change frequently. Verify all rates before making sourcing decisions. AI-assisted analysis — not legal or customs advice.