Tariffs, costs & compliance compared — so you can make the right sourcing call.
| Factor | 🇻🇳 Vietnam | 🇲🇽 Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| US Trade Rank | #7 | #2 |
| Annual US Imports | $137B | $475B |
| Trade Agreement | No FTA | ✓ USMCA |
| Avg Duty Rate | 12.7% average (apparel/footwear heavy) | 0% (USMCA qualifying) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | ✓ None | ✓ None |
| Section 232 (Steel/Alum) | ⚠ 25% steel, 10% aluminum Sectio | ⚠ 25% on steel, 10% on aluminum |
| Compliance Complexity | ● Medium Complexity | ● Medium Complexity |
| Ocean Transit to US | 18–35 days (ocean) | 3–10 days (truck/rail) |
Trade Agreement: No FTA (IPEF — not in force)
MFN Status: MFN/WTO Member
Transit to US: 18–35 days (ocean) · 5–9 days (air)
Main Ports: Ho Chi Minh City, Haiphong, Danang
Growing capacity. Some congestion at HCMC. Trans-shipment via Singapore common for LCL.
Anti-circumvention investigations ongoing. Vietnam-origin goods must demonstrate substantial transformation, not merely assembly from Chinese inputs.
Full Vietnam Profile →Trade Agreement: USMCA (0% for qualifying)
MFN Status: USMCA Partner
Transit to US: 3–10 days (truck/rail) · 1–2 days (air)
Main Ports: Manzanillo, Veracruz; land: Laredo, El Paso, Otay Mesa
Land border proximity cuts transit dramatically vs Asia. Nearshoring trend driving logistics investment.
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 →Based on $50,000 FOB product value. Duty rate reflects typical electronics treatment. Freight is estimated ocean FCL. Actual costs vary by HTS code, Incoterms, carrier, and shipment size.
| Cost Component | 🇻🇳 Vietnam | 🇲🇽 Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| FOB Product Value | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Customs Duties (5% MFN) | $2,500 | Free ($0) |
| Est. Ocean Freight | $4,000 | $2,000 |
| MPF + HMF (US Fees) | $236 | $236 |
| Total Estimated Landed Cost | $56,736 | $52,236 |
That's a 8–9% cost difference. At scale (e.g., 12 shipments/year), that's ~$54,000/year. Run your actual product for precise numbers.
Your HTS code, shipment size, and Incoterms make a big difference. Get a precise cost breakdown for Vietnam vs Mexico in under 60 seconds.
Transshipment risk — CBP scrutinizes goods routed through Vietnam to avoid China Section 301 duties. Country of origin rules strictly enforced.
USMCA Certificate of Origin required for preferential rates. Rules of origin (ROO) must be met — especially for autos (75% regional content).
Accurate country-of-origin marking (19 CFR Part 134), proper HTS classification, CBP entry filing, and applicable agency certifications (FDA, USDA, EPA, CPSC depending on product). Work with a licensed customs broker to confirm requirements for your specific goods.
The right sourcing decision depends on your product category, HTS classification, shipment volume, and tolerance for compliance complexity. Here's the key decision logic:
Mexico benefits from the USMCA trade agreement, potentially eliminating duties on qualifying goods. Vietnam has no comparable FTA.
Mexico can be significantly cheaper for qualifying goods through the USMCA trade agreement. Vietnam does not have a comparable US FTA, so MFN rates apply.
Mexico has a clear advantage: it benefits from USMCA, which can eliminate or reduce duties on qualifying goods. Vietnam has no FTA with the US — full MFN rates apply.
Vietnam is NOT subject to Section 301 tariffs. Mexico is NOT subject to Section 301 tariffs. For steel and aluminum: Vietnam faces Section 232 steel/aluminum duties: 25% steel, 10% aluminum Section 232 duties apply. Mexico faces Section 232 steel/aluminum duties: 25% on steel, 10% on aluminum (subject to quota/exemption negotiations).
For electronics, both Vietnam and Mexico are generally subject to standard MFN rates. Most electronics (HTS Chapter 84, 85) carry 0% MFN duties under the Information Technology Agreement. The real differentiators are compliance complexity (Medium for Vietnam vs Medium for Mexico), logistics lead times, and supplier quality.
Vietnam: Transshipment risk — CBP scrutinizes goods routed through Vietnam to avoid China Section 301 duties. Country of origin rules strictly enforced. Mexico: USMCA Certificate of Origin required for preferential rates. Rules of origin (ROO) must be met — especially for autos (75% regional content). Both origins require accurate country-of-origin marking (19 CFR Part 134) and proper HTS classification. Consult a licensed customs broker for origin-specific requirements.
Tariff comparisons sourced from USITC HTS Schedule and USTR Section 301 lists as of 2026-04-07. Sample landed cost figures are illustrative estimates only — actual costs depend on HTS classification, Incoterms, carrier rates, and current trade policy. Section 301 product lists, trade agreement rules of origin, and duty rates change frequently. Verify all rates with a licensed customs broker before making sourcing decisions. AI-assisted analysis — not legal or customs advice.