Vietnamese Factory Workers Live In Fear Of Trump’s Tariffs.
The threat of a 46% tariff on imports from Vietnam has sent shockwaves through the country’s thriving manufacturing sector, leaving factory workers like Nguyen Thi Tuyet Hanh anxious about their livelihoods. Hanh, a line manager at a shoe factory in Ho Chi Minh City, earns $577 a month and oversees 138 workers producing shoes for global brands like Nike and Salomon.
Hanh’s family has already experienced hardship when her husband lost his job in 2023, forcing her to work two factory jobs six days a week to make ends meet. “It was brutal,” she said, expressing her fear of reliving that difficult time if the tariffs are reinstated.
Impact on Vietnam’s Economy
Vietnam’s economy has grown significantly over the past 15 years, driven largely by US demand, which fueled over a quarter of its growth last year. However, the textile and garment industry operates on thin profit margins, averaging 5%. Some factories have ramped up production to meet orders before the tariff deadline, while others have started cutting jobs or freezing hiring due to cancelled orders from American retailers.
Government’s Response
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has criticized the US tariffs, warning that they harm the global economy and disrupt international supply chains. The government is urging the US to reconsider its approach, highlighting the negative impact on global commerce.
Uncertainty and Fear
Despite a 90-day pause on the tariffs, uncertainty and fear persist among factory workers and exporters. The prospect of tariffs being reinstated is already affecting Vietnam’s economic growth, which relies heavily on manufacturing goods for American consumers.
As Hanh emphasized, “My family lived through that difficult time — I don’t want to live it again.” Her sentiments echo the concerns of many Vietnamese factory workers who are worried about their future livelihoods.
