Vietnam Tightens Anti-Piracy Laws to Avoid Fresh U.S. Tariffs

The government of Vietnam has launched a fresh nationwide crackdown on online piracy and counterfeit goods following renewed threats of U.S. tariffs over intellectual property violations.

The directive, issued by Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, orders authorities to increase the detection of copyright infringement cases by at least 20% in May compared to the same period last year. The move targets piracy involving software, films, music, television content, and online video games, as well as counterfeit imports.

Officials have also been instructed to tighten customs enforcement, with a similar 20% increase in cases involving the suspension of goods suspected to be counterfeit at the border. The crackdown is part of broader efforts to strengthen intellectual property (IP) enforcement across the country.

The action comes after the United States raised concerns about Vietnam’s “persistent failure” to curb IP violations, warning that it could impose new tariffs on Vietnamese exports. Washington recently designated Vietnam as a “priority foreign country” for IP enforcement; its most serious classification, signalling potential trade penalties.

The U.S. is Vietnam’s largest export market, with shipments worth about $153 billion in 2025, including electronics, garments, and footwear. Analysts say the threat of tariffs could significantly impact Vietnam’s export-driven economy, which relies heavily on global trade.

Vietnamese authorities have defended their record, stating they have made “significant efforts” to combat piracy and calling for a fair and balanced assessment from U.S. officials. However, the latest directive suggests Hanoi is moving quickly to address concerns and avoid further trade tensions.

The crackdown highlights growing pressure on Southeast Asian economies to strengthen IP protections as global trade disputes increasingly focus on digital piracy and counterfeit goods.