Vietnam's trade ministry has ordered stronger import controls to prevent illegal transshipment, in an attempt to avoid US tariffs that might harm the country's export-driven economy.
Effective April 15, the directive warns that rising trade tensions may fuel fraud, undermining attempts to avoid foreign sanctions. Though no country was mentioned, China accounts for about 40% of Vietnam's imports, and Washington accuses Beijing of using Vietnam to avoid tariffs, Reuters reported.
Vietnam is at risk of a 46% tariff from the United States, which has been postponed until July and might harm GDP and foreign investment.
According to Reuters, the decision comes after Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a visit and pledged to collaborate to check goods' provenance. Earlier this week, Beijing also cautioned countries against signing trade deals with the United States at its expense.
