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U.S. Launches Section 301 Investigation Into Vietnam’s IP Practices

Trade Update • June 2, 2026

Key Points

  • USTR has launched a Section 301 investigation into Vietnam.
  • The probe focuses on alleged deficiencies in intellectual property (IP) protection and enforcement practices.
  • The action follows Vietnam’s designation as a Priority Foreign Country in the 2026 Special 301 Report.
  • U.S. officials cite ongoing concerns that IP infringement continues to affect U.S. innovators and exporters.
  • Final findings may lead to trade responses, pending consultation with Donald Trump.
Intertwined United States and Vietnam flags, divided equally by a subtle diagonal line with fine crack-like tension marks at the boundary, symbolizing a U.S. Section 301 investigation into Vietnam’s intellectual property enforcement practices

O​​​​​​​​​​​​​​n May 29, 2026, Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) launched a formal investigation into Vietnam under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, following concerns raised in the 2026 Special 301 Report. A Federal Register notice has also been published to formalize the investigation. The probe will assess whether Vietnam’s IP-related acts, policies, and practices are unreasonable or discriminatory and restrict U.S. commerce. U.S. officials say Vietnam has made some recent progress, but problems in enforcement still remain and affect U.S. innovators and creators. Potential responsive trade measures, such as tariffs, will follow pending the investigation’s findings.

Official Statement

“While Vietnam has recently taken some steps toward addressing IP concerns that the United States has chronicled over many years in USTR’s Annual Special 301 Report, IP infringement in Vietnam continues to impair the competitive position of U.S. innovators and creators. We need to see Vietnam resolve these long-standing concerns, including on a range of IP enforcement issues, in a manner that is sustained and that deters future IP infringements.”
Jamieson Greer, U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador

Background

Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 allows the United States to address foreign practices that are unjustifiable, unreasonable, or discriminatory and that restrict U.S. commerce. The process can include investigations and potential trade actions after review. A country may be identified as a Priority Foreign Country if it shows persistent and significant issues affecting intellectual property rights and market access, unless it demonstrates meaningful progress or engages in effective negotiations.

Following the 2026 Special 301 Report, Vietnam received this designation due to ongoing concerns over IP protection and enforcement, which led to the initiation of the current investigation under established statutory timelines and procedures.

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