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Dear ,

301 Investigation Update

On May 29, 2026, following Vietnam’s designation as a “Priority Foreign Country” in the 2026 Special 301 Report released on April 30, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer initiated a Section 301 investigation into Vietnam’s intellectual property (IP) protection and enforcement practices. The investigation will assess whether Vietnam’s long-standing shortcomings in combating IP infringement are unreasonable or discriminatory and whether they burden U.S. commerce. While the U.S. acknowledged that Vietnam has recently made some progress on IP issues, USTR stated that widespread infringement continues to harm American innovators and creators. The investigation, conducted under the Trade Act of 1974, will examine Vietnam’s IP-related laws, policies, and enforcement practices, after which the U.S. administration will determine whether responsive trade or enforcement actions are warranted. A copy of the Federal Register Notice is available here. A docket for comments regarding the investigation will be available here.

Economic Update

Outstanding credit in Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring Dong Nai surpassed VND6 trillion (approximately USD237 billion) by the end of April 2026, representing a 3.8% increase compared to the end of 2025, according to the State Bank of Vietnam’s Regional Branch No.2. While slightly below the national credit growth rate of 4.4%, the two economic hubs accounted for more than 31% of the country’s total outstanding credit, underscoring their importance to Vietnam’s financial system.

In Ho Chi Minh City, authorities are also accelerating the shift toward digital finance and cashless payments, particularly in tourism and retail. Cross-border QR payment systems linked to China, South Korea, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos have driven a sharp increase in spending by international visitors, especially Chinese tourists, whose daily digital transactions have risen from a few hundred million dong to several billion dong per day.

The city is actively promoting e-commerce, modern retail infrastructure, and tourism-shopping programs to support economic growth, while digital payments are becoming increasingly common in traditional markets such as Ben Thanh Market, where many vendors report that 70–90% of customers now pay cashlessly. Credit growth meanwhile continued to flow into productive sectors, led by manufacturing and processing (+5.8%), agriculture (+5.4%), and wholesale and retail trade (+4.4%), reflecting continued support for business activity and domestic consumption.

Previous Events

I have to admit that I was impressed with the athletic skills of our AmCham community at our first ever Pickleball Tournament last Saturday. We welcomed 24 teams who served, smashed, and volleyed (or at least attempted!) all morning for the coveted first place prize. We had a great time laughing and playing, so I really must thank our players for making it a great event. I’d love to thank our Silver Sponsors: Innovature and JOOLA Vietnam; Bronze Sponsor: Phong Kham Evolve; In-Kind Sponsors: Asian Tigers Transport, Dong Thai Company, Hotchland Nutrition, New World Saigon Hotel, and Seanata; and our Beverage Sponsors: Coca-Cola Beverages Vietnam and Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam Beverage. 

We had a fantastic turnout at our monthly Connect and Cocktails networking event which was held at Quán Bụi Garden 3! So many new faces and everyone was in a great mood. I’d like to extend our gratitude to our lucky draw sponsors — Lamy Vietnam, Eddie’s Vietnam, and Dahi Handi Vista Indian Restaurant — for contributing exciting prizes for our guests. You can check out more photos from the evening here. 

Upcoming Events

Curious about how AI is changing education? Join us on Wednesday morning for an engaging discussion on the opportunities and challenges that artificial intelligence, especially generative AI, is bringing to classrooms, universities, and the workplace. The event will bring together educators, school leaders, policymakers, researchers, and HR professionals to share real-world experiences, explore practical AI tools already being used in teaching and learning, and discuss the skills young people will need to succeed in the AI era. It’s also a great chance to connect with others passionate about the future of education and how Vietnam can responsibly embrace AI while ensuring ethical and inclusive development. Register here!

On Friday morning, AmCham members are invited to join a complimentary webinar hosted by the American Association of the Indo-Pacific, of which AmCham Vietnam – HCMC is a member. The discussion will explore the geopolitical and geoeconomic dynamics of U.S.–Southeast Asia relations, with a particular focus on the Iran conflict, the future of freedom of navigation globally, and the implications for Southeast Asia following the recent Trump–Xi Summit. You can register here.

And last but certainly not least — are you ready for our biggest and most exciting Independence Day Celebration & Community Picnic yet? AmCham is proud to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American Independence on Saturday, July 4, 2026, with a special evening bringing together more than 1,000 guests from the international business community and their families. Now in its 31st year, this signature event will feature great food, live entertainment, games, raffle prizes, and plenty of FUN! This year will also introduce several exciting changes, including a new venue at The American School (TAS), a new evening schedule from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM (so it won’t be as hot!), and expanded children’s activities. We have sponsorship packages available and you can purchase tickets here. I can’t wait to see you there!

Have a great week ahead,

Travis Mitchell

Executive Director

Members are encouraged to bring forward any advocacy needs or related questions to the relevant Committees, or by email to advocacyaction@amchamvietnam.com.

Similarly, we invite members experiencing instances of administrative delays and challenges to share details via email to communications@amchamvietnam.com. We are compiling this information on behalf of our members.

Members are welcome to join, in-person or virtually:

• Legal & VBF Liaison Committee Meeting, June 10, 2026 – 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
• Digital Economy & Technology Committee Meeting, June 16, 2026 – 9:00 am - 10:00 am
• Tourism & Hospitality Committee Meeting, June 18, 2026 – 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
• Manufacturing Committee Meeting, June 19, 2026 – 9:00 am - 10:00 am
• Logistics & Transportation Committee Meeting, June 24, 2026 – 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Make the Most of Your AmCham Membership!

AmCham members are encouraged to take full advantage of the exclusive discounts and special offers available through the AmCham Membership Discount Program. Simply present your AmCham Membership Card to enjoy valuable deals from our trusted Discount Partners. You can view the complete list of offers here.

Interested in Becoming a Discount Partner?

We welcome companies looking to join the program and promote their products or services to a dynamic network of over 2,000 business professionals representing more than 550 corporate members. It’s a great opportunity to boost visibility and attract new customers.

To become a Discount Partner, please complete this Form or contact us at amcham.membership@amchamvietnam.com for more details.

[Tuoi Tre News] Vietnam committed to IP protection amid US Section 301 probe. Vietnam is consistently committed to strengthening intellectual property (IP) rights protection and enforcement to foster a transparent business environment, support innovation, and fulfill international commitments following a U.S. probe into the country's IP practices, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Saturday.

[Reuters] US investigates Vietnam's intellectual property practices. The Trump administration on Friday opened an unfair trade practices investigation into Vietnam's intellectual property protection policies and enforcement that may lead to new tariffs or other trade measures.

[Reuters] 'Business as usual': Fakes, piracy thrive in Vietnam as US tariff deadline nears. At a sprawling bazaar on the outskirts of Vietnam's capital, the trade in counterfeit goods is bustling despite government crackdowns and the threat of U.S. tariffs over the issue, two visits by Reuters journalists to ‌the market found.

[VietnamNet] Finance Ministry reports to PM on travel ban linked to VND15,000 tax debt. Vietnam’s Finance Ministry has reported to the Prime Minister on a case involving a travel suspension linked to a VND15,000 (US$0.58) tax debt, while pledging faster processing through system upgrades.

[VOV.vn] New US East Coast shipping service makes first call at Vietnam's SSIT. SP-SSA International Terminal (SSIT), a strategic deep-sea port, has officially welcomed ZIM's new ZXB service, marking a further step in the port's efforts to expand its international maritime connections in the Cai Mep-Thi Vai area in Ho Chi Minh City.

[Vietnam Investment Review] Qualcomm sees Vietnam moving beyond manufacturing towards innovation. Qualcomm’s new R&D Center in Hanoi underscores both its long-term commitment to Vietnam and the country’s growing role in the global technology landscape. Dr. Baaziz Achour spoke with VIR’s My Kieu about Qualcomm’s evolving R&D strategy and vision for Vietnam’s future.

[Vietnam Investment Review] Amazon to invest over $33 billion in cloud and AI infrastructure in Southeast Asia. On May 21, Amazon announced a plan to invest over $33 billion in cloud and AI infrastructure in some Southeast Asia countries by 2039.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam

in Ho Chi Minh City

New World Hotel Suite 323

76 Le Lai Street, Ben Thanh Ward

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Phone: +84 28 3824 3562