Haiphong, Vietnam’s northern port city, exploded with factories and jobs after President Trump’s 2018 tariffs on China. Companies like Apple and Samsung rushed to build there, turning rice fields into industrial zones. Haiphong became a symbol of Vietnam’s rise as a global manufacturing hub. But now, Trump’s new tariffs threaten to slow this growth, putting Vietnam’s economy at risk.
Under Trump’s first term, Haiphong’s ports buzzed with cargo ships carrying goods to America. Chinese companies moved factories to Vietnam to dodge tariffs, creating jobs and boosting Vietnam’s exports. The city’s economy grew fast, with new highways and airports built to handle the boom. Conservatives praised Trump’s policies for weakening China’s grip on trade, but critics warned Vietnam was just a middleman for Chinese goods.
Today, Vietnam faces a tough choice. Trump’s latest tariffs target countries with big trade surpluses with America—and Vietnam’s surplus is huge. Chinese firms still pour money into Vietnam, making up nearly 30% of new projects. Some conservatives argue Vietnam must crack down on Chinese backdoor deals or face tariffs that could hurt its factories. “Vietnam won’t get a free pass this time,” one trade expert warned.
Haiphong’s success came at a cost. Workers endure long hours and low pay, while pollution chokes the city. Infrastructure projects like the $14 billion Long Thanh Airport strain Vietnam’s budget. Conservatives say this shows the risks of rapid growth without strong labor and environmental rules. Still, Vietnam’s leaders bet big on more factories and highways to keep the economy humming.
Trump’s team wants to close trade loopholes, accusing Vietnam of letting China skirt tariffs. New rules could force companies to prove their products aren’t just Chinese goods with a “Made in Vietnam” sticker. This would hit Haiphong’s factories hard, especially in electronics and textiles. Some conservatives support tougher checks to protect American jobs, even if it means higher prices for U.S. shoppers.
Vietnam’s leaders scramble to avoid Trump’s wrath. They’ve boosted infrastructure spending to 7% of GDP, building roads and ports to attract non-Chinese investors. Projects like the North-South high-speed rail aim to show Vietnam’s independence from China. But critics say these costly projects bury Vietnam in debt while Chinese firms still dominate key industries.
The stakes are high. Over 80% of Vietnam’s exports go to America, and tariffs could wipe out jobs. Haiphong’s workers fear factories will shut down, echoing the Rust Belt’s decline. Conservatives urge Vietnam to play fair, buy more American goods, and reject China’s influence. “Vietnam must choose: partner with America or become China’s puppet,” a U.S. official said.
As Trump’s tariffs loom, Vietnam walks a tightrope. Haiphong’s boom proved resilience, but new challenges test its growth. Conservatives argue America must stay tough on trade to protect its interests, even if it means short-term pain for allies. For Vietnam, surviving Trump’s trade war means balancing ambition with honesty—or paying the price.
