Dony Garment factory workers on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City have been putting in extra hours for weeks.

They had been bracing for the worst ever since Donald Trump declared a massive 46% trade penalty on Vietnam.

They’re hurrying purchases to customers in three different U.S. states.

Before Mr. Trump’s crucial decision day, sewing machines hum with the sounds of desperate attempts to do what they can. No one in this workplace is taking anything for granted, even if he temporarily suspended his “Liberation Day” tariffs for ninety days.

Do Thi Anh and other employees are feeling the strain.

“I have to raise two kids. The United States will purchase fewer goods if the tariffs are excessive. My income will decline, and I will also be unable to provide for my kids. Fortunately, our boss has a clear vision here,” she informs me.

Do Thi Anh

In 2021, that vision was formulated. They began considering market diversification after the COVID-19 pandemic.

40% of their clothing was formerly sent to the United States. It is now nearer 20%.

“We see it as dangerous to depend on one or two markets,” says Pham Quang Anh, the firm’s cheerful owner, with a sturdy smile. We thus had to forgo profits in order to fund marketing in other markets.