The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced on May 29, 2026, that it has initiated an investigation into Vietnam under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The probe targets Vietnam’s acts, policies, and practices related to intellectual property protection and enforcement, following its designation as a Priority Foreign Country in the 2026 Special 301 Report published on April 30, 2026. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer launched the review to determine whether Vietnam’s failure to resolve IP concerns constitutes unreasonable or discriminatory practices that burden or restrict U.S. commerce.
What it means
The investigation is a statutory response to Vietnam’s listing as a Priority Foreign Country, a designation defined under Section 182(b) of the Trade Act of 1974. Under Section 302 of the same act, the Trade Representative was required to decide within 30 days of the April 30 report publication whether to open an investigation; the May 29 announcement fulfills that timeline.
Ambassador Greer stated that while Vietnam has taken some recent steps, IP infringement continues to impair the competitive position of U.S. innovators and creators. He emphasized the need for sustained resolution of long-standing concerns to deter future infringements. Upon completion of the investigation, Ambassador Greer will determine responsive action in consultation with President Trump. A Federal Register Notice is available, and a docket for comments regarding the investigation will be available.
Key facts
- Investigation initiated under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974
- Vietnam designated as Priority Foreign Country in 2026 Special 301 Report
- Report published April 30, 2026
- Investigation launched May 29, 2026, within the 30-day window required by Section 302
- Focus: IP protection and enforcement practices
- Goal: Determine if practices are unreasonable, discriminatory, or burden U.S. commerce
- Next steps: Responsive action determined in consultation with President Trump after investigation concludes
- Federal Register Notice and public comment docket available
Source: Office of the U.S. Trade Representative news release