IP Rights Showdown: US Targets Vietnam Amid Global Tensions

The US Trade Representative's 2026 report highlights Vietnam as a Priority Foreign Country due to severe intellectual property rights violations, the first such classification in 13 years. Despite previous attempts at negotiation, Vietnam has not made progress, prompting potential US investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act.

Vietnam has been identified as a Priority Foreign Country (PFC) in the 2026 US Special 301 report, highlighting severe issues in intellectual property protection. This designation is significant, as Vietnam has not been classified as such in the last 13 years, indicating profound US concerns.

The report, which emphasizes inadequacy in IP rights enforcement, places Vietnam alongside five other nations on a priority watch list. Despite previous US proposals and revised plans for improving negotiations, Vietnam has failed to advance discussions or strengthen IP rights protection substantially.

With potential investigations lined up under Section 301 of the Trade Act, the US aims to address these persistent issues. Ambassador Jamieson Greer emphasized the importance of protecting American innovators and creators, stressing the need for fair trade practices globally.