Vietnam vs China: Which Is Cheaper to Import From in 2026?

Data verified May 6, 2026

25 percentage points. That's the tariff gap between China and Vietnam on most consumer goods in 2026. It's the number that makes Vietnam's higher manufacturing costs worth absorbing for many Amazon FBA sellers and importers.

Tariff Rate Comparison

Tariff Layer	🇨🇳 China	🇻🇳 Vietnam	Difference
MFN Base Duty	Same	Same	0%
Section 301	7.5-100%	0%	7.5-100%
Section 122	10%	10%	0%
Typical Total	22-67%+	10-28%	12-40%+

The entire difference comes from Section 301. Vietnam faces zero Section 301 tariffs, while Chinese goods face an additional 7.5-100% depending on the product. Both countries face the same 10% Section 122 surcharge and the same MFN base rates.

Beyond Tariffs: Total Cost Comparison

Product costs: Vietnamese manufacturing is 0-15% more expensive than Chinese for most products. The gap is narrowing as Vietnam's manufacturing ecosystem matures.

Shipping: Similar costs and transit times from both countries to US West Coast ports. Vietnam may be slightly more expensive for LCL (less than container load) shipments.

Quality: Varies by supplier. Vietnam excels in furniture, textiles, and electronics assembly. China still leads in complex manufacturing and has a deeper supplier base.

Minimum orders: Vietnamese suppliers often require higher minimum orders than Chinese counterparts, which can be challenging for small businesses.

When Vietnam Wins

For commodity products where Chinese and Vietnamese quality/pricing are comparable, Vietnam wins every time due to the 25% Section 301 savings. This includes furniture, basic electronics, textiles, footwear, and home goods.

When China Still Wins

For complex products requiring specialized manufacturing, tight tolerances, or sophisticated supply chains, China's ecosystem advantage can overcome the tariff disadvantage — especially if the product cost is 15%+ lower than Vietnamese alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions