As Vietnam becomes increasingly integrated into the global economy, the large scale of export activities also brings greater exposure to competition and an increasing number of foreign trade defense (TD) investigations and measures.

Export and import goods being transported at Phuoc An Port (Phuoc An Commune). Photo: Hai Quan

To facilitate international integration and minimize risks related to trade defense measures, businesses need to proactively equip themselves with basic knowledge of trade defense, regularly monitor and exchange information with industry associations, exporters, and regulatory authorities, and establish comprehensive and transparent management, legal, and accounting systems.

Facing Growing Challenges

As the global economy undergoes significant shifts and Vietnam becomes increasingly integrated through the signing and implementation of new-generation free trade agreements (FTAs), import and export activities across the country, including Dong Nai City, have achieved many notable results.

However, these major opportunities also come with significant challenges. Trade protectionism around the world is on the rise. Importing countries are increasingly using trade defense measures, including anti-dumping investigations, countervailing measures, safeguard measures, and investigations into the circumvention of trade defense measures against goods exported from Vietnam.

At the 2026 Training Conference on Enhancing Capacity to Respond to Trade Defense Measures and Early Warning, organized by the Dong Nai City Department of Industry and Trade and the Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam under the Ministry of Industry and Trade in July 2026, Deputy Director General of the Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam Chu Thang Trung noted that, amid the continued rise of trade protectionism worldwide, trade defense measures are being used by more countries with increasing frequency and complexity.

According to data from the Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, by the end of May 2026, there had been 321 trade defense investigations involving Vietnamese exports, with anti-dumping and safeguard investigations accounting for the largest share. Countervailing investigations represented a smaller proportion but have been increasing rapidly due to their complexity and emerging protectionist trends. In addition, investigations into the circumvention of trade defense duties have also been on the rise.

This highlights the urgent need for Vietnamese businesses to strengthen risk management capabilities, proactively monitor warning signals, and prepare sufficient resources to respond effectively to investigations, protect production and export activities, and maintain competitiveness in international markets.

According to experts, Dong Nai City is one of the country’s major industrial centers, with import and export turnover consistently ranking among the highest nationwide. As a result, businesses in the city face a significant risk of trade defense lawsuits from foreign markets. Products with high export turnover, such as footwear and wood products, are particularly vulnerable to trade defense measures.

Businesses Need to Take a Proactive Approach

In reality, businesses that lack a strong understanding of international rules, fail to proactively prepare their response capabilities, and lack early warning information about trade defense measures may face significant legal risks and considerable impacts on their export operations.

In recent years, relevant departments and agencies in Dong Nai have organized various activities and training programs for local businesses to raise awareness and provide knowledge on responding to trade defense measures.

Cashew nut production at a business in Xuan Hoa Commune, Dong Nai City.

The training programs focus on issues of particular concern to businesses, including global trends and developments in trade defense investigations; risks facing Vietnamese exports; risks associated with exporting to key markets; early warning mechanisms for trade defense measures; and methods of using export data to identify potential investigation risks at an early stage.

Truong Van Thanh, Director of Nhu Hoang Agricultural Services and Trading Cooperative (Tho Son Commune, Dong Nai City), said that the organization proactively keeps up to date with knowledge about trade defense measures, intellectual property information, and trademark copyright registration to ensure the legal protection of its products, particularly as international economic integration continues to deepen.

At the 2026 Training Conference on Enhancing Capacity to Respond to Trade Defense Measures and Early Warning in July 2026, businesses in Dong Nai heard experts analyze the causes and trends of trade defense investigations, as well as lessons learned from practical cases. Based on these insights, experts guided businesses on preparing documents and data and strengthening coordination with state management agencies when handling trade defense cases, helping minimize risks and protect businesses’ legitimate rights and interests.

Tran Duong Hung, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai City Department of Industry and Trade, said that the core objective of organizing training on trade defense response capabilities is to equip state management agencies, industry associations, and especially the business community in the city with practical knowledge and updated information on global trade defense investigation trends. The training also provides detailed guidance on procedures for preparing case files so that businesses can protect themselves both in the domestic market and in international markets.

The Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam under the Ministry of Industry and Trade has developed and operates an early warning system for trade defense measures. Through this system, businesses can proactively monitor export developments for individual products, promptly identify potential risk signals, and adjust their production, business activities, and market strategies before investigations are initiated.

Lam Phương

Source: Báo Đồng Nai