Nearshore News: U.S.–Vietnam Trade Deal, China’s Response, and Amazon’s Logistics Dominance

A newly announced U.S.–Vietnam trade deal marks a sharp shift in regional dynamics, introducing steep tariffs on Vietnamese and transshipped goods that could reshape sourcing strategies across Asia. China’s swift condemnation underscores the deal’s geopolitical weight. As trade tensions escalate, companies like Nike face rising costs, and Amazon continues its quiet rise as the country’s dominant parcel shipper—signaling deeper shifts in how goods are made, moved, and priced.

Nearshore News Summary:

• President Trump announced a trade deal with Vietnam that imposes a 20% tariff on Vietnamese imports and a 40% tariff on transshipped goods. It’s not yet clear when it takes effect or if it’s formally signed. (CNBC)
• Beijing condemns the U.S.-Vietnam trade deal, viewing the trans-shipment tariffs as part of a broader strategy to limit China’s global supply chain influence. (Financial Times)
• Amazon is on track to overtake the U.S. Postal Service as the top parcel shipper in the U.S. by 2028. It has already overtaken both FedEx and UPS in U.S. shipping volume. (Supply Chain Dive)
• Nike expects to incur an additional $1 billion in costs due to new U.S. tariffs and reports its worst result in over three years. (The Guardian)

Trump says U.S. struck trade deal with Vietnam that imposes 20% tariff on its imports

Published: July 2, 2025
Source: CNBC

President Trump announced a trade deal with Vietnam that imposes a 20% tariff on Vietnamese imports and a 40% tariff on transshipped goods, in exchange for tariff-free U.S. access to Vietnamese markets. 

Key points:

• 20% Tariff on Vietnamese Goods: The U.S. will now impose a 20% tariff on all goods imported from Vietnam under the new deal.
• Crackdown on Transshipping: Goods routed through Vietnam from other countries will be hit with a 40% tariff to prevent circumvention of trade rules, especially by China.
• U.S. Gains Market Access: In return, Vietnam has agreed to give U.S. goods full tariff-free access to its market, a first in their bilateral trade relationship.
• Tariffs May Raise Consumer Prices: The new rates are likely to increase prices for U.S. consumers on goods like apparel, though effects may be delayed due to stockpiling.
• Timing and Details Still Unclear: While the deal was announced on social media, it’s not yet clear when it takes effect or if it’s formally signed, and administration officials have not confirmed all terms.

China criticises Donald Trump’s trade deal with Vietnam

Published: July 3, 2025
Source: Financial Times

China has strongly criticized the new U.S.-Vietnam trade deal, warning it targets Chinese exports through trans-shipment and could disrupt ongoing U.S.-China trade talks. Analysts say the deal is part of a broader U.S. strategy to limit China’s influence in global supply chains by forging bilateral deals with its neighbors.

Key points:

• China Criticizes Trans-shipment Clause: Beijing condemned the deal’s 40% tariff on trans-shipped goods—widely viewed as aimed at Chinese products routed through Vietnam—as a threat to its trade interests.
• Vietnam Accepts High Tariff to Avoid Worse Terms: To sidestep a looming 46% tariff, Vietnam accepted a 20% tariff on its goods and the harsh trans-shipment clause, underlining its dependence on U.S. trade.
• U.S. Strategy Seen as Anti-China: Experts say this deal aligns with Trump’s broader push to isolate China economically by strengthening ties with nearby countries and restricting China-linked trade.
• Warning for Other Countries: Economists suggest that countries seeking trade deals with the U.S. may be expected to reduce trade with China, which could provoke further diplomatic strain.
• Uncertainty Over Enforcement and Scope: Business leaders note confusion remains around how the U.S. will define or enforce the trans-shipment tariff and whether the 20% tariff is additional or final.

Amazon projected to ship more than USPS by 2028: Pitney Bowes

Published: June 30, 2025
Source: Supply Chain Dive

Amazon is on track to overtake the U.S. Postal Service as the top parcel shipper in the U.S. by 2028, according to Pitney Bowes. After surpassing FedEx and UPS in volume, Amazon’s logistics network continues to expand rapidly, signaling major shifts in the U.S. delivery landscape.

Key points:

• Amazon to Top USPS by 2028: Amazon is projected to deliver 8.4 billion U.S. parcels in 2028 — slightly more than USPS’s projected 8.3 billion — making it the largest domestic parcel carrier.
• Surpassed FedEx and UPS: Amazon has already overtaken both FedEx and UPS in U.S. shipping volume, solidifying its position as a major logistics player.
• Logistics Growth Accelerated by UPS Cuts: With UPS cutting its Amazon volume in half, Amazon is rapidly scaling its own delivery capacity, leaning into Amazon Shipping to fill the gap.
• Intensifying Price Competition: Legacy carriers face mounting pressure from new delivery providers and USPS’ Ground Advantage, pushing parcel prices down despite rising costs.
• Alt-Carriers on the Rise: Alternative carriers grew U.S. parcel shipments by 22.6% in 2024, showing Amazon isn’t the only disruptor reshaping last-mile delivery.

Nike expects Trump tariffs to cost it $1bn

Published: June 27, 2025
Source: The Guardian

Nike expects to incur an additional $1 billion in costs due to new U.S. tariffs. In response, the company is shifting production out of China, raising U.S. prices, and cutting corporate costs. Despite these efforts, Nike posted its worst quarterly results in years, with revenue down 12%.

Key points:

• ​​$1 Billion Tariff Hit: Nike estimates a $1B cost increase due to the latest U.S. tariff changes and is taking action to absorb the blow.
• Production Shift: The company plans to reduce its manufacturing in China and redistribute production to other countries to reduce tariff exposure.
• Price Increases Coming: U.S. consumers will see targeted price hikes starting this fall as part of Nike’s cost-mitigation strategy.
• Corporate Cost Cuts: Nike is also reducing overhead to protect margins amid falling revenue and rising expenses.
• Slumping Performance: Nike reported a 12% drop in quarterly revenue, its worst result in over three years, as analysts warn it may be hitting rock bottom.