Gia Lai (Formerly Binh Dinh) Amid Trade Turbulence: Wood and Stone Businesses Struggle in the U.S. Market
21/08/2025
A series of trade defense investigations recently initiated by the United States has created an increasingly uncertain business environment for Vietnamese exporters.
In central Vietnam, the area formerly known as Bình Định — now part of Gia Lai Province after the 2025 administrative merger — relies on the U.S. market for up to 35% of total export turnover. Here, businesses, especially in the wood and stone sectors, are under mounting pressure.
A Wave of Investigations and Growing Risks
According to official data, the U.S. market plays a crucial role in Binh Dinh’s economic growth. However, this reliance now comes with significant risks.
A Wave of Investigations and Growing Risks
According to official data, the U.S. market plays a crucial role in Binh Dinh’s economic growth. However, this reliance now comes with significant risks.
- April 2025: The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) announced preliminary anti-dumping duties on coated steel products from Vietnam.
- May 2025: The DOC received petitions to investigate anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures on plywood and decorative wood products from Vietnam.
Although natural granite has not yet been directly targeted, these developments signal a worrying precedent: increasing trade barriers and stricter scrutiny from U.S. authorities.
The Stone Industry at Risk of “Collateral Damage”
The most pressing threat lies with quartz surfaces. The U.S. has imposed extremely high tariffs on quartz products from China, and Vietnam has since emerged as one of the top exporters to the U.S. This shift raises the risk of anti-circumvention investigations.
If Vietnamese producers are found to be using Chinese-origin inputs to avoid U.S. tariffs, they could face the same punitive duty rates currently applied to China – a risk long highlighted by industry experts and associations.
The Stone Industry at Risk of “Collateral Damage”
The most pressing threat lies with quartz surfaces. The U.S. has imposed extremely high tariffs on quartz products from China, and Vietnam has since emerged as one of the top exporters to the U.S. This shift raises the risk of anti-circumvention investigations.
If Vietnamese producers are found to be using Chinese-origin inputs to avoid U.S. tariffs, they could face the same punitive duty rates currently applied to China – a risk long highlighted by industry experts and associations.
The Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam (under MOIT) has repeatedly warned exporters to be proactive:
- Maintain transparent records and documentation to prove clear origin of inputs.
- Study U.S. trade defense investigation procedures in detail.
- Fully cooperate with U.S. authorities if an investigation is initiated.
- Diversify export markets to reduce overdependence on the U.S.
Vantage Logistics – Practical Solutions for Binh Dinh Exporters
In today’s volatile trade environment, a robust logistics strategy is not only about cost savings but also about compliance and risk management.
Vantage Logistics provides specialised solutions:
- Transparent Origin Tracking: With international express licenses and FMC certification (#023190), VLC issues direct bills of lading, providing documented proof of origin to minimise risks of anti-circumvention claims.
- Flexible Transport Options: Multimodal shipping solutions (ocean, air, intermodal) allow businesses to adapt quickly and optimise costs when the U.S. tightens regulations.
- Compliance & Trade Advisory: Vantage’s team of specialists helps exporters in wood, stone, and other sectors build compliant logistics plans aligned with U.S. trade rules.
- Alternative Market Access: Global freight connections to Europe and Asia reduce reliance on a single export market, spreading risk and safeguarding business continuity.
Vantage Logistics delivers end-to-end logistics solutions that empower businesses to stay resilient amid rising trade risks. Contact us now!