The warning was given by the Trade Remedies Council (TRC) under the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) at a discussion on the issue in Hanoi on September 29. 

DOC announced 14 proposed changes to strengthen trade law enforcement and assist US companies’ competition on August 26. 

According to the TRC President Dinh Thi My Loan, as the US considers Vietnam a non-market economy, not only Vietnam’s major hard currency earners, including seafood, garment and footwear but also sectors with low export value would be exposed to litigation risk if the US’s new regulations apply. 

In other words, Vietnam may face more anti-dumping lawsuits in the future if the regulations are enforced, said US lawyer William H. Brringer. 

At the moment, several of Vietnam’s agricultural and aquacultural products and PE bags exported to the US are being sued for anti-dumping, he said. 

The increase in the exports of Chinese commodities made in Vietnam is also an attributor to the risk, the lawyer said. 

To avoid the bad effect for Vietnam’s exports, local exporters should be well-prepared, especially in terms of proofs, to cope with anti-dumping and anti-subsidy lawsuits, according to experts. 

For this purpose, experienced lawyer Barringer advised Vietnamese enterprises to consult the TRC and the Competition Management Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade and strengthen cooperation with trade associations.