Tariffs, Trade, and Transformation: Rethinking Supply Chains in the Section 301 Era

As global trade policies continue to shift, companies relying on international manufacturing are feeling the pressure—especially those sourcing from China. With the continuation of Section 301 tariffs under the current administration, many U.S. businesses are facing a new reality: significantly higher production costs, unpredictable policy changes, and the urgent need to rethink where and how their products are made.

At DVR International, we help brands turn these challenges into strategic opportunities. By building resilient, diversified, and tariff-aware supply chains, our clients don’t just adapt—they stay ahead.

What Are Section 301 Tariffs, and Why Do They Matter?

Section 301 tariffs stem from a U.S. Trade Act provision that allows the government to penalize foreign countries for unfair trade practices. In 2018, these tariffs were imposed on Chinese imports following an investigation into intellectual property theft and forced tech transfers.

Since then, over $370 billion worth of goods from China have been impacted—with tariff rates between 7.5% and 25%, covering thousands of product categories including electronics, machinery, automotive parts, packaging, and consumer goods. These costs are non-reimbursable, meaning U.S. businesses absorb the full increase.

With no clear timeline for rollback—and a political climate still favoring trade enforcement—Section 301 has permanently reshaped the economics of sourcing from China. Brands are now prioritizing cost predictability and sourcing diversification more than ever.

DVR’s Strategy: Shifting to Vietnam, Building Resilience

Rather than wait out the tariffs, DVR has proactively helped clients shift key production lines to Vietnam, one of the most promising alternatives in today’s manufacturing landscape.

Vietnam offers a powerful combination of lower labor costs, skilled talent, trade agreement access, and political stability. Most importantly, goods manufactured in Vietnam are not subject to Section 301 tariffs, giving companies immediate cost relief and greater long-term control.

We’ve built an end-to-end support system around this shift—handling everything from design for manufacturing and supplier vetting to logistics, compliance, and U.S. distribution.

Why Our Clients Choose DVR

Tariff-Proof Cost Stability

By moving production to Vietnam, DVR clients protect themselves from unpredictable tariff spikes while keeping pricing competitive.

Real-Time Agility

With multi-region capabilities and bilingual teams on the ground, we adapt quickly to changing policies, supply constraints, or compliance shifts—ensuring minimal disruption and consistent delivery.

Sustainability and ESG Alignment

Manufacturing closer to key material sources and end markets reduces freight emissions and supports greener supply chain models—an increasing priority for our clients and their customers.

Compliance and End-to-End Visibility

From customs paperwork to quality checks and inventory management, DVR gives clients full transparency across their supply chain, so nothing is left to chance.

Final Thoughts: From Tariff Pressure to Strategic Progress

Section 301 tariffs aren’t just a temporary hurdle—they're a catalyst for smarter, more resilient supply chains. For brands still relying heavily on China, the cost of inaction is growing. But with the right partner and a clear strategy, there’s a better path forward.

At DVR International, we help companies navigate complexity with confidence—leveraging Vietnam’s strengths, avoiding tariff risk, and building agile systems that support long-term growth.

Ready to protect your margins and future-proof your operations? Let’s talk.