Vietnam intensifies efforts to curb counterfeiting, digital piracy amid trade talks with U.S.
06 June 2025
Vietnam has intensified its efforts to curb counterfeiting, particularly imported counterfeit products, and digital piracy amid ongoing trade talks with the U.S.
Ho Chi Minh City’s Saigon Square shopping mall, known for the abundance of counterfeit luxury goods being sold in its stores, is on the U.S. Trade Representative’s list of notorious markets for counterfeiting.
The U.S., Vietnam’s top export market, is also threatening to slap the latter with a tariff rate of 46 percent. In 2024, exports from Vietnam to the U.S. amounted to US$136.6 billion. The figure represents 29 percent of Vietnam’s exports last year and 30 percent of its gross domestic product.
Vietnam has put in place a comprehensive and coordinated strategy to curb counterfeiting and digital piracy. The strategy includes government directives, nationwide campaigns, the establishment of a special inter-ministerial task force, intensified enforcement actions across the country, targeted measures against digital piracy and continuous updates to the legal framework.
In May 2025, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued Official Dispatch No. 65, which initiated a comprehensive campaign against smuggling, trade fraud, counterfeit goods and violations of intellectual property rights. The dispatch embodied the principle of ‘no forbidden zones, no exceptions.’
The prime minister also issued Directive No. 13 to reinforce the fight against smuggling, commercial fraud and counterfeit goods.
Manh Hung Tran | managing director @ BMVN (alliance with Baker McKenzie), Hanoi
One of the most recent raids undertaken by enforcement authorities was at Saigon Square. Thousands of suspected counterfeit products, including watches from famous brands, designer bags and branded accessories were discovered. “This raid is significant as Saigon Square has long been recognized by both local and foreign authorities as a hub for counterfeit goods. The recent operation sends a clear message that no location is beyond the reach of the current anti-counterfeiting campaign,” said Manh Hung Tran, managing director at BMVN (alliance with Baker McKenzie) in Hanoi.
In addition, the Inspectorate of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, issued warnings and official notifications to business enterprises using pirated or cracked software.
The government is also harnessing the power of modern digital technologies.
“Public security forces have begun deploying artificial intelligence systems to analyze transaction patterns and identify suspicious activities. Police units are also exploring blockchain and utilizing big data analytics to track product origins and supply chain movements,” Tran revealed. “These technological tools are being gradually integrated to complement traditional oversight and inspection methods, particularly as counterfeiters increasingly operate through ecommerce platforms where conventional enforcement faces significant challenges.”
According to him, such a transition represents a shift from a classical reactive enforcement model to a more proactive prevention approach.
- Espie Angelica A. de Leon
