Thailand vs Vietnam: Import Tariff Comparison 2026
Importing consumer electronics from Thailand costs 11.5% in total tariffs compared to 21.5% from Vietnam under the current 2026 tariff regime. Thailand offers the lower effective tariff rate at 11.5%, while Vietnam comes in at 21.5%. Both countries are subject to the Section 122 global surcharge enacted in February 2026, which adds a uniform layer on top of MFN base rates for non-exempt goods. The rate differential of 10% translates directly into landed cost differences for importers choosing between these two sourcing origins. Understanding the complete tariff stack — MFN base plus special tariffs — is essential for accurate landed cost forecasting when comparing Thailand and Vietnam as sourcing options.
Tariff Rate Comparison
Consumer Electronics| Rate Type | ThailandSave 10.0pp vs highest | Vietnambilateral |
|---|---|---|
| MFN Base RateMost Favored Nation tariff | 1.50% | 1.50% |
| Section 122Emergency surcharge (expires ~Jul 24, 2026) | 10.00% | 0.00% |
| Section 232Steel & aluminum tariff | N/A | N/A |
| Section 301China-only additional tariff | N/A | N/A |
| Bilateral DealNegotiated rate replaces S122 | N/A | 20.00% |
| Total Effective Rate | 11.50% | 21.50% |
Rate Comparison by Product Category
| Product | Thailand | Vietnam | Savings ($10K) |
|---|---|---|---|
| consumer electronics | 11.5% | 21.5% | $1,055 |
| plastics rubber | 14.5% | 24.5% | $1,055 |
| seafood | 2.0% | 22.0% | $2,110 |
| industrial machinery | 12.0% | 22.0% | $1,055 |
| clothing garments | 22.0% | 32.0% | $1,055 |
Trade Agreement Status
Thailand has no bilateral agreement with the US and faces the standard balance-of-payments surcharge of 10% on most imports. Vietnam has a bilateral deal with the US at 20% (replaces the standard Section 122 rate). For products under Section 232 national security tariffs, the bilateral deal or Section 122 rate does not apply — S232 rates govern instead. China-origin goods additionally face Section 301 tariffs that stack on top of all other duties, making trade agreement status a defining factor in the total tariff burden.
When to Source from Each Country
Thailand offers lower tariff rates across all focus product categories in this comparison, making it the more cost-effective sourcing origin from a tariff perspective. Source from Vietnam when its supplier relationships, product specialization, or geographic advantages outweigh the tariff cost differential. Always model total landed cost — including freight, insurance, MPF, and HMF fees — before finalizing sourcing decisions.
Full Landed Cost — $10,000 Shipment
Consumer ElectronicsThailandFull Landed Cost Breakdown
Based on a $10,000 ocean shipment (FOB value)
VietnamFull Landed Cost Breakdown
Based on a $10,000 ocean shipment (FOB value)
Savings Analysis
On a $10,000 shipment of consumer electronics, importing from Thailand saves $1,055 in duties compared to Vietnam — a 46.5% reduction in total import costs. Thailand incurs $1,213 in duties on the $10,000 shipment, while Vietnam incurs $2,268. This difference compounds across larger order volumes and is a key factor in supplier selection decisions for importers sourcing consumer electronics.
Frequently Asked Questions
The total effective tariff rate on consumer electronics is 11.5% from Thailand and 21.5% from Vietnam under current 2026 tariff policy. These rates include the MFN base rate, applicable Section 122 surcharge or bilateral deal rate, Section 232 duties for covered products, and Section 301 tariffs for Chinese goods. Use the CalcMyTariff.com calculator above to enter your specific invoice value and shipping details for a precise landed cost breakdown.
Thailand does not have a formal trade agreement with the United States. Imports from Thailand are subject to the standard balance-of-payments surcharge of 10% on most goods, stacked on top of MFN base rates.
Vietnam has a bilateral trade deal with the US at a negotiated rate of 20%, which replaces the Section 122 rate for imports from Vietnam. This creates a differentiated tariff structure compared to non-deal countries.
Thailand is cheaper for plastics rubber with a 14.5% total tariff rate, compared to 24.5% from Vietnam. On a $10,000 shipment, this 10% rate difference saves $1,000 in duties when sourcing from Thailand.
Section 122, enacted in February 2026 for up to 150 days, imposes a global surcharge on most US imports. Thailand faces Section 122 at 10%. Vietnam's bilateral deal rate of 20% replaces Section 122. Note that Section 122 is scheduled to expire on July 24, 2026 — importers should model both current and post-expiry scenarios when planning shipments.
Tariff rates from Tax Foundation, USITC, and Penn Wharton Budget Model; retaliatory and industry data from the ITA Foreign Retaliations Database and U.S. Census Bureau (NAICS). Last verified .