Enhancing the resilience of Vietnamese exporting enterprises to trade shocks

This study examines how Vietnamese exporting enterprises develop resilience amid growing trade uncertainty following the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the combined effects of the United States’ 2025 reciprocal tariff policy and geopolitical developments involving Iran. A qualitative multiple-case approach was employed through in-depth interviews with senior managers from eight exporting enterprises operating in different industries. The findings show that trade shocks disrupt production planning, reduce profit margins, increase logistics and input costs, and cause substantial order fluctuations. In response, enterprises develop dynamic capabilities through four main pathways: digitalization and automation, stronger technical and intellectual property capabilities, market diversification, and leaner operations. The study recommends strengthening internal capabilities, reducing dependence on individual markets and customers, improving supply chain coordination, investing selectively in technology, and supporting exporters through appropriate trade, financial, and market-information policies.