MỤC LỤC BÀI VIẾT
1. Introduction
For many years, when people think of Vietnam’s exports, they often picture textiles, electronics, or agricultural products. Yet few realize that Vietnam’s expanding network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) has quietly reshaped another critical industry: the manufacturing and export of nails, tie wires, and fasteners.
From galvanized steel nails, coil nails, and common wire nails to annealed binding wires, these small but essential products are the hidden backbone of global infrastructure and housing projects. Today, thanks to FTAs, Vietnam—and companies like United Nail Products Co., Ltd (Kim Xuân)—has become one of the most reliable and competitive suppliers for buyers across Latin America, Europe, and beyond.
2. The Historical Context: Vietnam’s FTA Strategy
Vietnam’s journey toward economic integration began in the late 1980s with Đổi Mới reforms. But the turning point came in 2007, when Vietnam officially joined the World Trade Organization (WTO). Membership in the WTO laid the foundation for a new trade policy: proactive engagement in bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements.
Minister of Trade Truong Dinh Tuyen and Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Pascal Lamy signed the protocol of Vietnam’s accession to the WTO, November 7, 2006_Photo: AFP/TTXVN
Unlike some countries that adopt a selective approach, Vietnam chose an ambitious path—signing agreements with nearly every major economy in the world. The goal was twofold:
Attract foreign investment to build modern industries.
Ensure export markets for domestic manufacturers, including steel-related industries like nails.
By 2025, Vietnam has become a member of more than a dozen FTAs, covering regions as diverse as the EU, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas. This web of Vietnam trade agreements ensures that nail importers can access competitive products with predictable trade terms.
3. Deep Dive into Key Trade Agreements
3.1 CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership)
For nail importers, CPTPP is arguably the most impactful of all Vietnam trade agreements. Covering 11 countries, including Mexico, Chile, Peru, and Canada, it eliminates or reduces tariffs on HS Code 7317 (nails, tacks, staples, fasteners).
- Before CPTPP: Mexican importers faced tariffs of 10–15% on imported nails.
- After CPTPP: Many categories are reduced to zero, creating direct cost savings.
- Practical Impact: Faster clearance processes, preferential certificates of origin (C/O form CPTPP), and legal protection for importers.
This makes Vietnam a strong alternative to China and India for the Latin American construction sector.
3.2 RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership)
RCEP includes 15 economies across Asia-Pacific, such as China, Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN nations. While RCEP’s tariff reductions are more gradual, its real strength lies in supply chain integration.
For nail production, this means:
- Easier access to steel wire rods from Japan and South Korea.
- Reduced duties on galvanizing materials and industrial machinery.
- Simplified rules of origin that allow inputs from multiple RCEP countries to qualify.
Thus, RCEP enhances Vietnam’s ability to maintain consistent quality and competitive prices for nail importers abroad.
3.3 EVFTA (EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement)
The EVFTA, one of the most comprehensive Vietnam trade agreements, is transforming the way European importers source nails.
- Tariff Reductions: Tariffs on many steel products are being phased out within 7 years. Roofing nails and wire nails already enjoy lower import duties.
- Quality Assurance: The EVFTA includes strict rules on technical standards, ensuring Vietnamese exports meet EU benchmarks such as EN 10230-1.
- Market Access: For importers in Germany, France, and Spain, this translates to competitive prices without compromising quality.
3.4 ASEAN Trade Agreements (AFTA and beyond)
Though regional, ASEAN agreements support nail importers indirectly. Lower costs of intra-ASEAN shipping, access to bonded warehouses, and streamlined logistics through Singapore and Malaysia reduce overall lead times for global buyers.
In total, the breadth of Vietnam trade agreements ensures that importers, whether in Latin America or Europe, benefit from both tariff reductions and supply chain stability.
4. How Vietnam Trade Agreements Reduce Import Costs
The benefits of Vietnam trade agreements extend far beyond tariff cuts:
Tariff Reductions: Lower duties under CPTPP and EVFTA translate directly into reduced landed costs.
Rules of Origin Compliance: Nails produced fully in Vietnam qualify easily, avoiding anti-dumping measures often applied to Chinese goods.
Logistics and Customs Facilitation: FTAs often include clauses on simplified customs procedures, reducing clearance times and storage fees.
Financial Predictability: Importers can forecast costs with greater accuracy thanks to multi-year tariff schedules in FTAs.
For nail importers, this combination results in total savings of up to 10–15% compared to non-FTA suppliers.
5. Quality and Standards Alignment
Another underappreciated benefit of Vietnam trade agreements is alignment with global quality standards. FTAs often require compliance with international benchmarks, pushing Vietnamese factories to upgrade technology.
Nail manufacturers in Vietnam now commonly adhere to: ISO 9001, ISO 14001. This ensures that importers receive nails that meet technical specifications consistently, reducing rejection risks.
6. Regional Perspectives: How Importers Benefit
6.1 Latin America
Under CPTPP, Mexican, Chilean, and Peruvian importers gain the most. Tariff elimination makes Vietnamese nails significantly cheaper, while consistent supply chains reduce the risks often associated with Chinese imports.
6.2 European Union
The EVFTA gives EU buyers a gradual but steady reduction in tariffs. German and French importers benefit from Vietnamese nails that comply with EU standards, with the added advantage of lower duties.
6.3 North America
Although the U.S. is not part of CPTPP, importers still benefit indirectly. Vietnamese factories can source high-quality steel under RCEP, ensuring competitive prices for American buyers. Moreover, U.S. importers are diversifying away from China, making Vietnam increasingly attractive.
6.4 Africa and the Middle East
Though not directly covered by current FTAs, African buyers benefit from Vietnam’s expanded logistics network. Many shipments are routed via Singapore or Dubai, reducing costs. As future agreements expand, these markets will likely see greater advantages.
7. Future Outlook: The Next Generation of Vietnam Trade Agreements
Vietnam continues to negotiate and expand its network of FTAs. Upcoming or potential agreements include:
UKVFTA (UK–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement): Strengthening access to the British market.
Digital Trade Agreements: Covering e-certificates of origin, electronic customs, and blockchain-enabled supply chain transparency.
IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework): Though not a full FTA, it could improve labor, sustainability, and supply chain standards, indirectly benefiting nail importers.
For buyers, this means even greater opportunities in the coming decade. Vietnam’s proactive trade strategy ensures its position as a long-term, reliable source of nails and fasteners.
8. Long-Term Strategic Value for Nail Importers
The real strength of Vietnam trade agreements is not just cost reduction but strategic security. Importers gain:
Diversification away from China
Stable long-term pricing
Compliance with global standards
Resilient supply chains
In a world where trade wars and disruptions are increasingly common, sourcing from Vietnam under its wide FTA network provides peace of mind.
United Nail – Your Trusted Partner in Nails Manufacturing
With over 25 years of expertise in nail and tie wire production, United Nail Products Co., Ltd is proud to be one of Vietnam’s pioneering enterprises in this field.
Modern manufacturing base in Trà Noc Industrial Zone, Can Tho city, Vietnam.
Diverse product portfolio: coil nails, common wire nails, pallet nails, roofing nails, annealed binding wires.
Exported to over 30 countries, including key markets such as the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, and Japan.
Certified with ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and aligned with global quality standards.
By fully leveraging FTAs, United Nail ensures that international buyers receive high-quality products at competitive prices, delivered on time—solidifying Vietnam’s position on the global fastener map.
Future Outlook – Expanding Opportunities
Vietnam continues to negotiate new-generation FTAs such as the UKVFTA, digital trade agreements, and participation in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). These will further improve transparency, simplify e-certificates of origin, and enhance digital trade practices.
For global buyers, this means even greater opportunities to build long-term supply chains with Vietnamese partners like United Nail.
9. Conclusion
The story of Vietnam trade agreements is a story of transformation. From a developing economy reliant on basic exports, Vietnam has become a global manufacturing hub for nails and fasteners.
For nail importers worldwide, these agreements deliver tangible benefits: lower tariffs, higher quality, faster logistics, and long-term stability. Whether in Latin America, Europe, or beyond, importers stand to gain by leveraging Vietnam’s expanding trade network.
The bottom line: Vietnam is no longer just a low-cost supplier—it is a trade-savvy partner. By understanding and utilizing Vietnam trade agreements, nail importers can unlock real competitive advantages for the future.
Contact Information
UNITED NAIL PRODUCTS CO., LTD
Specializing in high-quality nails and small coil wire production
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. We hope the information proves helpful to you.