Vietnam Manufacturing Cost Guide 2026
Real pricing by process. China ex-factory vs Vietnam ex-factory — with Section 301 tariffs factored in. See the full landed cost picture before your next sourcing decision.
Section 301 tariffs (25–145%) still apply to Chinese-origin goods in 2026.
Vietnam-origin goods face $0 Section 301 tariffs. This guide shows you the real landed cost comparison — not just ex-factory.
How to Read This Guide
Ex-Factory Prices
Price ranges reflect typical FOB factory gate prices for standard industrial parts. Actual quotes depend on design complexity, material grade, annual volume, and tolerances.
Landed Cost = Ex-Factory + Freight + Tariff
China landed cost includes Section 301 tariff on top of ex-factory price. Vietnam landed cost has $0 Section 301. Sea freight costs are comparable between origins.
All Estimates — Get a Real Quote
These are directional ranges to help you benchmark. For a real apples-to-apples cost comparison on your specific parts, submit an RFQ and we'll match you to factory quotes within 48 hours.
Cost by Manufacturing Process
All prices in USD. Ex-factory estimates from Dewin's 179+ audited Vietnam factory network vs published China benchmarks. Section 301 added to China landed cost where applicable.
CNC Machining
Sample: Aluminum bracket, 6061-T6, ±0.05mm
💬 3-axis and 5-axis available. Tighter tolerances (+$). Surface finishes: anodize, plating, powder coat.
Die Casting
Sample: Aluminum A380 housing, ~200g
💬 HPDC and LPDC. Alloys: A380, ADC12, ZA8. Tooling lead time: 3–5 weeks extra for new dies.
Injection Molding
Sample: PP enclosure, medium complexity
💬 ABS, PP, PC, Nylon, POM, HDPE. Overmolding and insert molding available.
Sheet Metal Fabrication
Sample: Mild steel panel, 2mm, laser+bend+weld
💬 Laser cutting, CNC bending, punching, welding (TIG/MIG/spot). Finishes: powder coat, zinc plate, galvanize.
Metal Stamping
Sample: Steel bracket, 1.5mm, 3-stage progressive
💬 Progressive, compound, and transfer dies. Materials: steel, stainless, aluminum, copper.
Aluminum Extrusion
Sample: 6063-T5 custom profile, standard die
💬 6061, 6063 alloys standard. Die fees $500–$2,000 for custom profiles. Anodize and powder coat finishing.
Investment Casting
Sample: SS316 valve body, ~300g
💬 Carbon steel, SS304/316, alloy steel. Tight tolerances achievable. Wax pattern tooling: $800–$3,000.
Assembly & Kitting
Sample: Multi-component mechanical assembly
💬 Mechanical, electro-mechanical, kitting, labeling. Pre-shipment inspection included. Turnkey BOM sourcing available.
Section 301 Tariff Reference by HS Chapter
Section 301 tariffs are China-specific. These rates are added on top of base MFN duty rates. Vietnam goods pay $0 Section 301. Source: USTR.
| HS Chapter | Product Category | 🇨🇳 China Rate | 🇻🇳 Vietnam Rate | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH 73 | Iron/Steel Products (brackets, weldments) | 25% | 0–3% | 🇻🇳 Wins |
| CH 76 | Aluminum Articles (extrusions, castings) | 25% | 0–5% | 🇻🇳 Wins |
| CH 84 | Machinery & Mechanical Parts | 25% | 0–3% | 🇻🇳 Wins |
| CH 85 | Electrical/Electronic Equipment | 25–145% | 0–5% | 🇻🇳 Wins |
| CH 87 | Automotive Parts & Components | 27.5% | 2.5–5% | 🇻🇳 Wins |
| CH 39 | Plastics / Injection Molded Parts | 25% | 0–5% | 🇻🇳 Wins |
| CH 72 | Steel Semi-Finished (stampings, sheet) | 25% | 0–5% | 🇻🇳 Wins |
| CH 94 | Furniture & Industrial Equipment | 25% | 0–5% | 🇻🇳 Wins |
*Section 301 rates as of March 2026. Base MFN duty rates also apply. Consult your customs broker for classification-specific rates. Source: USTR Trade Representative.
See Your Real Cost Savings
The ranges above are directional. Get a specific quote for your parts from our 179+ audited Vietnam factories — matched to your process, material, and volume — within 48 hours.
No commitment. 48-hour turnaround. Real factories, real quotes.
What Drives Vietnam Manufacturing Costs
Understanding these five factors will help you benchmark more accurately and structure your RFQ to get competitive quotes.
Volume & MOQ
Unit cost drops significantly at higher volumes due to setup amortization. A 500-piece run may cost 30–50% more per unit than a 5,000-piece run on the same part. Always quote your realistic annual volume, not just the first order.
Tolerance & Complexity
Tight tolerances (±0.01mm vs ±0.1mm) can double machining time. Complex geometries requiring 5-axis work or multi-stage setups add cost. Design for manufacturability (DFM) review often uncovers 10–25% cost reduction opportunities.
Material Grade
Material cost is often 20–40% of part price. Standard grades (6061 aluminum, mild steel, PP) are priced competitively. Exotic alloys (Inconel, titanium, medical-grade SS) may require specific factory capabilities — Dewin's network covers both.
Surface Finish & Plating
Unfinished parts cost the least. Add-ons like anodizing (+$0.50–$2/part), zinc plating (+$0.30–$1.50/part), powder coating (+$1–$8/part), or passivation all add cost and lead time. Bundle finishing with fabrication for best pricing.
Lead Time Flexibility
Standard lead times are lowest cost. Expedited production (rush fees typically +15–30%) is available for urgent needs. Planning orders 30–60 days ahead vs 7–14 days ahead typically saves 10–20% on unit cost.
Quality & Certification Requirements
Parts requiring PPAP Level 3, IATF 16949, AS9100, or FDA registration need specialized factories — a subset of our 179+ network. These factories are more selective but still competitive with US or European alternatives.
Vietnam vs China: Full Cost Picture
Beyond unit price — the factors that determine your total landed cost and supply chain risk profile.
| Factor | 🇻🇳 Vietnam | 🇨🇳 China |
|---|---|---|
| Section 301 Tariff | $0 ✅ | 25–145% ⚠️ |
| Active Free Trade Agreements | 16+ FTAs ✅ | Limited |
| Factory Labor Cost | Competitive ✅ | Rising annually |
| Supply Chain Risk (2026) | Low ✅ | Elevated ⚠️ |
| US Transit Time (Sea) | 18–28 days | 14–21 days |
| Dewin Audited Factories | 179+ ✅ | Via partner network |
| 50-Point Dolphin Audit | Included ✅ | Not standard |
| On-Ground QC Team | Yes ✅ | Not included |
Cost Guide FAQ
How much cheaper is Vietnam manufacturing vs China in 2026?
When you factor in Section 301 tariffs (25–145% on Chinese goods), Vietnam-sourced parts typically deliver est. 30–50% lower total landed cost vs equivalent Chinese parts. Even before tariffs, Vietnam factory pricing is competitive — often within 5–15% of China ex-factory. Add Section 301 on top and the savings become decisive for most industrial categories.
What does CNC machining cost in Vietnam vs China?
Vietnam CNC machining rates are typically 10–20% lower than equivalent Chinese factories at the ex-factory level. At landed cost, factoring in Section 301 tariffs of 25% on Chinese machined parts (HS Chapter 84), Vietnam delivers est. 30–40% lower total cost to US buyers. Exact pricing depends on material, complexity, tolerances, and order volume.
Does Vietnam charge any tariffs on exports to the US?
No. Vietnam-origin goods are not subject to Section 301 tariffs, which are China-specific under the Trade Act of 1974. Most Vietnamese manufactured goods enter the US at MFN/NTR rates of 0–5%. This is the core cost advantage over Chinese-origin goods, which face 25–145% Section 301 tariffs.
What are typical MOQ requirements at Vietnam factories?
MOQs vary by process. CNC machined parts: often 50–500 pieces depending on setup complexity. Die castings: typically 1,000+ pieces (tooling amortization). Injection molded parts: 500–5,000+ pieces. Sheet metal: 100–1,000 pieces. Assembly: project-dependent. Dewin's 179+ audited factory network includes suppliers for low-volume and high-volume production.
How do freight costs compare Vietnam vs China to US?
Vietnam-to-US sea freight is slightly longer transit (18–28 days vs 14–21 days from China East Coast), but comparable in cost per CBM/kg. Vietnam ports (Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Da Nang) have strong container capacity to US West Coast. In most cases, the freight cost difference is minimal relative to the tariff savings.
How do I get an accurate Vietnam manufacturing quote?
The fastest path is a detailed RFQ with: (1) 2D/3D drawings with GD&T callouts, (2) material specification, (3) annual volume estimate, (4) target unit price or current China price, (5) required certifications. Dewin matches your RFQ to the best-fit factory from our 179+ audited network within 48 hours.
Ready to See Real Quotes from Vietnam?
Our 179+ audited factories span 50+ processes. Submit your RFQ and get factory-matched pricing in 48 hours — with Section 301 savings baked in from day one.