Vietnam to Trump: ‘Just Don’t Do It’ on tariffs

With the NCAA Championship final set to grip millions of basketball fans in the US and beyond, demand for athletic shoes and gear is reportedly skyrocketing.

The March Madness tournament isn’t just a showcase of college basketball talent; it’s also a massive marketing opportunity for sportswear giants like Nike and Adidas, whose products dominate the hardwood courts.

But while these brands enjoy heightened visibility amid the spectacle, their supply chains face a looming crisis. President Donald Trump’s 46% tariff hike aims to hurt Vietnam, the key manufacturing hub for these brands.

As the primary producer of high-performance basketball shoes and apparel, Vietnam’s booming footwear industry now faces an existential threat that could disrupt the industry and US consumers.

Read the full article on Asia Times.