Vietnam has intensified its nationwide crackdown on counterfeit goods as authorities step up efforts to combat intellectual property (IP) violations under growing international pressure.
Earlier this year, police raided two warehouses on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City and seized more than 23,000 pairs of counterfeit slippers bearing the logos of brands including Nike, Adidas, Crocs and Gucci. The operation resulted in the confiscation of goods worth VND2 billion.
The raid formed part of a broader campaign launched on May 7 against counterfeit products, trademark infringements and online piracy.
Although Vietnam has long conducted periodic enforcement operations against fake goods, vendors say the latest campaign is far stricter than previous efforts.
A clothing seller at Saigon Square, who identified herself as Thanh Truc, said past raids usually targeted high-value counterfeit items before business gradually returned to normal.
This time, however, she said enforcement has become noticeably tougher.
International pressure drives stronger enforcement
The latest crackdown comes as Vietnam faces increasing scrutiny over intellectual property protection.
In April, the Office of the United States Trade Representative designated Vietnam as a “priority foreign country” for its persistent shortcomings in IP protection and enforcement, marking the first such designation in 13 years.
Facing the prospect of additional tariffs, Vietnamese authorities pledged to increase enforcement actions against IP violations by at least 20 percent in May compared with the same period last year.
Authorities subsequently carried out surprise inspections at major markets, including Saigon Square and Ben Thanh Market, confiscating counterfeit goods and issuing fines.
Despite the operations, some vendors said business has continued, with certain traders displaying fewer branded products while keeping additional stock out of public view.
The supply chain for many counterfeit products continues to originate from neighbouring China before being distributed through Vietnamese wholesalers and retailers.
Authorities reported handling more than 1,400 IP infringement cases during the final three weeks of May. In June, police in Thanh Hoa province also dismantled a syndicate accused of producing and selling more than 10,000 counterfeit jewellery items imitating luxury brands.
Mixed reactions from businesses and consumers
The crackdown has drawn mixed reactions across Vietnam.
Fashion entrepreneur Thi Nguyen welcomed the campaign, saying counterfeit products undermine original designers and create an unfair business environment.
She said many skilled local tailors and artisans eventually end up working in counterfeit production instead of developing genuine brands. With counterfeit sellers facing stricter enforcement, she is planning to expand her business and invest further.
However, not everyone supports the crackdown.
Huy, an office worker in Da Nang, said he regularly buys counterfeit clothing and footwear because they are affordable and easily available.
Associate professor Thi Thanh Huong Tran of SKEMA Business School said the popularity of counterfeit goods reflects economic realities, noting that many consumers simply cannot afford genuine luxury products.
She also believes counterfeit sellers will continue adapting by modifying product designs and brand names to stay close to well-known labels while attempting to avoid legal violations.
According to her, as long as consumer demand remains, counterfeit products are unlikely to disappear completely.
