The Reshoring Shift: How Trump's Tariffs Are Fueling Industrial Growth in Thailand and Vietnam

The global trade landscape has been irrevocably altered by the Trump administration's aggressive tariff policies, which have catalyzed a strategic reallocation of manufacturing infrastructure across Southeast Asia. Thailand and Vietnam, in particular, have emerged as pivotal beneficiaries of this shift, as Chinese manufacturers seek to circumvent U.S. tariffs and diversify supply chains. This article examines how these nations are capitalizing on the reshoring trend, the role of industrial real estate developers like WHA Corp., and the long-term investment potential in logistics and supply-chain resilience.

Vietnam's Resilience Amid Tariff Pressures

Despite facing a 46% tariff on exports to the U.S. in 2025, Vietnam's manufacturing sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience. The country's GDP grew by 7.52% in the first half of 2025, driven by demand for electronics, textiles, and agricultural products From China to Trouble^[2]. However, challenges persist, including raw material shortages and supplier delivery delays, which have pushed firms to prioritize supply-chain diversification. According to a report by the Vietnam Briefing, the U.S. tariffs have accelerated the relocation of production to Vietnam, with companies leveraging its low labor costs and strategic trade agreements WHA Set to Achieve 4th Consecutive All-Time High on ...^[1].

WHA Corp., a leading industrial park developer, has capitalized on this trend. In Vietnam, the company has expanded its footprint to 4,590 hectares across five provinces, including projects in Thanh Hoa and Hung Yen WHA Group Accelerates Expansion in Vietnam with Two ...^[3]. These developments cater to foreign investors seeking to establish nearshore manufacturing hubs, with WHA's industrial zones offering infrastructure tailored to advanced manufacturing and digital technologies.

Thailand's Industrial Expansion and FDI Surge

Thailand has similarly attracted significant foreign direct investment (FDI), with inflows reaching THB 738 billion in the first half of 2025. A key driver has been the country's focus on advanced digital infrastructure, which now accounts for 16% of WHA's industrial park clients WHA Set to Achieve 4th Consecutive All-Time High on ...^[1]. WHA's Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate 5 (WHA ESIE 5), a 6,370-rai Smart Eco Industrial Estate, is set to be delivered by Q3 2025, underscoring the nation's commitment to industrial modernization WHA Set to Achieve 4th Consecutive All-Time High on ...^[1].

A landmark project in Thailand's industrial real estate sector is the $2.2 billion hyperscale data center being developed by Beijing Haoyang in WHA's Rayong province park. This investment highlights the growing appeal of Southeast Asia as a hub for digital infrastructure, with Thailand's strategic location and stable regulatory environment attracting high-value projects Beijing Haoyang To Build $2.2 Billion Data Center At WHA ...^[5].

Chinese Manufacturers and the “China-Plus-One” Strategy

The Trump-era tariffs have intensified the “China-plus-one” strategy, with Chinese manufacturers relocating production to Vietnam and Thailand to mitigate risks. According to a Bain & Company analysis, these relocations are driven by the need to diversify supply chains and avoid U.S. tariff penalties, which have reduced Chinese exports to the U.S. by double digits From China to Trouble^[2]. Vietnam, in particular, has become a critical alternative, with its exports to the U.S. rising as Chinese firms shift production.

This migration has spurred demand for logistics and real estate. In Vietnam and Thailand, industrial space occupancy rates have surged, with companies investing in localized production and warehousing to enhance supply-chain resilience Tariffs, Trade, and Transformation: Reshaping Industrial Real Estate^[4]. Knight Frank's research notes that automation and advanced infrastructure requirements are driving capital expenditures, with Southeast Asia's industrial real estate sector projected to outperform global averages Tariffs, Trade, and Transformation: Reshaping Industrial Real Estate^[4].

Investment Opportunities in Logistics and Supply-Chain Resilience

The reshoring shift has unlocked significant investment potential in logistics, real estate, and supply-chain infrastructure. In Thailand, the logistics sector is expanding to accommodate nearshoring demands, with ports and transportation networks undergoing modernization. Vietnam's logistics market is similarly growing, supported by government initiatives to improve connectivity and reduce trade bottlenecks.

For investors, the focus is on assets that align with supply-chain resilience. WHA Corp.'s projects, for instance, integrate smart technologies and sustainable practices, positioning them as long-term value generators. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce and digital infrastructure—exemplified by the Beijing Haoyang data center—signals a shift toward high-growth sectors within Southeast Asia's industrial landscape Beijing Haoyang To Build $2.2 Billion Data Center At WHA ...^[5].

Conclusion

Trump's tariffs have redefined global trade dynamics, with Thailand and Vietnam emerging as strategic hubs for manufacturing reallocation. The surge in demand for industrial parks, driven by WHA Corp. and other developers, reflects the region's capacity to absorb and adapt to shifting supply chains. As Chinese manufacturers continue to relocate and logistics infrastructure evolves, Southeast Asia presents a compelling investment case for those seeking exposure to resilient, high-growth markets.