Frequently Asked Questions for US Importers

Sourcing steel products from Vietnam for the first time, or moving production from another supplier? These are the questions US buyers ask us most often. If your question is not here, send us a message and our sales team will reply in English.

1. What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?

MOQ depends on the product and is usually one container load. Tell us the item and your annual volume and we will confirm the MOQ and the most cost-effective order size in our quotation.

2. Can I get samples before placing an order?

Yes. We make pre-production samples from your drawings or reference sample so you can check fit, finish and packaging before mass production. Samples are charged and are usually ready in 1–2 weeks, depending on the product.

3. What is your production lead time?

Production takes 30–60 days after sample approval, depending on the product, quantity and finish. We confirm the production schedule with every order.

4. How do you ship to the United States, and what Incoterms do you offer?

We quote FOB Cat Lai Port (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) and ship by container. You can use your own freight forwarder. The number of units per container depends on the product and packing, so we confirm it in each quotation.

5. What payment terms do you accept?

Our standard terms are a 50% deposit to start production and the 50% balance against the bill of lading (B/L).

6. How do you control quality? Are you ISO certified?

Yes. Nguyen Man is ISO 9001:2015 certified, and our quality management system covers production from raw material to final packing. We welcome factory audits, video calls and third-party pre-shipment inspection arranged by your team.

7. Can you manufacture to my own drawings and brand (OEM/ODM)?

Yes. Most of our work is OEM to customer drawings, and we also offer ODM. Send drawings (PDF, DWG, DXF or STEP) with material, thickness, finish and quantity. We can fully assemble the product and pack it in retail-ready packaging with your labels and barcodes, and we keep your designs confidential.

8. What manufacturing processes do you have?

In our own factories: CNC laser cutting, sheet metal and pipe cutting, stamping presses up to 150 tons, 150-ton hydraulic presses, sheet metal and pipe bending, roll forming, punching, riveting, welding (including welding robots and spot welding), grinding, an automatic powder coating line (30 tons per shift), plastic injection molding up to 380 tons, full assembly and packaging. Our tooling area makes our own molds. Everything is made in-house except zinc plating, which are done by our partners. We have two factories with 10,000 m² of factory floor on a 60,000 m² site, more than 120 employees and a production capacity of about 300 tons per month.

9. What finishes do you offer for corrosion resistance?

Powder coating, zinc plating. Powder coating is done on our in-house line; zinc plating are done by our partners. We work to standard paint and plating specifications, and we can match a custom specification or color on request.

10. Do you offer assembly and retail packaging?

Yes. We offer full assembly and complete, retail-ready packaging, or export packing to your requirements. Packing method and units per container are confirmed in each quotation.

11. Are your products made in Vietnam, and can you provide a Certificate of Origin?

Yes. Our products are manufactured in our own factories in Vietnam, where the steel is cut, formed, welded, coated and assembled into finished goods. A Certificate of Origin issued by the competent Vietnamese authority is available on request; please tell us when you order if you need one. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) generally determines non-preferential origin based on where a product was "substantially transformed" and has warned importers about illegal transshipment, so we recommend keeping these documents on file.

12. Which US tariffs apply to steel products imported from Vietnam, including Section 232?

Many steel articles and steel "derivative" products are subject to additional US duties under Section 232, and some products may also be subject to other tariff programs or trade remedy cases. Rates and the list of covered products changed several times in 2025 and 2026 (most recently Presidential Proclamation 11032 of June 1, 2026), and more derivative products can be added. Whether a duty applies depends on the HTS classification of your specific product. Please confirm the current rate with your licensed customs broker using CBP's official guidance (CSMS messages) and the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule. We are happy to provide drawings, material breakdowns and steel-content details to help your broker classify the product. This is general information, not legal or customs advice.

13. Which steel barricade sizes and finishes do you make?

Our interlocking steel crowd control barricades come as 1-piece barricades in 6.5 ft and 8.5 ft lengths (flat or bridge feet) and as 2-piece barricades in 8.5 ft length. Finishes are black or yellow powder coat, or zinc plated (zinc plating by our partner). We also make a storage cart that holds 30 barricades.

14. What expandable barriers do you make?

Expandable barriers that extend to 11 ft or 16 ft, and large expandable barriers for loading docks in 4.5 ft or 6 ft height, expanding to 8, 10 or 12 ft wide. Both come in black and yellow powder coat with locking casters.

15. Why source metal products from Vietnam?

Many US importers are diversifying their supply chains to reduce concentration risk in one country. Vietnam offers an experienced metalworking workforce and established ocean shipping routes to US ports. Tariff treatment differs by country and by product, so compare the total landed cost of each option with your customs broker. Nguyen Man has manufactured metal products since 1997, and 100% of our production is exported to the United States, Europe and Australia.

16. How do we communicate across time zones?

Our sales team works in English. Vietnam (UTC+7) is 11 hours ahead of US Eastern Time during daylight saving time and 12 hours ahead in standard time, so your afternoon is our early morning. We are available for video calls in your early morning or evening.

17. How do I request a quote?

Send your drawings or product photos, material, finish, quantity and destination to zoe@nguyenman.com.vn or WhatsApp +84 983 803 731, or use our quote request form. We reply with a quotation within 1–7 days, depending on the product.

Ready to start? Send us your drawings and target quantity, and we will reply with a quotation.

Request a Quote with Your Drawings →