US launches 2 trade probes covering multiple countries, including Vietnam

At a regular press briefing for the first quarter of 2026 on Thursday, the ministry said the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) initiated the two separate probes on March 11 and March 12, respectively.

The first investigation targets ‘structural excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors’ across 16 major trading partners, including Vietnam.

The USTR said such excess capacity is one of the factors contributing to the United States’ persistent trade deficit, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

The second probe covers 60 countries and territories and examines allegations related to forced labor practices, also including Vietnam.

All countries involved are required to submit responses addressing the concerns raised by the U.S. side by April 15.

The ministry noted that the U.S. investigations are being conducted on a very broad basis, targeting not only economies without market-economy status but also developed and highly open economies such as the European Union, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.

The ministry has been regularly exchanging information with the U.S. side, including on tax negotiations and other policy issues, to support the Section 301 investigation process, according to Nguyen Quynh Mai, deputy director of the ministry’s Multilateral Trade Policy Department.

In the coming period, the ministry will continue close coordination with U.S. authorities to share information and clarify issues related to Vietnam’s economic policies, Mai said.

“Vietnam does not pursue subsidy policies to create excess capacity for exports to the U.S. market. The government’s policies are designed and implemented on the basis of international economic integration and a transparent and open economy,” she stated.

Mai underscored that the goal of Vietnam’s policies is to maintain a stable, long-term, and mutually beneficial framework for both economies.

She affirmed that Vietnam’s economy operates under a market mechanism and that Vietnamese enterprises fully comply with relevant laws as well as World Trade Organization commitments.

Relevant Vietnamese agencies are coordinating closely with the United States and are preparing responses to the probes ahead of the April 15 deadline to clarify policy issues, thereby safeguarding the legitimate interests of Vietnam and its businesses, Mai added.