Vietnam-US trade negotiations expected to yield positive outcomes: ambassador Knapper

Knapper made the remarks during a meeting in Hanoi with Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, who is leading Vietnam’s negotiation team in discussions with U.S. negotiators headed by Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

The negotiations began after the U.S. administration announced a 46-percent reciprocal tariff on Vietnamese imports on April 3, part of a broader global trade policy shift. While the tariff was initially scheduled to take effect on April 9, the U.S. delayed implementation for 90 days to allow time for talks.

Knapper praised Vietnam’s proactive and constructive approach, emphasizing that the new U.S. trade measures are intended to protect economic and national security, safeguard American workers, and promote investment—not to harm partner countries.

He acknowledged that some challenges remain but expressed confidence that the negotiations, guided by goodwill on both sides, would deliver positive outcomes for businesses and citizens in both nations.

Commitment to balanced, sustainable cooperation

Minister Dien reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, which was officially established in September 2023.

He urged continued cooperation in line with the strategic direction agreed upon by senior leaders.

Dien emphasized the need to develop trade ties in a balanced, long-term, and sustainable way—consistent with Vietnam’s international commitments and without compromising its relations with other global partners.

He highlighted the complementary nature of the Vietnamese and U.S. economies as a strong foundation for deepening bilateral trade and investment.

To further that goal, he called for both governments to support businesses in addressing challenges and facilitating joint projects, particularly in the exchange of essential goods.

Supporting enterprises, he noted, should be a practical priority in strengthening economic, trade, and investment cooperation and achieving a more harmonious trade balance.

Efforts to boost US imports

On the same day, Minister Dien also met with leaders of major Vietnamese state-owned corporations—including Vietnam Oil and Gas Group, Vietnam Electricity, Vietnam Airlines Corporation, Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group, and Viettel Group—to discuss ways to implement the Prime Minister’s directive on advancing trade agreements with the U.S.

The corporations reported progress on procurement agreements signed earlier this year and discussed plans to increase imports of U.S. products and services, such as machinery, equipment, and raw materials.

Dien underscored Vietnam’s strong and steady demand for American goods and noted that bilateral trade has not yet reached its full potential.

He called on both sides to move quickly to resolve outstanding issues, enabling smoother flows of essential goods and services and ensuring a more balanced trade relationship.