Vietnam to push forward reciprocal trade talks with US

Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan made the statement during a regular press conference on Wednesday, responding to questions about the progress of Vietnam-U.S. reciprocal tariff negotiations.

He emphasized that Vietnam has been actively promoting discussions with the U.S. side.

“The negotiation teams of Vietnam and the U.S. have held regular and continuous meetings. So far, the U.S. has provided many positive assessments regarding the outcomes of the reciprocal trade and tariff negotiations between the two countries,” Tan said.

“This is very encouraging."

According to the ministry, the Vietnamese delegation will visit the U.S. in October and November to continue discussions and implement the next steps toward completing the agreement.

Negotiations are guided by principles of openness, constructiveness, equality, and mutual respect for each country’s independence, political institutions, and development levels, while seeking shared benefits.

Both sides aim to strengthen stable economic, trade, and investment relations, underscoring the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

However, Tan noted that the temporary closure of the U.S. government due to funding shortages could affect the negotiation schedule.

As discussions require the participation of both parties, Vietnam intends to wait patiently while maintaining communication to sustain the positive results achieved so far.

Earlier, on August 1, the White House issued U.S. President Donald Trump’s Executive Order revising reciprocal tariff rates for 69 countries and territories listed in Annex I, including Vietnam.

Under the new order, a 20-percent tariff now applies to Vietnam, replacing the 46-percent rate announced in early April, which had been suspended for 90 days to allow negotiations on a reciprocal trade agreement.

The ministry said it will continue to closely monitor U.S. tariff policies, proactively coordinate with relevant agencies on both sides to address arising issues, and minimize the risk of unfavorable measures against Vietnamese goods.

Vietnam will also step up trade promotion, connect supply with demand, and promote products to help businesses reach new customers while reinforcing trust with traditional partners in the U.S. market.

In addition, the ministry will intensify enforcement of rules on the origin of goods through inspections, supervision, licensing, and handling of violations.

State management will be strengthened to prevent circumvention of trade defense measures and fraud in product origin.

Currently, Vietnam ranks as the eighth-largest trading partner of the U.S. globally, while the U.S. is Vietnam’s second-largest trading partner and the largest destination for Vietnamese exports.