Vietnam, US advance reciprocal trade talks toward fair, balanced agreement

The talks took place ahead of technical discussions scheduled for November 12 to 14, according to Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade.

In an open and constructive atmosphere, both sides exchanged views and discussed ways to resolve key outstanding issues while reviewing broader aspects of their trade relationship.

Greer praised the progress achieved so far, including the adoption of the Joint Statement on a Framework for an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade, describing it as an important milestone toward completing the negotiations.

He commended Vietnam’s systematic and practical approach in addressing U.S. proposals and acknowledged the efforts and constructive spirit of the Vietnamese delegation.

The U.S. official also offered generally positive feedback on several Vietnamese suggestions.

Minister Dien reaffirmed Vietnam’s determination to build a balanced and sustainable trade partnership with the U.S..

He outlined measures Vietnam has taken to promote bilateral trade and emphasized that finalizing the reciprocal trade agreement would deepen the Vietnam–U.S. comprehensive strategic partnership, extending cooperation beyond trade.

Dien also proposed steps to accelerate the negotiation process, calling for a practical and flexible approach that serves both sides’ interests.

Greer welcomed the proposals and tasked the U.S. technical team with studying them for further discussion with the Vietnamese delegation.

Both sides agreed that this round of talks carried significant importance in addressing remaining issues and advancing toward the conclusion of a reciprocal trade agreement that would deliver tangible benefits for both countries.

The meeting marked the latest progress in negotiations that began in late April, after the U.S. administration announced a 46-percent reciprocal tariff on Vietnamese imports earlier that month.

The measure was later postponed for 90 days to allow dialogue.

On August 1, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order revising reciprocal tariff rates for 69 countries and territories listed in Annex I, including Vietnam, thereby reducing the tariff on Vietnamese imports from 46 percent to 20 percent.