Vietnam, US sign customs data-sharing deal to combat trade, origin fraud

The MoU was signed by Nguyen Van Tho, director general of Vietnam Customs, and Rodney Scott, commissioner of U.S. Customs, on the sidelines of the 147th/148th Sessions of the World Customs Organization Council in Brussels, Belgium.

Under the agreement, the two customs authorities are expected to exchange electronic cargo declaration data in real time or as soon as possible after it becomes available.

The shared data will be used for risk management and detecting customs violations, including trade fraud, counterfeit goods, prohibited goods, origin fraud, and tax evasion.

The data-sharing mechanism is expected to enhance the ability of both customs authorities to verify shipment information, compare import and export data, detect signs of fraud at an early stage, and identify attempts to circumvent trade remedy measures.

At the same time, the information exchange is expected to shorten customs clearance times for compliant shipments, reduce inspection-related barriers at border checkpoints, and enhance the competitiveness of goods in each other's markets.

According to Vietnam Customs, the MoU demonstrates Vietnam’s commitment to cooperating with the United States in addressing shared concerns, particularly preventing origin fraud and illegal transshipment intended to evade tariffs.

The implementation of the mechanism is also expected to increase transparency in customs management, strengthen Vietnam’s credibility in global supply chains, and contribute to a more balanced and sustainable trade relationship between the two countries.

The department noted that economic and trade relations between Vietnam and the United States have continued to grow strongly, especially since the two countries upgraded their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2023.

The United States is currently Vietnam’s largest export market, while Vietnam is the United States’ seventh-largest trading partner.

According to Vietnam Customs data, total bilateral trade reached US$172.3 billion in 2025.

Vietnam’s exports stateside totaled more than $153.1 billion, up 28.2 percent year on year, while imports from the United States exceeded $19.2 billion, an increase of 27.7 percent.

From the beginning of this year through June 18, two-way trade reached $89.58 billion, up 23.1 percent from the same period last year. 

Exports totaled $79.09 billion, up 22.4 percent, while imports stood at $10.49 billion, an increase of 28.3 percent.