Vietnam-US trade negotiations after US continues to impose tariffs

Following the US decision to impose tariffs on July 31, 2025, Vietnam is stepping up Vietnam-US trade negotiations to reach a favorable trade agreement with the US, while promoting recognition of market economy status to reduce the burden of anti-dumping taxes.

According to Official Dispatch 133/CD-TTg (August 12, 2025), Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requested ministries and branches to prioritize solutions to respond to new tax policies, maintain dialogue with the US, and at the same time enhance self-reliance by diversifying trade networks.

Image of the second round of Vietnam-US trade negotiations on the bilateral agreement in Washington DC (May 19-22). Photo: BCT

Vietnam-US trade negotiations and self-reliance policy

• The Ministry of Industry and Trade  continues to negotiate with the US to build a balanced and sustainable trade relationship. At the same time, the Ministry provides guidance to businesses directly affected.

• The manufacturing sector  is restructured, focusing on high technology, quality human resources, semiconductors and smart manufacturing. The industrial growth target is 9.6–9.8% and manufacturing is 11.2–11.5% by 2025.

• Energy  is prioritized with LNG and wind power projects and amendments to regulations on direct electricity trading to ensure energy security.

Promote trade expansion  to new markets such as the Middle East, North Africa, and Brazil, while maintaining the target of 12% export growth and a trade surplus of 30 billion USD.

Agriculture - forestry - fishery towards sustainability

The agricultural strategy focuses on digitalization, brand building and value chains, with an export target of 65 billion USD. Vietnam is also making efforts to remove the EU's IUU "yellow card", develop green consumption and increase processing capacity. In addition, the State Bank supports credit for high-quality rice production and the agriculture, forestry and fishery sector.

Bilateral relations and recognition of market economy

On July 21 in Hanoi, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Quang Phuong met with US Ambassador Marc E. Knapper to discuss the preliminary trade agreement. The US pledged to reduce tariffs on many Vietnamese goods, while Vietnam continued to push the US to recognize its market economy status and consider removing it from the strategic export control list.

Vietnamese leaders asserted that this recognition not only supports domestic businesses but also helps American consumers benefit from a diversified supply chain and lower costs.

Conclude: Vietnam is proactively responding to the challenges of US tariffs by maintaining negotiations, expanding its trade network and promoting domestic reforms. The upcoming developments from the Vietnam-US negotiation round will have a major impact and should be closely monitored. Vietnam is proactively responding to the challenge of US tariffs by maintaining negotiations, expanding its trade network and promoting domestic reforms. The upcoming developments from the Vietnam-US negotiation round will have a major impact and need to be closely monitored.