In the midst of global trade volatility, the United States’ decision to impose a 46% tariff on imports from Vietnam has posed significant challenges to bilateral economic relations. However, there are still ample opportunities for Vietnam and the U.S. to engage in dialogue and work toward a fair and mutually beneficial solution.
The U.S. market accounts for 13% of global import demand, yet Vietnam’s exports to the U.S. make up 30% of the country’s total export turnover. This represents a competitive advantage — but also a vulnerability in Vietnam’s export structure.
Negotiation Space Remains Open
According to Mr. Ta Hoang Linh, Director General of the Department of International Market Development under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam and the United States are two complementary economies rather than direct competitors. Vietnamese exports to the U.S. primarily serve the consumption and production needs of the American market, offering U.S. consumers access to quality products at reasonable prices. Therefore, the imposition of high tariffs does not accurately reflect the nature of the economic cooperation between the two countries.
Mr. Linh emphasized that there is still room for both sides to continue dialogue and negotiations toward a mutually beneficial outcome.
Mr. Ta Hoang Linh – Director General of the Department of International Market Development – shares the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s perspective on the U.S. retaliatory tariff order imposed on imported goods.
Vietnam Deserves Fair Treatment
Vietnam has actively participated in the global supply chain through economic reforms and market openness. Although the country records a trade surplus with the United States, a significant portion of the value-added in exported goods belongs to foreign-invested enterprises (FDIs), including many U.S. companies. This indicates that Vietnam does not disproportionately benefit from the trade surplus but, on the contrary, plays a crucial role in supplying high-quality products to the U.S. market. Therefore, Vietnam deserves to be treated fairly in bilateral trade relations.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade recommends that export enterprises leverage free trade agreements (FTAs) and strengthen their trade defense capacity to sustain export momentum.
The Government Stands Firm on Growth Targets – Proactively Responds to Challenges
Despite new challenges, the Vietnamese Government remains committed to its growth target of 8% or higher in 2025 and is actively implementing a range of coordinated measures:
- Diversifying export markets and leveraging FTAs to expand trade
- Promoting public investment and stimulating domestic consumption
- Proposing that the United States temporarily postpone tariff impositions to allow for continued negotiations
In the coming period, maintaining dialogue and cooperation will be key for Vietnam and the U.S. to overcome challenges and foster a fair, mutually beneficial trade relationship.
Vietnam International Sourcing – Expanding Markets, Reducing Dependence
In the face of sudden shifts in trade policies, diversifying export markets and strengthening global supply chain participation are the proactive strategies Vietnamese enterprises need to adopt to stay resilient.
Vietnam International Sourcing is part of the government-approved project titled “Promoting Vietnamese Enterprises’ Direct Participation in Overseas Distribution Networks by 2030,” as approved by the Prime Minister.
Vietnam International Sourcing 2025, organized by the Department of International Market Development – Ministry of Industry and Trade, serves as a strategic platform for enterprises to:
- Connect directly with buyers from the U.S., EU, Japan, the Middle East, and more
- Strengthen negotiation skills and standardize export practices
- Reduce reliance on a limited number of markets
📅 Date: September 4–6, 2025
📍 Venue: SECC, Ho Chi Minh City
🔗 Register now: https://vietnamsourcingexpo.vn/en/register/
Sources: baochinhphu.vn, congthuong.vn
