Wednesday, October 29, 2025

US Deal with Vietnam 10-29-25

On October 26, 2025, the US and Vietnam agreed to a framework for a "reciprocal, fair, and balanced" trade deal, which includes Vietnam providing preferential market access for U.S. goods and the US maintaining 20% tariffs but offering zero tariffs on certain Vietnamese products. The framework also aims to address non-tariff barriers by having Vietnam accept U.S. vehicle standards, simplify import rules for medical devices, and strengthen intellectual property protections.  

Key provisions of the framework:

Market access: Vietnam will grant preferential market access for most U.S. industrial and agricultural exports.

Tariffs: The US will keep its reciprocal tariffs at 20% but will identify a list of products to receive a 0% tariff.

Non-tariff barriers: The agreement will tackle issues such as import licenses for medical devices, regulatory requirements for pharmaceuticals, and the acceptance of U.S. vehicle safety and emissions standards.

Intellectual property: Vietnam committed to fully implementing its obligations under international intellectual property treaties.

Next steps: The two countries will work in the coming weeks to finalize the agreement, prepare for signing, and complete domestic formalities. 

Other developments:

Supply chains: Both countries are committed to strengthening cooperation to enhance supply chain resilience.

Aircraft deal: In a separate development, Vietnam Airlines agreed to purchase 50 Boeing aircraft for over $8 billion. 

In October 2025, the U.S. and Vietnam announced a framework for an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade. It is intended to build on their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2023. 

Details of the new trade framework

Tariffs: The U.S. will maintain a 20% "reciprocal tariff" on most Vietnamese goods, a rate adjusted down from an earlier 46% following negotiations in July and August 2025. As part of the framework, the U.S. will also identify a list of specific Vietnamese products that will receive a 0% tariff rate. In exchange, Vietnam will eliminate or reduce tariffs on nearly all U.S. industrial and agricultural exports.

Timeline: Officials plan to finalize the full agreement and undertake domestic formalities in the coming weeks, in advance of the deal's entry into force.

Non-tariff barriers: Vietnam has agreed to address several non-tariff barriers impacting U.S. exports:

Accepting U.S. motor vehicle safety and emissions standards.

Easing import licenses for U.S. medical devices and pharmaceutical products.

Committing to fully implement intellectual property treaties.

Transshipped goods: Uncertainty remains regarding how the U.S. will determine "transshipped" goods, which are subject to a 40% tariff under the deal. This has put Vietnam in a difficult position, as China is its biggest trading partner and a primary source of imported materials. 

Wider context of U.S.-Vietnam relations

Broader cooperation: The trade framework is a key development within a broader relationship that also includes collaboration on security, technology, climate change, and education.

30th anniversary: 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Vietnam, with commemorative events held earlier in the year.

Economic trends: For some time, U.S. companies have been increasingly shifting manufacturing from China to Vietnam. As a result, Vietnam is now one of America's largest trading partners. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=US+deal+with+vietnam+october+2025

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

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