- Vietnam plans to increase U.S. imports, expanding market for American products.
- Bilateral talks emphasize tariffs, economic considerations, and mutual strategic partnership.
- Focus on collaboration in technology, energy, workforce, and semiconductor development.
Vietnam plans to further increase imports of U.S. goods and broaden its market for American products, while asking the U.S. to take into account Vietnam’s economic circumstances during the ongoing talks on a reciprocal tariff agreement, stated Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son.
Son expressed the comments during a meeting with the U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, Marc E. Knapper, in Hanoi on Thursday, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He emphasized Vietnam's aim to sustain robust progress in bilateral relations, featuring high-level visits and exchanges within the comprehensive strategic partnership.
Son reaffirmed Vietnam’s dedication to strengthening collaboration in science and technology, high-quality workforce training, energy, and semiconductors, while maintaining joint efforts on post-war legacy matters and trust-building initiatives.
He mentioned that Vietnam would boost imports of U.S. products such as aircraft and semiconductors while maintaining favorable conditions for American companies to function effectively and sustainably in the Southeast Asian nation.
In reference to the current discussions over mutual tariffs, Son commended the strong collaboration between both parties and called on the U.S. to consider Vietnam’s economic traits in the negotiation process.
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Ambassador Knapper praised Vietnam for its positive and collaborative stance, emphasizing Washington's aim to finish the discussions promptly and establish a reciprocal tariff agreement for shared advantage.
On August 1, the U.S. government updated reciprocal tariff rates for 69 nations and regions, lowering Vietnam’s rate to 20 percent from the 46 percent stated in early April, which had been on hold for 90 days while negotiations took place.
Knapper reiterated the U.S. promise to back a robust, independent, and thriving Vietnam, stating that the embassy will persist in working with the Vietnamese foreign ministry and various agencies to enhance the comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, stability, and development locally and internationally.