On May 8, 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam hosted a significant conference aimed at enhancing trade relations between Vietnam and the United States. This event, attended by representatives from various ministries, industry associations, and export businesses, was held in response to the Prime Minister's directive to promote trade in a fair, sustainable, and long-term manner.
Vietnam has established itself as the eighth largest trading partner of the United States, with a growing reputation for exporting high-quality agricultural, forestry, and fishery products. Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien emphasized the importance of the U.S. market, noting that it is not only a substantial consumer of Vietnamese goods but also a vital partner in potential exports of grains, meat, milk, and wood.
"The United States is a large consumer market for Vietnamese agricultural, forestry, and fishery products and also a potential export market for grains, meat, milk, and wood," Minister Dien remarked, highlighting the strategic importance of maintaining and expanding trade with the U.S.
During the conference, participants discussed various measures to enhance negotiations with the U.S. and proposed solutions for finding alternative markets. This diversification is crucial as it allows Vietnam to reduce dependency on a single market and build resilience in its supply chains.
Minister Dien pointed out that while the U.S. is a key market, Vietnam also has 17 free trade agreements with nearly 70 major economies, which opens up numerous opportunities for collaboration and business. The focus on diversifying markets and supply chains is essential for boosting exports and ensuring long-term sustainability.
In light of the potential imposition of a 46% countervailing duty on Vietnamese exports, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, led by Minister Do Duc Duy, has been proactive in developing plans to promote exports to the U.S. These plans emphasize transparency in the supply chain and raw material areas, the application of digital technology for traceability and quality control, and building industry brands based on compliance and sustainable development.
Minister Duy stated, "To avoid a potential 46% countervailing duty, the Ministry has developed plans, including a project to promote exports to the United States." This proactive approach is aimed at ensuring that Vietnamese goods meet the stringent requirements of the U.S. market.
The conference also highlighted the need for Vietnamese businesses to connect promptly with U.S. partners to explore more import opportunities. Minister Dien urged industry associations and businesses to collaborate closely with U.S. counterparts to enhance trade and address any challenges that may arise.
Furthermore, the government is committed to reviewing and removing trade barriers that hinder the flow of goods between the two nations. Minister Dien stressed the importance of issuing strong and feasible policies to support businesses, including tax incentives and logistics support.
"The government and relevant ministries need to review and remove trade barriers and issue strong and feasible policies to support businesses, such as tax policies, capital incentives, and logistics support," he stated. This approach aims to create a conducive environment for trade and investment.
As the discussions progressed, representatives from various sectors shared insights into the challenges faced by industry associations and major exporters. They highlighted the importance of compliance with U.S. regulations and the need for Vietnamese products to meet technical standards.
"Vietnam's main export products to the United States basically comply with U.S. technical standards," Minister Dien reassured attendees, emphasizing the readiness of Vietnamese businesses to address any concerns raised by U.S. importers regarding the quality and origin of their products.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has also called on businesses to provide specific data and evidence to demonstrate compliance with U.S. requirements, including the origin of goods. This information is vital for ensuring that Vietnamese products are well-received in the U.S. market.
In addition to addressing current challenges, the conference focused on long-term strategies for sustainable development. Minister Dien highlighted the need for restructuring enterprises, particularly in production, to align with green transformation and digital innovation.
"In the long term, we need to focus on promoting the restructuring of enterprises, especially restructuring production towards green transformation, digital transformation, and development based on innovation, science, and technology," he noted, signaling a commitment to sustainable practices in trade.
As part of these efforts, the Ministry encourages industry associations and businesses to actively voice their concerns and proposals to U.S. authorities, particularly regarding unfair countervailing duties. This proactive communication is essential for fostering a favorable trade environment.
Minister Dien concluded the conference by urging all stakeholders to unite and work collaboratively to strengthen trade relations between Vietnam and the United States. "We must work together to maintain a stable and sustainable trade relationship," he said, reinforcing the commitment of the Vietnamese government to support its businesses in navigating the complexities of international trade.
As the global landscape continues to evolve, the focus on enhancing trade with the United States remains a priority for Vietnam, which seeks to not only expand its market presence but also ensure that its agricultural, forestry, and fishery products continue to thrive in a competitive environment.
