Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Vietnam Reaffirms Readiness for Constructive US Trade Talks
Vietnam and the United States are trying to finish a trade agreement.
Vietnam’s deputy prime minister said his country is ready to keep talking in a helpful way.
The United States said it wants the negotiations completed soon.
American officials are worried that Chinese goods may be sent through Vietnam to avoid trade rules.
They also want Vietnam to improve border checks and fight counterfeit goods and online piracy.
These disagreements have slowed the talks.
The United States could consider higher tariffs after its investigations are completed.
Vietnam is also asking US companies to invest more in the country.
Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang reaffirmed Hanoi’s readiness for open, constructive trade negotiations with the United States.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Washington wants to conclude a reciprocal trade agreement soon.
Talks have stalled over transshipment, non-tariff barriers, trade fraud and suspected routing of Chinese goods through Vietnam.
The United States is conducting three Section 301 investigations into Vietnam’s trade practices, with findings due in November.
Vietnam is seeking more US investment through meetings with Qualcomm, Visa, Axon Enterprise and Caterpillar representatives.
- Who
- Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, representing Vietnam and the United States.
- What
- The two countries are working to complete a reciprocal trade and tariff agreement while addressing US concerns about Vietnam’s trade practices.
- When
- The meeting was reported on August 29, 2026; investigation findings are due in November.
- Where
- Washington, United States.
- Why
- Vietnam wants to strengthen commerce and attract US investment, while the United States wants action on trade fraud, suspected transshipment, non-tariff barriers, border controls, online piracy and counterfeit goods.
Vietnam’s Position
US Position
Negotiating approach
Vietnam’s Position
Vietnam says it is ready for open, constructive talks and wants to strengthen commerce and attract US investment.
US Position
The United States wants to conclude the reciprocal trade agreement soon.
Trade enforcement
Vietnam’s Position
Vietnam signaled willingness to ease US concerns about trade fraud and the illegal routing of exports through the country.
US Position
US officials want Vietnam to address suspected transshipment of Chinese goods, non-tariff barriers, inadequate border controls, online piracy and counterfeit goods.
Tariff consequences
Vietnam’s Position
Vietnam is seeking a completed trade arrangement while addressing concerns raised during the negotiations.
US Position
The United States could pursue higher tariffs if the investigations produce findings supporting that action.
- Negotiation status
- The countries are seeking to complete a reciprocal trade agreement after reaching a framework agreement in October, according to the article.
- Vietnam’s position
- Nguyen Van Thang reiterated Vietnam’s readiness for open and constructive talks and signaled willingness to address US concerns.
- US position
- Jamieson Greer said the United States wants to conclude negotiations soon.
- Investigations
- US trade officials are pursuing three simultaneous Section 301 investigations into Vietnam’s trade practices.
- Potential consequence
- The investigations’ findings are due in November and could pave the way for higher tariffs.
- Trade gap
- Vietnam recorded a $114 billion trade gap with the United States in the first half of 2026, the largest among the countries cited in the article.
- Investment outreach
- Thang met representatives of Qualcomm, Visa, Axon Enterprise and Caterpillar to encourage investment in Vietnam.
