Overview

• The U.S. and Vietnam have formally begun trade negotiations after a 90-day pause on a proposed 46% tariff on Vietnamese exports.
• The tariff suspension followed discussions between U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc, signaling a potential shift in bilateral economic relations.
• Vietnam recorded a $123 billion trade surplus with the U.S. last year, highlighting the importance of their trade partnership.
• Major U.S. tech companies, including Apple, Nvidia, Intel, and Google, are expanding operations in Vietnam to leverage cost efficiencies and avoid tariffs on Chinese-made goods.
• Vietnam’s government has pledged to streamline licensing processes to attract further investment, including from Tesla and Starlink, as part of its broader economic strategy.