Vietnam is seeking to buy more American defense and security products to address its trade gap with the US, while also asking for a 45-day delay in imposing tariffs. In a statement on Monday, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said the country would review issues such as monetary policy, exchange rates, and intellectual property theft to negotiate a “balanced and sustainable” trade deal.
The decision comes after US President Donald Trump announced a 46% tariff rate last week, sparking concerns over Vietnam’s access to commercial planes and other goods. Vietnamese airlines have ordered several aircraft from the US, but deliveries have been slow due to the tariffs.
White House trade adviser Peter Navarro highlighted major concerns about intellectual property theft and dumping of seafood and other goods in Vietnam. The country has a significant trade surplus with the US, over $123 billion last year.
Vietnam’s government is also considering adjustments to its bilateral trade agreement with the US, adding content on tax and intellectual property issues. This move aims to address ongoing tensions between the two countries, which have seen a decline in Trump’s approval ratings following the tariff announcement.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/vietnam-says-buy-american-defence-security-products-trump-tariffs-loom-2025-04-08