Vietnam has asked the United States to delay implementing 46% tariffs on its exports, amid growing trade tensions between the two countries. The request was made by Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son during a meeting with U.S. Ambassador Marc Knapper in Hanoi.
The move is seen as an attempt to test President Trump’s willingness to negotiate over his protectionist trade agenda. Vietnam’s economy has boomed due to its diversified supply chains, and the nation relies heavily on exports to the United States.
In a letter dated April 5, Vietnamese Communist Party chief To Lam asked Trump to postpone the implementation of reciprocal tariffs for at least 45 days. The U.S. embassy in Hanoi did not respond immediately to requests for comment.
Son told the ambassador that Vietnam is seeking a one-to-three-month delay to reach an agreement that benefits both countries. He emphasized that cooperation between the two nations, including trade partnerships, is crucial for overcoming economic challenges.
Negotiations with Vietnam could be an early test of the Trump administration’s willingness to lower tariffs, which have caused concern among businesses worldwide. Other countries, including China, have retaliated with tariffs of their own.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/04/06/nx-s1-5354134/vietnam-asks-trump-to-delay-implementation-of-tariffs-while-the-two-sides-negotiate