Vietnam responds to steep retaliatory tariffs from US

The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret on Friday over the United States' decision to impose steep reciprocal tariffs on Vietnamese exports, saying the move is inconsistent with the two nations' economic relationship and the spirit of their comprehensive strategic partnership.

"Vietnam regrets the United States' decision to impose retaliatory tariffs on Vietnamese exports," said the foreign ministry's spokesperson Pham Thu Hang during a press briefing in Hanoi.

"We believe this decision is not consistent with the actual state of bilateral economic cooperation, and it does not reflect the spirit of our comprehensive strategic partnership, which is built on peace, stability, cooperation, and development.

"The tariff rates could have a negative impact on the economic and trade relations between the two countries, as well as the interests of their two peoples and businesses."

Hang emphasized that Vietnam has been actively working with the United States to resolve trade barriers and strengthen mutually beneficial economic ties, with the goal of achieving fair and sustainable trade.

"Vietnam will continue to coordinate and engage with the U.S. in a constructive and cooperative manner to find practical solutions that will help stabilize and sustain our economic relations and serve the best interests of both our peoples and businesses," she said.

On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 46-percent reciprocal tariff on Vietnamese exports, one of the highest rates imposed among dozens of countries affected.

The new tariffs are set to take effect on April 9.

In response, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh convened a high-level meeting with relevant ministries and top officials to assess the situation and formulate both short- and long-term solutions.

During the meeting, PM Chinh directed the formation of a rapid response team, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, to address the matter.

He also tasked Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc with collecting feedback from major exporters impacted by the tariffs.

Phoc is scheduled to visit the United States and Cuba from April 6 to 14, where the issue is expected to feature prominently in diplomatic discussions.

Statistics from the General Department of Vietnam Customs indicated that Vietnam's exports to the United States reached nearly US$120 billion in 2024, marking a 23.2-percent year-on-year increase and accounting for 29.5 percent of the country's total export value.

In the first two months of 2025, the nation's exports to the U.S. totaled $19.56 billion, up 16.5 percent from the same period last year.

Tieu Bac - Duy Linh / Tuoi Tre News

(2025/04/04-17:45)