A fresh 20 per cent tariff and tougher US import rules are forcing Việt Nam’s exporters to move fast lest they lose ground in their biggest market, according to the Việt Nam Trade Promotion Agency (Vietrade).
The ministry is making the most of opportunities and the recovery trends of foreign markets to boost exports, and effectively tackling difficulties in economic and trade relations.
Although non-tariff and technical trade barriers aim to protect health, the environment and consumers, if they lack transparency or are not consistent, they can become invisible barriers that increase costs, prolong customs clearance times and risks for businesses.
Việt Nam is ready to further open its market and offer more incentives for US exports, hoping for reciprocal steps, Minister Nguyễn Hồng Diên told Senator Roger Marshall in Washington DC on June 11 (local time).
Marcus Yiu, Moody''s lead credit analyst for Asia, shares the agency''s latest views on Việt Nam’s sovereign rating and its economic outlook amid shifting US trade policies.
Thanks to a strong surge in exports, the trade balance for the second half of May posted a surplus of $2.94 billion, raising the total trade surplus for the first five months of this year to $4.67 billion.
Việt Nam’s garment and textile exports exceeded US$17.58 billion in the first five months of 2025, up 9 per cent compared to the same period last year.
According to market analysts, the medium-term uptrend remains intact, but the current correction is seen as a healthy phase for the VN-Index to consolidate momentum before potentially targeting the 1,398–1,418-point resistance zone in the weeks ahead.
The meeting took place as part of the ongoing intergovernmental negotiations aimed at building an agreement that aligns with the strategic interests of both parties, in accordance with the Việt Nam–US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
A Vietnamese delegation is visiting the US to strengthen bilateral trade relations and explore opportunities to expand imports of US agro-forestry-fishery products, in a move to balance bilateral trade.
The negotiations were characterised by goodwill, a frank and respectful dialogue, and a shared commitment to institutional integrity, mutual benefit and alignment with each country''s development level and international commitments.