The third technical round of negotiations for a reciprocal trade agreement between Vietnam and the U.S. is expected to take place in the first half of June, as agreed by their trade ministers on Wednesday.

Technical teams from both sides will step up virtual working sessions by thematic groups to resolve as many lingering technical issues as possible, paving the way for a productive third round of talks.

The consensus was reached by Vietnam’s Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Paris.

This is the second direct ministerial-level negotiation session between Vietnam and the U.S. following the first on May 16 in Jeju, South Korea, which took place immediately after the conclusion of the 31st APEC Ministerial Meeting on Trade (MRT 31).

At the Paris meeting, the two sides reviewed the progress since the second technical round from May 19 to 22 in Washington, D.C., and outlined orientations for the upcoming round.

Dien highlighted key points in Vietnam’s response to the additional issues requested by the U.S. side and lauded Vietnam’s commitment and goodwill to reach common ground and coordinated action with the U.S.

The minister also urged the U.S. Trade Representative to share his views on issues of concern to Vietnam.

Greer praised Vietnam’s goodwill, approach, and handling of the issues raised by the U.S., while also acknowledging the effort and constructive spirit of the Vietnamese negotiation team.

He emphasized that Vietnam is a comprehensive strategic partner of the U.S.; therefore, reaching a reciprocal tax agreement at this time is vital for both countries. He also addressed Vietnam’s concerns and proposed solutions to resolve complex issues during the negotiation process.

The two ministers committed to continued cooperation and expressed readiness to hold multiple ministerial-level exchanges to advance the negotiations toward mutually acceptable outcomes.

U.S. President Donald Trump on April 2 said that he would levy massive 46% tariffs on imports from Vietnam as part of a new wave of global impositions, effective from April 9. Trump on April 9 dropped his reciprocal tariffs for countries reaching out to the U.S. to negotiate to 10% for 90 days.

After the U.S. announced the delay and agreed to start negotiations with Vietnam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh formed a government negotiation team, led by Minister Dien. Since early May, the Vietnamese technical delegation has been working with relevant U.S. agencies on bilateral trade negotiations.

Source: The Investor

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