Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien recently met with U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper to discuss strengthening bilateral economic, trade, and investment cooperation.

During the meeting, Ambassador Knapper reassured that recent U.S. tariff measures were not aimed at Vietnam.

The minister praised the positive start to Vietnam-U.S. trade relations in 2025, particularly the successful resolution of disputes related to anti-dumping duties on Vietnamese pangasius and basa fish at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

He highlighted that the resolution demonstrated both countries' goodwill and commitment to constructive negotiations.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien emphasized the complementary nature of the Vietnamese and U.S. economies, a crucial factor in fostering sustainable and balanced trade relations.

Vietnam regards the U.S. as a top strategic partner and seeks to deepen bilateral trade and investment ties, reinforcing mutual understanding and trust.

Vietnam aims to position the U.S. as a long-term, reliable supplier of key imports such as energy, machinery, technology, and raw materials. Currently, the U.S. ranks as Vietnam’s fifth-largest import market, with significant trade in chemicals, animal feed, plastics, and machinery.

The largest import category is electronics and components, valued at $4.4 billion. Other key imports include wheat ($150 million), wood products ($325 million), soybeans ($464 million), pharmaceuticals ($512 million), automobiles and transportation equipment ($580 million), fruits and vegetables ($540 million), and cotton ($680 million).

Addressing concerns over recent shifts in U.S. trade policy, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien sought clarification on potential impacts on Vietnam.

Ambassador Marc E. Knapper responded by emphasizing that the newly imposed tariffs were not targeted at Vietnam. He reaffirmed that U.S. trade policy aims to promote fair trade, safeguard economic and national security, and protect American workers and businesses.

Vietnam is currently the ninth-largest export market for U.S. agricultural products. American beef, pork, poultry, seafood, dairy, soybeans, corn, grapes, apples, cherries, and blueberries are widely popular among Vietnamese consumers, with apple imports alone exceeding two million boxes annually.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien called for greater cooperation in agriculture to enhance supply chain diversity. He confirmed Vietnam’s willingness to increase imports of U.S. agricultural products and urged the U.S. to reciprocate by granting wider market access to Vietnamese goods.

Ambassador Knapper expressed the U.S.’s ambition to elevate bilateral cooperation in 2025, reinforcing the Vietnam-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He highlighted economic and trade collaboration as the central pillar of bilateral relations and underscored opportunities for expanded partnerships in energy security, climate resilience, and high-tech industries.

The U.S. has shown keen interest in participating in Vietnam’s large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects. Ambassador Knapper encouraged the Vietnamese government to accelerate regulatory reforms and create a more favorable investment environment, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and aviation.

The U.S. also emphasized the importance of Vietnam’s continued efforts to prevent trade fraud, illegal transshipment, and circumvention of trade defense measures. Strengthening compliance would ensure the long-term stability of trade relations and safeguard the interests of businesses in both countries.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien acknowledged the U.S.’s position and expressed Vietnam’s support for fair trade principles. He reassured that Vietnam has no intention of adopting trade practices that would create market distortions, impose unfair trade burdens, or harm American industries and workers.

Vietnam welcomes U.S. investments in renewable energy, power generation, oil and gas exploration, and mineral development. The minister also proposed further collaboration under the Vietnam-U.S. Comprehensive Energy Partnership, established through a memorandum of understanding signed in October 2019.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade ties and expanding investment opportunities in the years ahead.

Tam An