The Vietnamese government has proposed that the United States temporarily postpone the imposition of retaliatory tariffs on Vietnamese goods for one to three months, allowing both sides time to negotiate a mutually beneficial and fair resolution. In the meantime, exporters are being urged to maintain their current prices while awaiting further talks.

On April 4, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc chaired a high-level meeting with leaders of relevant ministries and agencies, representatives from key industry associations, export businesses, and diplomatic officials to discuss strategies for addressing the U.S. tariff issue.

Deputy Prime Minister Phoc emphasized Vietnam’s commitment to proactive and constructive cooperation with the U.S., ensuring that negotiations on tariff-related matters uphold fairness and mutual benefit, while also combating illegal transshipment of goods.

He proposed that the U.S. suspend the application of retaliatory tariffs on Vietnamese goods for 1–3 months to allow time for negotiation.

He also encouraged Vietnamese exporters to the U.S. market to hold their prices steady during this period and to implement appropriate, effective solutions to maintain market presence.

Looking ahead, the Vietnamese government will adopt additional measures to increase imports of U.S.-origin products, and to enhance bilateral cooperation in science, technology, and digital transformation.

Deputy Prime Minister Phoc further called on the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam and the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council to relay Vietnam’s goodwill and the business community’s constructive stance to President Donald Trump’s administration in hopes of a more effective negotiation process.

Export sectors express concern, readiness to cooperate

At the meeting, representatives from major export associations - including the Vietnam Timber & Forest Products Association, Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association, Vietnam Electronics Business Association, Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association, Vietnam Steel Association, Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association, and the Vietnam Plastics Association, as well as corporate representatives from Samsung Vietnam and SOVICO Group - shared their concerns.

While reaffirming that the U.S. remains a vital and leading export market, stakeholders expressed worries over the potential impact of retaliatory tariffs on their operations.

Despite the concerns, these associations and businesses pledged to actively support the government’s negotiation efforts, including boosting imports from the U.S., providing evidence of product origin, and demonstrating capacity and compliance - all critical to building a transparent, cooperative framework for talks.

The Vinh