On the morning of April 10, during the ASEAN Special Economic Ministers’ Meeting on U.S. Tariff Policy, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien expressed Vietnam’s position on the United States’ reciprocal tariff policy. He emphasized that Vietnam has taken a proactive role in its discussions, dialogues, and negotiations with the U.S.

Vietnam maintains that ASEAN must demonstrate unity, calmness, and strategic determination in its engagement with the U.S., while actively promoting partnerships with external parties - especially the United States - in mutually beneficial areas.

These efforts aim to support ASEAN’s long-term development goals and enhance its global standing amid evolving circumstances.

The Minister affirmed Vietnam’s endorsement of the Joint Statement, which was collaboratively developed and agreed upon by ASEAN member states.

He emphasized that the statement reflects ASEAN’s solidarity and proactive role amid increasingly complex and unpredictable global trade dynamics.

Vietnam supports ASEAN’s pursuit of a comprehensive, flexible, and practical approach to strengthening economic resilience and diversifying supply chains.

This includes effective utilization of existing free trade agreements, such as efforts to upgrade the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA).

In the spirit of frankness, openness, and cooperation, the ministers approved a Joint Statement outlining the bloc’s shared stance on the U.S. reciprocal tariff measures.

First, the statement reaffirmed the importance of the ASEAN–U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in driving regional economic growth, contributing to peace and stability, and delivering tangible benefits to both sides.

Second, ASEAN expressed concern over the potential negative effects of the U.S.'s new tariff policy. The ministers warned that the policy could pose serious challenges for businesses - particularly small and medium-sized enterprises - undermine global economic growth prospects, and disrupt supply chains and the flow of trade and investment.

Third, ASEAN reiterated its commitment to the multilateral trading system and called on the U.S. to engage in constructive dialogue to address trade-related concerns. The bloc emphasized the importance of maintaining balanced and sustainable trade relations.

Fourth, ASEAN pledged to continue working with the U.S. on trade, investment, and high-value-added sectors of mutual interest.

The bloc also expressed its readiness to enhance cooperation through existing frameworks such as the ASEAN–U.S. Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) and the Expanded Economic Engagement (E3) Work Plan to find suitable solutions to shared challenges.

Additionally, the meeting agreed to establish an ASEAN Geoeconomics Task Force. The group will evaluate the impacts of U.S. tariff policy and make timely recommendations to support ASEAN’s ongoing dialogue and efforts to resolve concerns while identifying opportunities for cooperation in new, mutually beneficial areas.

Tam An