Washington, D.C., April 5, 2025 – In a bold diplomatic development, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Vietnam has agreed not to impose any tariffs on American goods, following his proposed 46% tariff on Vietnamese imports. Trump shared the update through his social media platform, Truth Social, claiming that the conversation with Vietnam’s top leadership was “highly productive” and could soon lead to a formal bilateral trade agreement.
Vietnam to Drop Tariffs on U.S. Products
Trump revealed that he had a positive conversation with Vietnam’s Communist Party General Secretary, To Lam. The former president claimed Vietnam expressed readiness to bring tariffs on U.S. goods down to zero if a deal can be finalized. “I just had a very productive call with Vietnam’s General Secretary,” Trump posted. “He indicated that Vietnam is willing to reduce its tariffs on American products to zero, if we can reach an agreement. I thanked him on behalf of our nation and look forward to meeting soon.”
This follows Trump’s earlier announcement of a steep 46% tariff on Vietnamese imports, part of his broader strategy to rebalance trade and address America’s trade deficit.
Vietnam Confirms Progress Toward Bilateral Agreement
Vietnam’s government has since confirmed the conversation, noting progress toward a bilateral tariff agreement. A statement published on Vietnam’s official government portal indicated that Hanoi proposed equal tax measures for both nations. “Vietnam has proposed the United States apply reciprocal tax rates on Vietnamese imports,” the statement read. The two leaders reportedly agreed to continue dialogue aimed at formalizing the agreement soon.
Trump has also accepted an invitation to visit Vietnam to advance discussions further.
Trump’s Tariff Strategy Pressures Other Asian Economies
Vietnam is a key manufacturing hub for many Western companies, and Trump’s tariff proposal was part of a broader push to bring global supply chains closer to home. In 2024, Vietnam recorded a trade surplus with the U.S. exceeding $123 billion. Alongside Vietnam, Trump has also proposed similar tariff hikes on Cambodia.
On Friday, Cambodia requested a suspension of the proposed 49% tariff on its exports to the U.S., indicating that Trump’s economic pressure tactics are having far-reaching effects across Southeast Asia.
As global markets respond to this new wave of protectionist policies, trade experts say the negotiations could reshape U.S. ties with key Asian partners heading into the next presidential cycle.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.