HCMC – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has proposed that the U.S. postpone the 46% reciprocal tariff on imports from Vietnam for at least 45 days to allow time for bilateral talks.
Chinh made the request during a meeting on April 7 with ministries, industry associations, enterprises, and Vietnamese diplomatic missions abroad. The meeting focused on responding to recent developments in global trade.
The PM called on the U.S. to delay its tariff to create room for negotiations and a smoother transition. He also emphasized the importance of working toward a bilateral agreement aimed at achieving sustainable and balanced trade. The goal, he said, is to ensure mutual benefit, risk-sharing, and minimal disruption to consumers in both countries, while honoring Vietnam’s international commitments.
To support trade cooperation, Vietnam is looking to increase imports of key U.S. goods that align with domestic demand, including products related to security and defense. The Government is also urging expedited delivery of aircraft under existing commercial contracts.
In response to U.S. concerns over non-tariff barriers, the Government Office has been tasked with reviewing related issues. Relevant ministries and agencies are expected to study and respond to U.S. concerns with practical, evidence-based explanations.
On rules of origin, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will tighten controls to ensure compliance with Vietnamese law and avoid potential violations.
To cushion the impact on local exporters, PM Chinh proposed expanding preferential credit packages for the seafood industry and other sectors. Other measures under consideration include lower loan rates for affected industries and deferred tax and land rent payments.
The proposal is in line with the recent phone call between Party General Secretary To Lam and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Earlier, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the American Chamber of Commerce in Hanoi (AmCham Hanoi) had jointly urged the U.S. government to postpone the tariff decision. In a letter sent to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and other relevant authorities, the two business associations warned that the 46% tariff could hurt companies and consumers in both countries, and strain bilateral business ties when it goes into effect on April 9.
Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc echoed this view at an April 4 meeting with representatives from industry groups, businesses, and foreign missions. He proposed delaying the tariff for one to three months to provide time for dialogue and prevent disruptions in trade flows.
Phoc is currently on a working visit to the U.S. from April 6 to 14, according to the Vietnamese Government’s news website. His trip follows President Donald Trump’s April 2 announcement of sweeping reciprocal tariffs on imports from all nations, with Vietnam facing a 46% rate.
The business community has expressed hope that the Government’s swift response, combined with the deputy prime minister’s visit to the U.S., will help pave the way for negotiations leading to a more balanced trade agreement. Many companies are facing rising costs and challenging global conditions, and are looking to the talks to ease some of the immediate pressure.
