Speaking with Tuoi Tre Online , Mr. Do Ngoc Hung - Commercial Counselor, Head of the Vietnam Trade Office in the US - said that Vietnam is in the group of countries that the US prioritizes for negotiations, including India, the UK, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

Vietnam in priority negotiation group

Accordingly, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) seriously considered the proposal for a high-level bilateral meeting and the two sides agreed to initiate the negotiation process.

"USRT has invited an interdisciplinary working group to meet to kick off negotiations this week, which is right during the holiday season," Mr. Hung informed.

Mr. Hung confirmed that Vietnam's technical negotiation delegation has gone to the US to prepare for the negotiations and the trade office is actively coordinating with the delegation to carry out and arrange the first negotiations on reciprocal taxes.

Assessing the prospects, Mr. Hung said there have been moves showing goodwill and seriousness on the other side.

In fact, right after the phone call between Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien and the Head of USTR on April 23, the agency posted a press release on its electronic portal about the results of the phone call just one day after the meeting.

Meanwhile, India is the second country reported after nearly nine weeks that the two countries agreed to start bilateral negotiations.

At the same time, the fact that USTR seriously considered the proposal for a high-level bilateral meeting and invited an interdisciplinary working group to meet to kick off negotiations during the holidays demonstrates the US's interest and respect for Vietnam.

"This shows that the US considers Vietnam an important, serious, and good-willed partner, as well as genuinely acknowledges US concerns, as Vietnam is among the group of countries the US prioritizes for negotiations, including India, the UK, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

Many US businesses believe in reaching an agreement

Providing more information about the situation in the US, Mr. Hung said that leading consumer goods retail corporations such as Walmart, Target (these two corporations alone purchase 30% of their goods from Vietnam), Costco, and HomeDepot warned in a meeting with President Donald Trump that tariff policies are negatively affecting consumer sentiment and causing pressure to increase prices.

Trade and economic uncertainty makes consumers more cautious about spending, which has a clear impact on business results (if it lasts for just a few weeks, shelves will be bare).

However, many large US businesses have expressed their support and confidence that Vietnam will reach an agreement with the US, through removing reciprocal tariffs and considering attending the International Sourcing Event organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade in September 2025 in Vietnam (Vietnam International Sourcing Expo 2025).

5 tips for effective Vietnam - US trade negotiations

The Vietnamese Trade Counselor in the US recommended strengthening diplomatic efforts and negotiations to lobby for a resolution of the reciprocal tax issue. Continue to implement a specific roadmap for Vietnam to protect its trade interests against potential tariff measures.

At the same time, strengthen strategic cooperation with the US to ensure sustainable development in bilateral relations between the two countries, from industry to trade, investment, energy, and artificial intelligence.

Diversify export markets through free trade agreements (FTAs), especially new-generation FTAs. At the same time, stimulate domestic demand by promoting domestic consumption to compensate for the risk of declining exports.

Enterprises also need to improve domestic competitiveness, thereby strengthening exports by investing in supporting industries, technology platforms, upgrading equipment, and encouraging innovation.

In addition, simplifying business regulations and improving infrastructure will help reduce production costs and improve product quality.