The New Era of Trade: Vietnam-US Negotiations for a Reciprocal Trade Agreement

On the afternoon of May 16, in Jeju, South Korea, immediately after the conclusion of the 31st APEC Ministerial Meeting (MRT 31), as previously planned, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, Head of the Government Negotiating Delegation, held a direct ministerial-level negotiation with the US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer.

This was the first direct ministerial-level negotiation between Vietnam and the United States after the online negotiation on April 12, 2025, to implement the negotiation of the Vietnam – United States reciprocal trade agreement as directed by the leaders of the two countries.

The negotiation took place in a frank, constructive, open, and flexible spirit, demonstrating the high efforts of both sides in building a stable economic, trade, and investment relationship, harmonizing interests, and commensurate with the Vietnam – US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership; on the basis of respecting sovereignty, autonomy, political institutions, harmonizing and balancing interests, and in accordance with international law and the development level of each country.

The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer acknowledged and highly appreciated Vietnam’s goodwill and proactive preparation for the negotiation between the two sides, basically agreeing with Vietnam’s approach and proposals. The United States hopes that with the efforts of both sides, the technical-level negotiation in the coming days will achieve positive results, bringing practical benefits to the people and business communities of the two countries, contributing to the stability and sustainable development of bilateral trade relations and the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

On that basis, the two sides agreed on high issues of principle, approach, orientation, content, and negotiation plan, creating a basis for the following negotiation sessions to achieve positive results.