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The U.S. Proposes Ministerial-Level Negotiations with Vietnam for the First Time

15 June, 2025

The third round of negotiations between Vietnam and the United States took place from June 9-12 in Washington, D.C., with the participation of the Vietnamese delegation led by Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, along with representatives from relevant ministries and sectors. The U.S. side included Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Ambassador Jamieson Greer, the U.S. Trade Representative.

Over the four working days, the two sides engaged in frank and detailed discussions in a cooperative spirit on the contents outlined in Vietnam’s response document submitted earlier. Through these talks, many issues were clarified, and gaps in the negotiating areas were significantly narrowed. The delegations also agreed to maintain exchanges via online meetings in the coming time to address remaining issues and prepare for the next steps.

Notably, on the last working afternoon, the U.S. side proactively proposed organizing a ministerial-level negotiation session with the simultaneous presence of Secretary Lutnick and Ambassador Greer. This was the first time such a format had been applied in the bilateral negotiation process between the two countries.

At this special session, Minister Dien put forward several initiatives to advance the negotiation process, building on the results achieved in the technical sessions. Vietnam’s proposals received basic consensus from the U.S. side. Secretary Lutnick and Ambassador Greer highly appreciated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, considering them an important foundation for the two sides to continue discussions toward an agreement suitable to the conditions and expectations of both countries.

Following the plenary session, the two ministers held a separate discussion to further clarify key contents. Secretary Lutnick affirmed that the United States values its relationship with Vietnam and wishes to support Vietnam’s strong development. He acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns and said he would work with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to agree on appropriate handling measures.

Minister Dien expressed his appreciation for the cooperation from the U.S. side and affirmed Vietnam’s determination to build a balanced and sustainable economic and trade relationship, bringing practical benefits to the people and businesses of both countries. The two sides agreed to task the technical-level officials to continue working actively toward reaching a substantive agreement in the near future.