On January 17, 2025, in Washington, D.C., the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, authorized by the Vietnamese government, signed a bilateral agreement with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) regarding the anti-dumping duty order on tra and basa fish fillets from Vietnam. This agreement resolved a long-standing dispute between the two countries, which began when Vietnam filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2018, alleging that the U.S. had violated WTO rules by imposing anti-dumping duties on Vietnamese tra and basa fish exports.
In 2020, as the WTO panel was preparing to release its ruling on the case, the U.S. proposed to the Vietnamese government that they jointly request a delay in the release of the panel’s report to allow for bilateral negotiations to resolve the dispute. This led to the recent signing of the bilateral agreement, which took place in Washington, D.C., on January 17, 2025.
As per the terms of the agreement, Vinh Hoan Corporation, a leading Vietnamese exporter of tra and basa fish, will be the only company exempt from the anti-dumping duties imposed by the U.S. This marks the second time that Vietnam and the United States have successfully resolved a trade dispute through bilateral negotiations, the first being a similar case involving warm-water shrimp exports in 2016.
The resolution of this dispute reflects the constructive engagement and negotiation efforts made by both countries. It is particularly indicative of the goodwill and commitment to finding a mutually agreeable solution demonstrated by the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) and the United States Trade Representative (USTR). Additionally, the U.S.’s adherence to the WTO ruling underscores its intention to strengthen its multifaceted relationship with Vietnam, especially given the recent upgrade of their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
For Vietnam, this positive outcome is a testament to the close coordination and persistent efforts of the government, legal advisors, and the seafood industry, particularly Vinh Hoan Corporation, over the years. It also demonstrates the Vietnamese government’s willingness to utilize appropriate forums, including the WTO dispute settlement mechanism, to protect the rights and interests of Vietnamese businesses as the country deepens its integration into the global economy.
