Vietnam wants the US to delay new tariffs for 45 days
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reaffirms Vietnam's commitment to fair and sustainable trade with the US.
THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam wants the US to delay the imposition of new tariffs on Vietnamese goods for at least 45 days, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh told a government meeting on April 7.
Garments produced and exported by Son Ha Garment JSC in Son Tay Town, Hanoi. Photo: Le Nam/The Hanoi Times
Chinh said the delay will give both sides time to negotiate and prepare for a smooth transition and promote balanced and sustainable trade between the two countries without compromising Vietnam's international commitments.
"The two countries should agree on a new trade framework, as suggested by General Secretary To Lam during his phone call with President Donald Trump on April 4," said Prime Minister Chinh.
The prime minister ordered government agencies and local governments to consider increasing imports of US goods that Vietnam needs.
He also asked central and local authorities to address the concerns of American businesses, ensure that Vietnam's monetary policy meets international standards, and keep interest and exchange rates stable.
Other tasks include speeding up the delivery of Boeing aircraft to Vietnam Airlines, reviewing intellectual property regulations, protecting the legal rights of stakeholders, and preventing counterfeit or mislabeled products from entering the market.
The prime minister called for efforts to expand preferential loan packages for fisheries and other industries affected by the new US tariffs, reduce and defer taxes, fees and land rents, review VAT refunds, and simplify and streamline administrative rules to support businesses.
He encouraged Vietnamese officials and businesses to use their channels to engage with the US and seek more sustainable trade policies to foster the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
President Donald Trump on April 4 signed an executive order imposing higher tariffs on goods from 180 countries. Vietnamese exports now face a 46% tariff, one of the highest in the world.
On April 4, General Secretary To Lam had a phone conversation with President Trump in which he confirmed Vietnam's willingness to reduce its tariffs on US goods to 0% and increase imports.
He called on the US to apply similar tariff policies to Vietnamese exports and expressed hope for a bilateral agreement to formalize these commitments.
Since the US announced the new tariffs, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has held three meetings with government leaders to find solutions and prepare Vietnam’s response.
