Vietnam-U.S. Trade Talks Progress with New Round of Virtual Negotiations on June 19

In a new development signaling sustained momentum in bilateral trade negotiations, Vietnam and the United States held a virtual high-level meeting on June 19, 2025, as part of the ongoing framework of their Reciprocal Trade Agreement discussions. The session took place at 9:00 PM Vietnam time and brought together Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer.

The tone of the meeting was notably constructive, marked by openness, goodwill, and a spirit of collaboration. The three leaders engaged in in-depth discussions on key unresolved matters and future directions to resolve persistent issues in the negotiations. Minister Dien welcomed the proposals brought forward by Secretary Lutnick and Ambassador Greer, viewing them as meaningful contributions to accelerating the pace of talks.

Vietnam Emphasizes Harmonious, Practical Solutions

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien reiterated Vietnam’s stance that the outcome of these talks must reflect mutual respect, economic realities, and the shared objective of enabling both countries to thrive within an interconnected global supply chain. In particular, he emphasized Vietnam’s expectations for more favorable consideration from the U.S. in several priority areas:

• Reciprocal Tariff Policies: Vietnam requested that the U.S. adopt a more balanced approach to reciprocal tariff applications, taking into account Vietnam’s development status and its cooperative track record.

• Improved Market Access: Vietnam urged more open access to the U.S. market for its core export sectors, including textiles, electronics, seafood, and agricultural products.

• Rules of Origin Reform: A key highlight of Vietnam’s proposal centered around the need for a practical, harmonized set of rules of origin. Minister Dien noted these should account for the structure of modern global supply chains and ensure fairness and predictability for businesses operating between the two nations.

U.S. Response: Constructive and Receptive

Secretary Lutnick and Ambassador Greer acknowledged Vietnam’s proactive engagement and commended the nation’s serious and solution-oriented posture. They noted that Vietnam’s willingness to address areas of concern creates the foundation for a more strategic and sustainable economic relationship.

Importantly, both American representatives reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to reaching an agreement that supports the long-term interests of both economies. Secretary Lutnick echoed that such bilateral collaboration is essential in preserving competitiveness and stability across supply chains in the Indo-Pacific region.

Ambassador Greer confirmed that the USTR is working actively to revise and return necessary documentation to the Vietnamese side, thereby enabling both teams to focus discussions and expedite consensus on outstanding clauses.

Strategic Outlook: Reassuring U.S. Investors and Customers

This development is not only diplomatically significant, but also strategically timed to reassure U.S. investors and customers operating in or sourcing from Vietnam. Amid heightened concerns over global trade fragmentation, Vietnam’s proactive and flexible diplomatic posture positions it as a resilient and reliable partner.

The Vietnamese government’s transparent, good-faith participation in the negotiation process affirms its long-term aspiration: to be seen as a strategic economic partner of the United States. This is especially relevant for American businesses who are diversifying sourcing away from China or looking to strengthen supply chain security in Southeast Asia.

Anticipating Round Three

Both sides expressed optimism about the direction of the talks and agreed that technical teams will continue to refine proposals over the coming weeks. A third round of formal negotiations is expected soon, once the updated U.S. draft is submitted.

Observers note that the progress of these negotiations could significantly impact multiple sectors, including high-value manufacturing, agriculture, and industrial materials. With Vietnam’s rapid transformation into a regional manufacturing hub and America’s renewed interest in strategic trade partnerships, the stage is set for deeper economic integration between the two countries.

Conclusion: Vietnam’s Forward-Looking Vision

Vietnam’s approach to the trade negotiations highlights its aspiration not merely to maintain market access but to play a larger role in shaping the future architecture of global trade. By promoting fair practices, accommodating structural realities, and building trust, Vietnam signals to the world—and particularly to American partners—that it is ready to be a cornerstone of resilient, rules-based trade.

For businesses, this is a clear indicator: Vietnam is doubling down on its openness, competitiveness, and commitment to balanced economic growth. As the next round of talks approaches, both public and private sectors should stay closely tuned. Opportunities are likely to follow.