Vietnam and the United States initiate a new round of trade talks.

Vietnam and the U.S. Initiate Second Round of Trade Talks, Focusing on Tariff Exemptions and Energy Cooperation

The Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade announced on Tuesday that the second round of bilateral trade talks between Vietnam and the U.S. officially commenced on May 20 (Monday) in Washington, D.C., and will continue until May 22. This round of negotiations aims to advance bilateral economic and trade relations, especially focusing on Vietnam's efforts to alleviate the pressure of up to 46% tariffs.

Tariffs as the Core Issue, Vietnam Seeks Policy Exemptions

According to the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade, this round of talks builds upon the first dialogue held earlier this month. The two parties are engaged in in-depth discussions on resolving "basic issues of mutual concern" and are committed to **“expediting the negotiation process.”

Vietnam is highly concerned with the potential imposition of a 46% high tariff by the U.S. and hopes to secure more exemptions and relief measures through consultations to protect its export competitiveness. Such tariffs, if implemented, could pose significant challenges to Vietnam's textile, electronics, and wood product export sectors.

Expanded Scope of Talks, Including Review of Current Policies

The Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade noted that, in addition to tariff issues, the two sides will also assess and discuss their existing trade and investment policies, attempting to establish a consensus for future negotiations on the basis of current policies. Analysts point out that this dual-path negotiation model helps push talks towards institutional and structural directions, moving beyond short-term tariff disputes.

Vietnamese Minister Meets with Westinghouse Electric, Nuclear Technology Cooperation in Sight

In addition to bilateral trade talks, Nguyen Hong Dien, the Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade visiting Washington, also met with Westinghouse Electric Company to discuss potential nuclear technology cooperation. While official details have yet to be disclosed, this move is interpreted as a signal of Vietnam seeking diversified technological cooperation against the backdrop of its energy structure transformation.

As Vietnam’s economy rapidly develops, the country faces rising energy security pressures, and nuclear cooperation could become a new focal point in future strategic dialogues between the U.S. and Vietnam.

Conclusion:

The second round of Vietnam-U.S. trade talks has not only continued the focused discussion on tariff issues but also demonstrated both sides' willingness to deepen cooperation in broader economic and technological fields. The progress and final outcomes of the negotiations in the coming days will have a direct impact on Vietnam's export industries and bilateral relations. There is widespread attention on whether the U.S. will show flexibility in the negotiations, thereby leasing Vietnam to achieve more constructive outcomes.

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