Vietnam seeks more free trade deals to drive growth as Trump tariff looms
Reuters | 23 April 2025
Vietnam is seeking to speed up its negotiations for new free trade agreements while more effectively exploiting the 17 ones it has already signed, as its export-reliant economy is bracing for U.S. tariffs.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, in a directive issued late on Tuesday, urged the trade ministry to conclude or start free trade agreement talks with India, Brazil, Pakistan, Egypt and other markets in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Central Asia and Eastern Europe.
The Southeast Asian industrial hub has been slapped by the Trump administration with 46% "reciprocal" tariffs, currently paused until July, which if applied could undermine a growth model that relies on exports to the United States, its top market, and large investments by foreign manufacturers.
It recently instructed officials to combat trade fraud, counterfeiting and other issues of concern for the United States as the country readied to start talks with Washington on tariffs,
