The negotiations took place from June 9 to 12 in Washington, D.C., marking an important step forward in the economic dialogue between the two countries.

Over the course of four intensive working days, both delegations engaged in constructive and frank discussions, focusing on key issues of mutual concern outlined in Vietnam’s earlier response document submitted to the US side. The two parties also spent time analyzing and clarifying each other’s positions in pursuit of mutually acceptable solutions.

To build on this progress, both sides agreed to hold a follow-up virtual meeting in the coming days, aiming to address unresolved issues and prepare for an online ministerial-level discussion between US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien.

A notable highlight of the negotiations was the joint ministerial session held on the fourth day, where Minister Dien met with both Secretary Lutnick and Ambassador Jamieson Greer, the US Trade Representative (USTR). This session marked the first time the US had proposed such a tripartite ministerial negotiation, reflecting the importance Washington places on advancing the trade agreement.

Based on the outcomes of prior discussions, Dien presented several initiatives to accelerate the negotiating process and move toward concrete outcomes. The US delegation responded positively, commending Vietnam’s goodwill and proactive engagement, and broadly endorsed the proposed ideas as a strong foundation for continued dialogue.

Following the joint session, Dien also held a one-on-one meeting with Lutnick to further discuss key points raised earlier and to deepen mutual understanding.

Lutnick emphasised that the United States values its relationship with Vietnam, and expressed a strong desire to see Vietnam continue to prosper. He acknowledged Vietnam’s concerns and proposals and pledged to coordinate with the USTR to explore appropriate solutions.

In response, Dien welcomed the constructive feedback from Lutnick and Greer, and reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to fostering a balanced and sustainable economic and trade partnership with the United States, for the mutual benefit of both nations’ people and businesses.

To sustain momentum, both sides agreed to instruct their respective technical teams to continue close coordination with a view toward reaching an agreement aligned with each country’s expectations and practical realities.

Vietnam and United States step up trade agreement negotiations

VOV.VN - A ministerial-level negotiation session on a bilateral reciprocal trade agreement between Vietnam and the United States took place in Paris on June 4 to review progress following the second round of technical-level negotiations and discuss orientations for the upcoming round.