Acting Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung made the remarks at a roundtable with members of the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) on February 2, held alongside the sixth round of negotiations on a reciprocal trade agreement.

Hung said Vietnam is prepared to increase purchases of US machinery, equipment and high-technology products, stressing that bilateral trade should be shaped by growing complementarity between the two economies and Vietnam’s expanding role in global supply chains.

He cited recent large aircraft deals as examples of Vietnam’s efforts to support more balanced trade, including VietJet’s order for 200 Boeing aircraft and Vietnam Airlines’ purchase agreement for 50 Boeing planes.

Energy was identified as another key area where Vietnam could raise imports from the United States. Hung said liquefied natural gas (LNG) would serve as an important transition fuel to help ensure power supply and support Vietnam’s energy transition, while offshore wind and other clean energy sources form part of the country’s long-term strategy.

He affirmed that Vietnam is working to refine its legal framework for power, gas and renewable energy to provide transparent and stable conditions for large-scale projects.

During talks with US firms in industrial manufacturing, aviation and technology, the acting minister noted Vietnam seeks long-term cooperation that includes supply-chain development, technology transfer and workforce training.

Semiconductors, high technology and the digital economy are among Vietnam’s strategic priorities, he said, adding that the Government is committed to accelerating institutional reforms, spurring digital infrastructure development and maintaining a competitive and secure investment environment.

Following the roundtable, the Vietnamese trade leader held separate meetings with executives from Apple, Excelerate Energy and Exxon Mobil, to discuss more specific cooperation plans in high technology and energy.

He assured the US firms that Vietnam views the US business community as a long-term and trusted partner and will continue to step up policy dialogue, address obstacles in line with the law and provide a stable, transparent and predictable environment for long-term investment.

Hung also met with executives from AES Corp and GE Vernova on the sidelines of the negotiations.

The Vietnam – US trade talks follow the Trump administration’s announcement in April 2025 of reciprocal tariffs on more than 180 trading partners, with Vietnamese exports initially facing duties of up to 46%, among the highest rates imposed.

In August 2025, the Trump administration adjusted the scheme, cutting the tariff on Vietnamese goods to 20% under a general schedule set out in Annex I.

Since late April 2025, the two sides have held multiple rounds of reciprocal trade negotiations at both technical and ministerial levels, seeking to narrow differences and move toward a comprehensive agreement. Five rounds have been completed, with a sixth round expected in Washington DC this week.

Key issues include tariffs and reciprocal rates, rules of origin, customs procedures, agriculture, e-commerce and services, investment, intellectual property and other non-tariff barriers.

Vietnam has said it is negotiating on an equal and constructive basis, while actively working with relevant ministries to propose measures that would facilitate greater access for US goods and encourage Washington to take a balanced approach to tariffs.

Vietnam–US reciprocal tariff talks make progress, sixth round expected

VOV.VN - Vietnam and the United States have completed five rounds of negotiations on a reciprocal trade agreement and are expected to hold another round next week, a senior Vietnamese trade official said on January 29.