Exports face US trade defense measures

Hung described the U.S. as the world's largest importer, with an annual value exceeding US$3 trillion.

Statistics from the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) showed that in the first half of this year, the U.S. ran a trade surplus of around US$500 billion, proving that it is highly attractive and a target of exporters worldwide. However, the U.S. market is also very demanding, with stringent requirements and high standards for many goods.

He noted that in order to reduce its trade surplus, the U.S. has, and will continue to apply more trade defense measures.

As of late May, the U.S. launched 55 trade defense investigations against Vietnam, which accounted for nearly 25% of the total number of anti-dumping investigations against Vietnamese exports. The investigations covered a wide range of products, from Vietnam’s key currency earners such as steel, wood, aquatic products, apparel, tires, and high-pressure washers, to items of smaller export value like honey, grass trimmers, foam mattresses, and woven bags, he said.

According to him, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has proposed amendments and supplements several provisions on anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations, with a focus on labor-related policies and increased competition against unfair practices from imported goods.

The MoIT suggested the DOC conduct investigations with objectivity and fairness, providing the Vietnamese exporters with sufficient time to explain and supply information to investigating authorities for verification.

In cases the DOC decides to apply anti-circumvention measures, Vietnam proposed that the US adopt a simple and convenient mechanism for Vietnamese manufacturers and exporters to confirm their compliance with anti-dumping measures, thus preventing additional burden on Vietnamese exporters.