Trump has 'very productive call' with Vietnam's leader over tariffs

"Just had a very productive call with To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, who told me that Vietnam wants to cut their tariffs down to zero if they are able to make an agreement with the U.S.," Trump wrote on his Truth Social.

He added that "I look forward to a meeting in the near future."

Party chief To Lam held phone talks with President Donald Trump on Friday night, expressing Vietnam's readiness to negotiate reducing import tariffs on U.S. goods to 0%, while proposing that the U.S. apply the same rate to products imported from Vietnam.

Joining General Secretary Lam at the Party Central Committee Headquarters for the call were Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Chairman of the Party Central Committee Office Le Hoai Trung, and Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc.

General Secretary To Lam highly appreciated the discussions, during which both leaders affirmed their desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation for the benefit of both countries and to contribute to peace, stability, and development in the region and around the world, according to Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The two leaders agreed that relations between their countries are developing well across various fields.

Regarding bilateral trade, the two leaders discussed measures to further promote trade cooperation.

General Secretary To Lam affirmed that Vietnam is ready to engage with the United States to reduce import tariffs on U.S. goods to 0%. He also proposed that the U.S. apply the same tariff level to goods imported from Vietnam, continue to export more products that Vietnam needs, and encourage and create favorable conditions for U.S. companies to further increase their investment in Vietnam.

The two leaders agreed to work together toward the early signing of a bilateral agreement to concretize these commitments.

The Vietnamese Party chief also extended an invitation to President Donald Trump and the First Lady to visit Vietnam again soon. President Donald Trump, in response, accepted the invitation.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced import tariff rates for over 180 trading partners on Thursday (Hanoi time). Approximately half of these economies will face a general tariff rate of 10%, effective April 5.

Major U.S. trading partners will face higher rates, up to 50%, starting April 9.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the reciprocal tax table at the White House on April 2, 2025. Photo by AFP

Vietnam faces a 46% tariff, placing it among the group of countries with the highest tariffs, along with China, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Myanmar.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said Friday, in response to reporters' questions about Vietnam's reaction, that "Vietnam regrets the U.S.'s decision to impose retaliatory tariffs on Vietnamese exports to the U.S."

"We believe this decision is inconsistent with the reality of mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. It does not accurately reflect the spirit of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, stability, cooperation, and development. If implemented, it will negatively impact bilateral economic and trade relations and harm the interests of both the people and businesses of the two countries," she added.