Vietnam praises US tariff pause as 'positive move', trade negotiations expected

By Ngoc Anh, Nguyen Tien April 10, 2025 | 03:27 am PT

Spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang. Photo courtesy of MOFA

Vietnam has welcomed the U.S.'s decision to pause the reciprocal tariffs as a “positive move”, and that Vietnam and the U.S. will negotiate on the basis of mutual respect.

"We believe that the decision by President Donald Trump’s administration to put a pause to the 90-day policy of reciprocal tariffs on countries is a very positive move," spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said at a press meet on Thursday.

Hang said Vietnam and the U.S. will enter negotiations for a reciprocal trade agreement on the basis of mutual respect and the spirit of the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership, in order to reach an appropriate solution for fair and sustainable trade, satisfying the demands of the people and businesses of the two countries.

"This will showcase the spirit of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, and also reflect in the spirit of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations."

Trump on April 2 announced reciprocal tariffs as high as 84% on products from over 180 trade partners, including 46% against Vietnam. The policy, which initially took effect on April 9, was later paused for 90 days and saw tariffs being reduced to 10% for the majority of trade partners, including Vietnam.