Vietnam - U.S. Reciprocal Trade Negotiations: Round 2 Achieves Positive Results, Set To Continue In June 2025

Washington D.C., USA, May 22, 2025 – The second round of Vietnam – U.S. reciprocal trade negotiations concluded with notably positive outcomes. Held from May 19-22, 2025, in Washington D.C., these discussions underscored both nations’ firm commitment to fostering a sustainable and balanced economic and trade relationship, laying a solid foundation for future sessions in early June 2025.

Leading Vietnam’s efforts in the Vietnam – U.S. reciprocal trade negotiations, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien headed a diverse delegation. This team included representatives from key ministries like Public Security, Foreign Affairs, Finance, and Agriculture, among others. Their broad presence underscored Vietnam’s meticulous preparation and the strategic importance of the agreement, ensuring all aspects of reciprocal trade were thoroughly examined.

Negotiation Progress And Initial Consensus

Throughout the three days of intensive work, the Vietnamese and U.S. negotiating teams demonstrated a spirit of goodwill, frankness, respect for institutions, harmony, and balanced interests. They also ensured that all discussion points were consistent with international commitments and each country’s level of development. The exchanges covered all issues raised prior to the negotiation session, focusing on core aspects:

• Information Exchange and Policy Clarification: Both sides dedicated significant time to providing detailed information on their current policies. This helped the delegations better understand their partner’s legal and practical contexts, thereby clarifying provisions within the draft Agreement.
• Discussion on Overall Approaches: Vietnam and the United States jointly analyzed and discussed overarching approaches to resolve fundamental issues of mutual concern. The objective was to find optimal solutions to accelerate the negotiation process, ensuring the agreement’s effectiveness and practicality.
• Open Exchange on Economic and Trade Issues: Members of both negotiating teams engaged in very open and constructive discussions on economic and trade issues that constitute core interests for both Vietnam and the United States. This included areas with significant cooperation potential, as well as points requiring adjustments to harmonize interests.

By the end of the negotiation round, both sides had achieved positive progress, clearly identifying groups of issues where consensus was reached or viewpoints were closely aligned. Simultaneously, specific groups of issues requiring further discussion to reach agreement in the near future were also identified, creating a clear roadmap for subsequent working sessions.

Future Cooperation Directions

To prepare for the next steps, Vietnam and the United States also agreed to set specific timelines for providing feedback on the draft Agreement, proposing revised text, and organizing online meetings. These activities aim to ensure the most thorough preparation for the crucial upcoming negotiation session.

At the end of the third working day, Minister Nguyễn Hồng Diên held a private meeting with Ambassador and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. This meeting served as an opportunity for both sides to review the achievements of the second negotiation round and specifically identify areas that require deeper focus in the continuing negotiations in early June 2025.

Ambassador Jamieson Greer expressed high appreciation for Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts in addressing issues of U.S. concern. He also emphasized the desire for both sides to continue intensifying technical-level exchanges, including ministerial-level meetings, to achieve concrete results as soon as possible.

In response to Ambassador Jamieson Greer’s positive remarks, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the assessment and affirmed Vietnam’s determination to build and promote economic and trade relations with the United States in a balanced and sustainable manner. The Minister stressed that this relationship benefits not only the governments but also the practical interests of the people and business communities of both Vietnam and the United States. Minister Dien also agreed with Ambassador Jamieson Greer to task the technical teams of both sides with continuing to enhance exchanges, aiming for an agreement that aligns with the expectations and specific development conditions of each country.