U.S. Demands Vietnam Take Action on Trade Barriers, IP Standards This Week

According to recent reports, U.S. Trade Representative Grier said Thursday that the U.S. is demanding Vietnam take further action on non-tariff barriers, economic security cooperation, and intellectual property standards amid ongoing trade negotiations. Grier stated that Vietnam needs to align with the U.S. on export controls and other matters if American high-tech exports are to proceed. The U.S. seeks lower tariffs, removal of non-tariff barriers restricting U.S. goods and services, and stronger cooperation on economic security and IP compliance.

Vietnamese officials are currently in Washington for negotiations, seeking to reach a trade agreement amid three pending U.S. investigations into Vietnam's trade practices. Talks have stalled over disputes on stricter rules of origin, measures to prevent transshipment, and market access. Former President Trump previously threatened 40% tariffs on goods deemed as transshipped, though definitions remain unconfirmed.