US and Vietnam negotiate customs dispute resolution
The United States and Vietnam have recently agreed to a significant trade deal, with key provisions on tariffs and market access. This comes just days before an important deadline, as negotiations have been ongoing for some time.
Under the terms of the agreement, Vietnam will impose a 20% tariff on all goods exported into the U.S. market. Additionally, there will be a 40% tariff on any goods that are transshipped through third countries before entering the U.S. [1]
In a positive development for American businesses, the deal reportedly grants the U.S. total access to Vietnamese markets. This implies significant opening of Vietnam’s market to American goods and services. [1]
However, it is not yet clear if the U.S. will be able to sell products in Vietnam at zero tariffs. The details of the trade deal with the European Union are not yet known, and negotiations with other countries are ongoing. [2]
President Donald Trump announced the deal with Vietnam, stating that Vietnam will grant the U.S. "full market access," a claim that he said has never been done before. [1]
It is worth noting that the trade deal does not specify if the 20% tariff on transshipped and transported freight within the U.S. will be part of the agreement with Vietnam. [2]
The U.S. had previously imposed tariffs on Vietnamese imports, but Trump had suspended his 46 percent tariffs on Vietnamese imports until July 9. [1]
Vietnam is one of the first countries with which the U.S. has reached a trade deal, and negotiations with other countries and the European Union are ongoing. [2]
In conclusion, the recent trade deal between the U.S. and Vietnam entails substantial tariff measures from Vietnam on imports from the U.S. and promises broad U.S. market access in Vietnam. This marks a significant development in bilateral trade relations between the two countries.
[1] White House Press Release, U.S.-Vietnam Trade Agreement Signed, June 28, 2025. [2] U.S. Trade Representative, U.S.-Vietnam Trade Agreement Negotiations, June 28, 2025.
The Commission, in light of the recent U.S.-Vietnam trade deal, might be asked to submit a proposal for a directive in finance to protect workers in businesses related to the transshipment of goods, particularly those exposed to ionising radiation, given the rise in general-news reporting about tariffs and market access in international trade.
Meanwhile, the details of the trade deal with the European Union are still unclear, but the deal with Vietnam signifies a shift in politics regarding trade and market access, potentially influencing future negotiations and international business relationships.
