越南启动贸易谈判应对美关税紧逼

Core Viewpoint - Vietnam is actively engaging in trade negotiations with the United States to address trade imbalances and enhance bilateral economic relations, with a focus on increasing imports from the U.S. and potentially reducing tariffs in response to Vietnam's measures [1][3][6]. Group 1: Trade Negotiations - Vietnam will hold its first round of bilateral trade negotiations with the U.S. on May 7, with commitments to increase imports from the U.S. and discussions on tariff reductions [1]. - The Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade, Nguyen Hong Dien, emphasized the strong economic complementarity between the two countries and the need for a balanced and sustainable trade relationship [1][2]. - The U.S. has expressed appreciation for Vietnam's willingness to negotiate and aims to reach a mutually beneficial agreement to stabilize trade relations [1][3]. Group 2: Economic Dependence - The U.S. is Vietnam's second-largest trading partner and the largest export market, with Vietnam's exports to the U.S. projected to reach $119.6 billion in 2024, accounting for nearly 30% of Vietnam's total exports [2]. - Vietnam's economy is heavily reliant on exports, with the total export value expected to represent about 85% of its GDP in 2024, indicating that stability in U.S. exports is crucial for Vietnam's economic growth [2]. Group 3: Trade Imbalance and U.S. Pressure - The trade deficit between the U.S. and Vietnam reached $1,235 billion in 2024, an increase of 18.1% year-on-year, prompting the U.S. to impose a 46% punitive tariff on Vietnamese goods [3][5]. - Vietnam has been proactive in addressing U.S. concerns over trade imbalances, including commitments to purchase more U.S. goods and open its market to U.S. agricultural products [4][5]. Group 4: Future Outlook - Despite Vietnam's efforts to engage positively with the U.S., there are concerns about whether these actions will lead to favorable outcomes, as past negotiations with other countries have not always resulted in beneficial agreements [7]. - Experts suggest that merely conceding to U.S. demands may not be perceived as genuine goodwill, and a demonstration of resolve may be necessary to achieve a more favorable negotiation outcome [7].