Vietnamese leader To Lam said negotiations with the United States on a trade agreement have made positive progress and could reach a final deal soon. To Lam made the comments after meeting US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in New York on September 21. The meeting took place during To Lam’s visit to the United States for the UN General Assembly.
The talks are important because the United States is Vietnam’s largest export market. Vietnamese companies sell large amounts of electronics, machinery, clothing and other products to American consumers, making a stable trade framework important for exporters and investors. To Lam told Greer that Vietnam wanted a comprehensive and long-term approach to unresolved trade issues, while the Vietnamese side also raised concerns linked to investigations being conducted under Section 301 of US trade law.
Vietnam has taken steps to increase purchases of American products, and the government says these efforts can help reduce Vietnam’s trade surplus with the United States. The two countries have developed close economic ties over the past several years, with American companies investing in Vietnam and Vietnamese businesses expanding their exports to the US market. The trade relationship has also grown as companies have diversified supply chains across Asia.
For Vietnam, maintaining access to the US market is important for economic growth. Export industries provide jobs and generate foreign currency for the country, while the United States has increasingly viewed Vietnam as an important trading partner in Southeast Asia. Greer said negotiators from both sides had made significant efforts and substantial progress, suggesting that the talks have moved closer to a possible final outcome.
However, several issues still need to be resolved before an agreement can be completed. Trade agreements often involve rules on tariffs, market access, supply chains and other commercial matters. Vietnam also wants the agreement to provide a stable framework for investment and trade, giving businesses greater certainty about the rules that will apply to their long-term operations.
The negotiations are taking place during a broader period of change in global trade. Countries are reviewing supply chains and seeking ways to reduce risks caused by geopolitical tensions. Vietnam has benefited from companies looking for alternative production locations, with electronics and manufacturing investment increasing as firms expand their Asian operations. A trade agreement with the United States could help support that trend if it creates greater certainty for companies.
Vietnamese officials are also working to increase domestic demand and improve the country’s economic structure. Stronger trade links are part of that wider strategy, meaning the talks between To Lam and Greer have importance beyond tariffs. They could influence future investment decisions and the direction of Vietnam-US economic relations.
Both governments have described their relationship as increasingly important. They have also expanded cooperation in areas such as technology, education and supply chains, while the possibility of a new trade agreement could strengthen those economic ties further. However, no final agreement has been announced yet, and negotiators still need to complete the remaining discussions before any deal can be signed.
For businesses, the main issue is certainty. Companies planning factories or long-term supply contracts need to know how trade rules will develop, so Vietnam’s government is seeking a framework that supports long-term economic and investment links. The September 22 report shows that negotiations have moved forward but are not yet complete.
To Lam’s comments indicate that both sides see progress, while the remaining issues will determine when a final agreement can be reached. If the negotiations conclude successfully, the agreement could become an important part of Vietnam’s economic relationship with the United States. For now, officials on both sides are continuing discussions as To Lam attends the UN General Assembly in New York.
