Vietnam Plans Increased US Defense Purchases Amid Tariff Negotiations

Vietnam is enhancing its procurement of American goods, particularly in defense and security, while requesting a 45-day delay on the imposition of a 46% U.S. tariff announced by former President Donald Trump. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the need for negotiations to foster balanced trade and has also called for expedited delivery of commercial aircraft ordered from U.S. manufacturers. The country, which recorded a trade surplus of over $123 billion with the U.S. last year, aims to mitigate the impact of these tariffs on its export-driven economy. Recent discussions between Trump and Vietnamese leader To Lam have opened pathways to potentially eliminate these tariffs altogether. This move is part of Vietnam's broader strategy to strengthen its economic ties with the U.S. amid increasing trade pressures. The Vietnamese government is also reviewing various economic policies to ensure compliance with U.S. regulations.