Trump, Vietnam Strike Trade Deal Amid Tariff Tensions

President Donald Trump has announced a trade deal with Vietnam imposing a 20% tariff on Vietnamese exports to the U.S. and a 40% tariff on goods identified as transshipped, targeting Chinese products routed through Vietnam. Trump claims the deal grants the U.S. tariff-free access to Vietnamese markets, but Vietnamese officials have not yet confirmed this. The agreement was reached just before a July 9 deadline and follows similar agreements with the UK and China. While the deal has provided a boost to shares of companies like Nike and Lululemon that rely on Vietnamese manufacturing, industry experts caution that American consumers could still face higher shoe prices. There are also concerns about unclear enforcement of transshipment provisions and the potential for Chinese retaliation. The agreement is seen as a political win for Trump and a temporary easing of broader tariff threats.