Vietnam Responds to US Tariff Imposition: "Does Not Fully Reflect Efforts Against Forced Labor"

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam has strongly countered the United States' imposition of a 12.5% tariff, citing "forced labor prevention," stating that it does not adequately reflect the country's significant efforts in this area. On July 25, 2026, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, Pham Thu Hang, addressed reporters' questions regarding Vietnam's stance on the US Trade Representative's (USTR) new tariff imposed on goods from all "investigated" economies under Section 301. She emphasized that the USTR's decision does not accurately reflect the reality or Vietnam's proactive efforts to prevent, reduce, and eliminate forced labor, which includes prohibiting the import of products made with forced labor. Vietnam strictly prohibits all forms of forced labor and scrupulously complies with the regulations of the International Labour Organization (ILO), international treaties, and free trade agreements to which Vietnam is a party. Most recently, on July 22, 2026, the Government issued Decree No. 292/2026/ND-CP, which explicitly bans the importation of goods mined, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part by forced labor. Consequently, Vietnam stated its intention to continue engaging and working with the United States in a constructive and cooperative spirit. Vietnam requests that the United States fully evaluate the measures Vietnam has implemented in accordance with reality and Vietnam's law-making and enforcement efforts, and adjust the applied tariff rate on Vietnamese goods accordingly. This US tariff measure could become a new point of contention in the bilateral trade relationship, particularly as Vietnam, a one-party state, continues its economic growth trajectory and faces international scrutiny over labor issues. The country has a significant trade surplus with the US, making it sensitive to protectionist trade actions. Source: Vietnam Insider