Vietnam Responds to US Tariff Hike, Urges Adjustment

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang stated that the new tariff rates announced by the US Trade Representative (USTR) on imports from 60 investigated economies do not fully reflect Vietnam's reality and efforts. Hang said Vietnam will continue dialogues with the US in a constructive and cooperative spirit, urging the US to adjust the tariff rate in accordance with Vietnam's reality and its efforts in law-making and enforcement. Vietnam strictly prohibits all forms of forced labor and seriously abides by the regulations of the International Labor Organization (ILO), international treaties to which Vietnam is a signatory, and free trade agreements, Hang emphasized. She noted that on July 22, 2026, the Government of Vietnam promulgated Decree No. 292/2026/ND-CP, which includes provisions on the prohibition of importing goods produced with forced labor. The decree specifies goods prohibited from export, including weapons, ammunition, explosives, round timber and sawn timber from domestic natural forests, rough diamonds prohibited from export under the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, electronic cigarettes, and heated tobacco products. Goods prohibited from import include weapons, ammunition, explosives; fireworks and pyrotechnics of all kinds (excluding maritime safety signal flares used in accordance with the guidance of the Ministry of Construction), sky lanterns, and speed camera jamming devices; electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products; used consumer goods; used vehicles (including textiles, garments, footwear, electronic goods, refrigeration equipment, household electrical appliances, interior decorations, ceramic, porcelain, glass, metal, plastic, and other utensil categories, as well as bicycles, motorcycles, and mopeds); used medical devices; and used digital technology products. Notably, the decree strictly prohibits the importation of products and goods mined, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part by forced labor from enterprises, countries, or territories in accordance with relevant international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a contracting party.