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In a surprising turnaround, former U.S. President Donald J. Trump on Friday claimed that Vietnam is now willing to reduce its tariffs on U.S. goods to zero, following a direct phone call with To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The development comes just two days after Trump proposed a 46% reciprocal tariff on Vietnamese imports, citing trade imbalances.
Taking to his official Truth Social account, Trump said, “Just had a very productive call with To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, who told me that Vietnam wants to cut their Tariffs down to ZERO if they are able to make an agreement with the U.S. I thanked him on behalf of our Country, and said I look forward to a meeting in the near future.”
This marks a notable shift in tone after Trump’s April 2 announcement of steep tariffs aimed at countries with high trade surpluses against the U.S., with Vietnam among those targeted. The proposal had raised concerns among global trade watchers and Vietnamese exporters.
Friday’s statement signals possible de-escalation, with Vietnam seemingly open to negotiating a new trade framework. While no details have been released regarding the structure or timeline of such an agreement, the message hints at improving diplomatic momentum between Washington and Hanoi.
Trump’s assertion, made publicly through his verified account, is being viewed as an early indicator of potential policy direction should he return to office. If implemented, zero tariffs from Vietnam would mark a major win for U.S. exporters, particularly in sectors like agriculture, technology, and manufacturing.
Vietnamese authorities have not yet issued an official response.