Vietnam is actively seeking closer ties with the United States. On September 22, during his visit to the United Nations General Assembly, Vietnamese leader To Linh told American media that Vietnam does not accept transshipment trade. Trade must be genuine: products must truly originate from Vietnam and meet international standards as well as Vietnam’s own requirements—not only for the U.S. market but also for other international markets in which Vietnam participates. Vietnamese exports to the United States are not in direct competition with American-made goods.
To Linh stated that despite existing policy constraints from the U.S. side, Vietnam hopes to import more American goods to support domestic industrial production. The country acknowledges Washington’s concerns and intends to increase imports of high-tech American products, including aircraft, nuclear equipment, and infrastructure for roads and railways. Clearly, this statement conveys two underlying messages: first, on the issue of transshipment trade, which remains under scrutiny by the U.S., Vietnam is signaling its willingness to cooperate. Second, To Linh’s pledge to boost procurement of American products reflects an intent to demonstrate Vietnam’s desire to deepen its economic relationship with the United States.
Yet the question remains: why did To Linh make such a statement? The implication is evident. The United States has long suspected that certain Chinese goods, after being rebranded or repackaged, are routed through Vietnam to enter the U.S. market. As a result, American authorities have conducted multiple inspections of Vietnamese firms. To Linh’s remarks may therefore carry implications for China. It is clear that if Vietnam tightens customs verification standards too aggressively under pressure from the U.S., legitimate Sino-Vietnamese intermediate goods trade and processing-for-export arrangements could be wrongly classified as suspicious transshipment activities, thereby increasing customs costs and inspection times for Chinese components entering Vietnam.
Domestic enterprises that rely on Vietnam as a processing hub for re-export to Europe and the Americas will face heightened risks. This development warrants close attention. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s plan to increase purchases of American goods is within its sovereign right. Evidently, to maintain stability in its relationship with its largest export trading partner, Vietnam has adopted a conciliatory posture, aiming to conclude a trade agreement with the U.S. as soon as possible. However, any bilateral agreement between the U.S. and Vietnam must not come at the expense of China’s interests.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877002170677259/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.