BY EMMANUEL OGBONNA
Vietnam has pushed back against a recent U.S. determination that it failed to adequately prevent the trade of goods produced with forced labour, arguing that the assessment does not accurately represent the country’s efforts to enforce labour standards and comply with international obligations.
Speaking at a regular government briefing in Hanoi on Thursday, foreign ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said Vietnam’s policies strictly prohibit all forms of forced labour and are aligned with international labour standards established by the International Labour Organization.
Hang stated that the conclusions reached by the United States did not fully reflect the measures Vietnam has implemented to address labour concerns and strengthen oversight across its manufacturing and export sectors.
The comments came after the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump proposed new tariffs of up to 12.5% on imports from 60 countries, including Vietnam. U.S. officials said the proposed measures followed an investigation that found a number of trading partners had not done enough to prevent the flow of goods linked to forced labour into global supply chains.
Several countries named in the investigation have disputed the findings, arguing that they have taken substantial steps to improve labour protections and ensure compliance with international standards.
Vietnam has emerged as one of the most significant manufacturing and export hubs in the world over the past decade, benefiting from companies seeking alternatives to production bases in China. The country has attracted billions of dollars in foreign investment, particularly in electronics, textiles, footwear, furniture and consumer goods manufacturing.
As global corporations expanded operations in Vietnam, exports to the United States surged, making the American market one of the country’s most important trading destinations. That rapid growth has also brought increased scrutiny from Washington regarding labour practices, supply chains and trade imbalances.
The latest dispute unfolds against the backdrop of a widening trade gap between the two countries. According to U.S. government data, the American trade deficit with Vietnam reached $54.8 billion during the first three months of the year. The figure ranked behind only Taiwan among major U.S. trading partners and exceeded trade deficits recorded with larger exporters such as China and Mexico during the same period.
Reducing trade deficits has remained a central objective of the Trump administration’s economic strategy. U.S. officials have argued that persistent trade imbalances disadvantage American industries and workers, prompting efforts to renegotiate trade arrangements and impose tariffs on countries viewed as benefiting disproportionately from access to the U.S. market.
Beyond concerns about forced labour, Vietnam has faced criticism from Washington over a range of trade-related issues. U.S. officials have accused the country of contributing to global overcapacity in certain industries, failing to adequately protect intellectual property rights and serving as a conduit for goods that may circumvent trade restrictions imposed on other countries.
Vietnamese officials have consistently rejected allegations that the country deliberately distorts trade. Hanoi has instead emphasized its commitment to international economic integration and regulatory reforms aimed at improving transparency and competitiveness.
Hang reiterated that Vietnam remains committed to maintaining constructive relations with the United States and resolving differences through dialogue and cooperation.
She said Vietnam would continue engaging with American authorities in a positive and practical manner to address outstanding issues while safeguarding the legitimate interests of Vietnamese workers and businesses.
The dispute highlights the increasingly complex relationship between Washington and Hanoi. While the two countries have strengthened diplomatic, security and economic ties in recent years, trade issues remain a recurring source of friction.
Vietnam’s export-driven economy relies heavily on access to international markets, particularly the United States, while American companies continue to view Vietnam as a critical manufacturing base and an important strategic partner in Asia.
Economists say any new tariffs could have significant implications for Vietnamese exporters, especially manufacturers that depend on the U.S. market for a large share of their sales. At the same time, higher tariffs could increase costs for American businesses and consumers that rely on Vietnamese-made products.
The proposed measures are expected to trigger further discussions between the two governments in the coming months as both sides seek to manage trade tensions without undermining a broader relationship that has grown increasingly important to regional and global economic stability.
For now, Vietnam is maintaining that its labour policies meet international requirements and that U.S. conclusions regarding forced labour do not accurately reflect the country’s efforts. As negotiations continue, the disagreement underscores the challenges facing both nations as they attempt to balance economic cooperation with growing scrutiny of trade practices and supply chain standards.