The Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the American Chamber of Commerce in Hanoi (AmCham) sent a letter to the United States Secretary of Commerce on March 5, urging the Trump Administration to delay implementation of reciprocal tariffs on Vietnam’s exports to the US to avoid disrupting operations and undermining prior commercial decisions and shipment logistics, according to a report from the Government News.

VCCI and AmCham believe that the Government of Vietnam is serious about taking proactive steps to demonstrate a real commitment to addressing the trade imbalance with the U.S. while solving burdens and barriers faced by American companies and investors.

The two organizations, which represent the business communities of both countries, also encouraged both governments to engage in dialogue to create a constructive program to help reduce America's trade deficit with Viet Nam in a way that boosts living standards and creates prosperity in both countries.

The letter, signed by the leaders of both organizations, expressed deep concern about President Trump’s reciprocal tariff announcement and stated that, if implemented, the shockingly high new tariffs will negatively affect our members' businesses and customers, and the broader commercial relationship between our two countries. “Lower tariffs for products coming into Vietnam, and for products reaching the American consumer is what will help U.S. companies, the economy, and consumers. Higher tariffs will not.”

The letter explained that Vietnam reduced tariffs on thirteen product categories last week that directly benefit U.S. exporters.

Vietnamese leaders have also pledged to facilitate the purchase of more American products, and the two business organizations continue working with government authorities on resolving burdens including restrictions and inconsistent regulations for digital trade and broadcast, pharmaceutical imports, intellectual property rights, customs and tax procedures, procurement, data management and security, and more.

The letter said that Vietnam has developed into one of America’s fastest growing export markets and as the middle class here grows, there are great opportunities for U.S. agriculture, aircraft, energy, equipment, medicines, technology, and many other sectors that create wealth and jobs in America’s heartland. The letter noted that the Vietnamese and American economies are complementary rather than directly competitive.

The two organizations told the Commerce Secretary that they support the agreement proposed by Party General Secretary To Lam in his phone conversation with President Donald Trump on April 4  to remove tariffs and other trade barriers between the two nations.

A fast and fair agreement would add certainty for businesses and would help to rectify the trade imbalance between the two countries in a manner that benefits both countries, the letter noted.