A Vietnamese delegation led by Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy concluded a five-day trade mission to the United States, signing $3 billion worth of agricultural purchase agreements and promoting increased bilateral trade.
The nearly 50-member group, including government officials and business representatives, visited Iowa, Ohio, Maryland and Washington, D.C. from June 2-6, 2025. The mission aimed to boost U.S. agricultural imports and address trade imbalances while seeking access to new technologies for Vietnam's agricultural sector.
Minister Duy emphasized the complementary nature of both countries' agricultural strengths. "With strong support from both governments, agriculture in Vietnam and the U.S. is becoming more interconnected," he said. "We now share parts of the same supply chains, which helps increase our competitiveness and benefits producers and consumers in both countries."
The delegation signed 20 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) totaling $3 billion for U.S. agricultural commodities. These agreements reflect Vietnam's commitment to promoting balanced trade and encouraging the reconsideration of high reciprocal tariffs on Vietnamese goods.
U.S. officials and business leaders welcomed the visit. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds expressed appreciation on social media, highlighting the agreements' potential to strengthen agricultural supply chains between Vietnam and Iowa.
Ohio Secretary of Agriculture Brian Baldridge noted the complementary strengths between Vietnam and Ohio in agricultural trade, urging stakeholders to explore new collaboration opportunities.
The U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) expressed support for Vietnam's efforts to increase agricultural imports. Ted Osius, USABC President and CEO, said, "We're encouraged that Vietnam is considering increasing imports of agricultural goods to help reduce its trade deficit with the U.S."
During meetings with U.S. lawmakers, Senator John Boozman and Representative Glenn Thompson showed enthusiasm for the visit's outcomes and Vietnam's potential as an economic partner.
Both countries' businesses and associations called for the removal of reciprocal tariffs imposed by the previous U.S. administration, citing potential harm to U.S. businesses, consumers, and established supply chains.
The visit, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of U.S.-Vietnam diplomatic relations, underscores Vietnam's commitment to deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
