Fact Check: Vietnam has a 90% tariff on US imports

Vietnam's Tariff on US Imports: An Analysis of the Claim

Introduction

The claim that "Vietnam has a 90% tariff on US imports" has surfaced in discussions surrounding recent trade negotiations between the United States and Vietnam. This assertion has been referenced in various contexts, particularly in relation to the tariffs imposed by the US on Vietnamese goods. However, the accuracy of this claim warrants a thorough examination, as it appears to be based on specific interpretations of trade data rather than straightforward tariff rates.

What We Know

1. Current Tariff Rates: According to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Vietnam's average tariff rate on imports from the United States was approximately 9.4% in 2023, which is significantly lower than the claimed 90% 9.

2. US Tariff Calculations: The assertion of a 90% tariff appears to stem from a calculation made by the Trump administration, which reportedly divided Vietnam's trade surplus with the US by the total trade volume between the two countries. This method has been criticized as misleading and not reflective of actual tariff rates 49.

3. Recent Trade Developments: In early April 2025, President Trump announced a reciprocal tariff of 46% on Vietnamese imports, which has drawn attention to the ongoing trade dynamics between the two nations 13. Vietnam's government has expressed willingness to eliminate tariffs on US imports entirely, potentially bringing the rate to 0% 68.

4. Trade Surplus Context: Vietnam has been described as a "trade winner," benefiting significantly from exports, which constituted nearly 90% of its GDP in 2023. This context is essential for understanding the broader implications of trade tariffs and negotiations 56.

Analysis

The claim that Vietnam imposes a 90% tariff on US imports lacks support from credible economic data. The primary sources of this claim appear to be statements made by political figures rather than empirical evidence. For instance, the Trump administration's characterization of Vietnam's tariffs seems to be based on a misinterpretation of trade statistics rather than actual tariff schedules.

Source Evaluation

• World Trade Organization (WTO): As a reputable international organization, the WTO's data on Vietnam's average tariff rates is reliable and widely accepted in economic discussions 9.

• Political Commentary: Articles from sources like Newsweek and The New York Times provide insights into the political context but may carry biases based on their editorial slants. For example, the framing of tariffs in the context of trade negotiations can influence public perception 13.

• Economic Analysis: Publications such as Vietnam Briefing and CNBC offer analyses that reflect the economic implications of tariffs but may also have vested interests in promoting trade relations between the US and Vietnam 25.

• Critiques of Methodology: Some economists have criticized the Trump administration's calculations as faulty, suggesting that the methodology used to arrive at the 90% figure is not grounded in standard economic practices 9.

Conflicts of Interest

It is important to note that some sources discussing tariffs may have conflicts of interest, particularly if they are affiliated with trade organizations or government entities that stand to benefit from favorable trade agreements.

What Additional Information Would Be Helpful

To further clarify the situation, additional information that could be beneficial includes:

• Detailed breakdowns of Vietnam's tariff schedules for various categories of goods.
• Comparative analyses of tariff rates between Vietnam and other trading partners.
• Insights from independent economists on the implications of the claimed tariff rates on trade relations.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that Vietnam imposes a 90% tariff on US imports is false. The evidence indicates that Vietnam's average tariff rate on US imports is approximately 9.4%, significantly lower than the asserted figure. This discrepancy arises from a misinterpretation of trade data, particularly a calculation by the Trump administration that conflated trade surplus with tariff rates.

While the context of ongoing trade negotiations and the political landscape surrounding tariffs is important, it does not substantiate the claim of a 90% tariff. Furthermore, the methodologies used to arrive at such claims have been criticized by economists for lacking rigor and accuracy.

It is essential to acknowledge the limitations of the available evidence, as the complexities of international trade can lead to varying interpretations of data. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider multiple sources before forming conclusions about trade policies and tariffs.

Sources

1. Vietnam Urges United States to Delay Imposing Tariffs On It. The New York Times. Link
2. Understanding the US Tariff List: Implications for Vietnam. Vietnam Briefing. Link
3. Vietnam's Tariffs Offer Rejected by Trump Adviser—'Not a Negotiation'. Newsweek. Link
4. US Reciprocal Tariffs on Vietnam: Updates, Implications and Strategic Considerations. Frasers VN. Link
5. Vietnam emerged as a trade winner. Trump new tariffs may disrupt that. CNBC. Link
6. Vietnam has been a big beneficiary of global trade — Trump's new tariffs threaten to derail that. NBC Washington. Link
7. US announces a hefty 46% reciprocal tariff on Vietnam; how will it impact you. Financial Express. Link
8. Vietnam's bold offer to slash tariffs on U.S. goods to zero. Economic Times. Link
9. Economists blast calculations for 'bombshell' Trump tariffs as faulty. Raw Story. Link
10. Vietnam offers to drop U.S. tariffs to zero. Will that be enough for Trump? Seattle Times. Link