Fact Check: Vietnam tariff on US good is 90%

Claim Analysis: "Vietnam Tariff on US Goods is 90%"

1. Introduction

The claim that "Vietnam tariff on US goods is 90%" has gained attention recently, particularly in the context of trade discussions between the United States and Vietnam. This assertion appears to stem from comments made by former President Donald Trump, who indicated that Vietnam imposes a high tariff on U.S. imports. The claim raises questions about its accuracy and the methodology behind the figure cited.

2. What We Know

Several sources provide insight into the claim regarding Vietnam's tariffs:

• Trump's Statement: Trump has stated that Vietnam charges the U.S. a "90 percent" tariff, which he reportedly derived from Vietnam's trade surplus with the U.S. 18.

• Trade Data: According to U.S. data, Vietnam's trade surplus with the U.S. reached approximately $123.5 billion last year, while the total trade value between the two countries was around $136.5 billion 7. This has led some to calculate the "tariff" as a ratio of the surplus to total trade, resulting in a figure close to 90% 410.

• Actual Tariff Rates: However, the actual trade-weighted average tariff rate for Vietnam is reported to be approximately 5.1% 4. This suggests a significant discrepancy between the calculated figure and the real tariffs imposed on U.S. goods.

• Vietnam's Response: In response to the tariffs imposed by the U.S., Vietnam has offered to reduce its tariffs on U.S. goods to zero, indicating a willingness to negotiate and clarify the trade dynamics 69.

3. Analysis

The claim that Vietnam's tariff on U.S. goods is 90% appears to be based on a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of trade data.

• Source Reliability: The sources reporting on Trump's statement include major news outlets like The New York Times and CNBC, which generally have a reputation for reliability. However, the context of Trump's comments should be scrutinized, as they may reflect his administration's trade policy rather than objective economic analysis 12.

• Methodology Concerns: The calculation of a 90% tariff based on the trade surplus divided by total trade raises methodological questions. This approach does not accurately reflect the actual tariffs imposed on goods but rather presents a skewed interpretation of trade dynamics. The discrepancy between the calculated figure and the actual tariff rate (5.1%) suggests that the claim may be misleading 410.

• Potential Bias: Some sources, particularly those closely aligned with U.S. trade policy, may have an agenda that influences their reporting. For instance, framing Vietnam as a "trade winner" could serve to justify aggressive tariff policies by the U.S. 27.

• Contradictory Evidence: The existence of actual tariff rates (5.1%) contradicts the claim of a 90% tariff, highlighting the need for careful interpretation of trade statistics and statements made by political figures 4.

4. Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that Vietnam imposes a 90% tariff on U.S. goods is false. The assertion appears to stem from a misinterpretation of trade data, particularly the calculation of a "tariff" based on the trade surplus relative to total trade. In reality, the trade-weighted average tariff rate for Vietnam is approximately 5.1%, which starkly contrasts with the 90% figure.

While the sources discussing this claim include reputable news outlets, the context of the statements made, particularly by political figures, necessitates careful scrutiny. The methodology used to derive the 90% figure is flawed and does not reflect actual tariff rates.

It is important to acknowledge that while the evidence supporting the falsehood of this claim is substantial, the complexities of international trade and the potential for evolving trade policies mean that ongoing evaluation of such claims is necessary. Readers are encouraged to critically assess information and consider the context and methodology behind claims related to trade and tariffs.

5. Sources

1. Vietnam Urges United States to Delay Imposing Tariffs On It. The New York Times. Link
2. Vietnam emerged as a trade winner. Trump new tariffs may ... CNBC. Link
3. Vietnam's Tariffs Offer Rejected by Trump Adviser—'Not a ... Newsweek. Link
4. US Reciprocal Tariffs on Vietnam: Updates, Implications and ... Frasers. Link
5. Understanding the US Tariff List: Implications for Vietnam. Vietnam Briefing. Link
6. Vietnam's bold offer to slash tariffs on U.S. goods to zero ... Economic Times. Link
7. Vietnam has been a big beneficiary of global trade — Trump's ... NBC New York. Link
8. Vietnam offers to drop U.S. tariffs to zero. Will that be ... Seattle Times. Link
9. Vietnam Offers to Remove Tariffs on US After Trump's Action. Bloomberg. Link
10. "90%": Trump Unveils USA-Vietnam Tariff Policy | Vietcetera. Link