Analysis of the Claim: "Vietnam's Tariffs on US Goods is 90%"
1. Introduction
The claim that "Vietnam's tariffs on US goods is 90%" has circulated in various media outlets, particularly in the context of trade discussions between the United States and Vietnam. This assertion has been attributed to statements made by U.S. officials, including former President Donald Trump and his trade advisers. However, the accuracy of this claim is contentious and warrants a thorough examination of available evidence.
2. What We Know
- Average Tariff Rates: According to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Vietnam's average trade-weighted tariff is approximately 5% 8. This figure contrasts sharply with the 90% figure cited by some U.S. officials.
- U.S. Trade Surplus: The U.S. has a significant trade surplus with Vietnam, which was reported at around $123.5 billion in 2024 5. This surplus has been a focal point of trade discussions and may have influenced the perception of Vietnam's tariff rates.
- Statements from Officials: Peter Navarro, a former trade adviser to Trump, claimed that Vietnam charges a 90% tariff on U.S. goods 4. This assertion appears to be based on a broader narrative regarding trade imbalances rather than specific tariff data.
- Vietnam's Response: Vietnamese officials have indicated that their average tariff on U.S. goods is around 9.4% 1. This figure is significantly lower than the 90% claim and suggests a discrepancy in the information being presented.
3. Analysis
The claim that Vietnam imposes a 90% tariff on U.S. goods raises several questions regarding its validity:
- Source Reliability: The sources of the 90% claim primarily stem from U.S. political figures and media reporting on their statements. For example, Navarro's comments were made in a context that suggests a political agenda aimed at justifying trade actions against Vietnam 4. This raises concerns about bias and the potential for exaggeration.
- Methodology of Claims: The calculation methods used to arrive at the 90% figure are unclear. Some reports suggest that this figure may have been derived from a misunderstanding of trade surplus data rather than actual tariff rates 3. This indicates a lack of rigorous methodology in the claims being made.
- Contradictory Evidence: Multiple credible sources, including the WTO, report much lower average tariffs for Vietnam. The discrepancy between the 90% claim and the 5% average tariff suggests that the former may be a misrepresentation or an oversimplification of the trade dynamics at play 8.
- Context of Trade Relations: The trade relationship between the U.S. and Vietnam has been complex, with Vietnam benefiting significantly from U.S. imports. This context may influence the rhetoric used by U.S. officials to frame Vietnam's trade practices as unfavorable 56.
4. Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that "Vietnam's tariffs on US goods is 90%" is false. Key evidence supporting this conclusion includes the World Trade Organization's report indicating that Vietnam's average trade-weighted tariff is approximately 5%, and Vietnamese officials stating that their average tariff on U.S. goods is around 9.4% 18. The 90% figure appears to stem from statements made by U.S. officials, particularly those with potential political motivations, rather than from accurate tariff data.
It is important to recognize that while the claim is demonstrably false, the context of U.S.-Vietnam trade relations is complex and may lead to misunderstandings or misrepresentations of tariff rates. The rhetoric surrounding trade can often be influenced by broader economic narratives and political agendas.
Moreover, there are limitations in the available evidence, as the claim's origins are primarily anecdotal and lack rigorous methodological backing. This underscores the necessity for critical evaluation of information, particularly in politically charged discussions. Readers are encouraged to assess claims carefully and seek out credible sources to inform their understanding of trade issues.
5. Sources
- Vietnam Urges United States to Delay Imposing Tariffs On It. The New York Times. Link
- Understanding the US Tariff List: Implications for Vietnam. Vietnam Briefing. Link
- US Reciprocal Tariffs on Vietnam: Updates, Implications and Strategic Considerations. Frasers VN. Link
- Vietnam's Tariffs Offer Rejected by Trump Adviser—'Not a ... - Newsweek. Link
- Vietnam has been a big beneficiary of global trade — Trump's new ... NBC Washington. Link
- Vietnam emerged as a trade winner. Trump new tariffs may ... CNBC. Link
- "90%": Trump Unveils USA-Vietnam Tariff Policy | Vietcetera. Link
- Vietnam Scrambles in a Tariff Bind - Council on Foreign Relations. Link
- Vietnam's bold offer to slash tariffs on U.S. goods to zero ... Economic Times. Link
- Zero tariffs on US goods: Vietnam's bold offer to slash tariffs on U.S ... Economic Times. Link
