Trump’s Vietnam Tariff Tango: The Art of the (Sorta) Deal

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By Zeus Zeihan, your favorite globe-trotting, coffee-fueled, slightly sarcastic trade oracle

Let’s cut through the diplomatic fog: The United States and Vietnam just shook hands on a trade deal. Well, not a deal deal—more like a “let’s agree to agree, and maybe we’ll sign something real later” kind of deal. If you’re confused, don’t worry. So is everyone else, including the folks who wrote the press releases. Now a word from our sponsor:

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What’s Actually Happening?

• The U.S. and Vietnam have agreed on a framework—think of it as a blueprint for a house that may or may not get built.

• Tariffs on Vietnamese goods: The U.S. will slap a 20% tariff on many Vietnamese exports. That’s better than the 46% threatened earlier, but still enough to make your next pair of imported sneakers a little pricier.

• Trans-shipment crackdown: If China tries to sneak its goods into the U.S. by rerouting them through Vietnam, those products get hit with a 40% tariff. Sorry, Beijing—no free lunch.

• U.S. exports to Vietnam: American goods get a red-carpet welcome—zero tariffs! (Cue the bald eagle screech.)

How Does This Stack Up Against Other U.S. Trade Moves?

• Britain: Signed a limited deal. It’s official, but don’t expect fireworks.

• Vietnam: We have a handshake, not a signature. More than India, less than Britain. It’s the Goldilocks of trade deals—just right for confusion.

• India: Still in the “let’s do lunch” phase. Maybe next year.

Why Should You Care?

• Prices: Some Vietnamese goods will cost more. If you love a bargain, brace yourself.

• American exports: U.S. companies get a shot at selling more stuff in Vietnam, tariff-free. Good news for American jobs (and maybe your cousin who sells tractors).

• Global chessboard: The U.S. is making it harder for China to use Vietnam as a backdoor to American markets. It’s like trade whack-a-mole, but with more paperwork.

Zeus Zeihan’s Take

This isn’t the “deal of the century.” It’s more like the “deal of the next few months, unless someone changes their mind.” But hey, in the world of international trade, that’s practically a love letter.

So, if you want to keep up with the latest in global trade drama—served with a side of sarcasm and a dash of actual insight—subscribe to the CanAmericaNews newsletter. Because the world is complicated, but your news doesn’t have to be.