AusCham Joins Dialogue with Ministry of Industry and Trade on Vietnam–US Trade Developments

Hanoi - 05 August 2026, AusCham Vietnam representatives joined a meeting with leaders of the Ministry of Industry and Trade to receive updates and exchange views on recent Vietnam–US trade developments.

AusCham was represented by Mr David Whitehead, Member of the AusCham Board of Directors, and Ms Huong Tran, Head of Advocacy & Partnerships.

The discussion covered developments relating to the United States’ Section 301 process concerning forced labour and excess capacity, as well as progress in bilateral negotiations between Vietnam and the United States on reciprocal tariffs.

The meeting brought together representatives from leading foreign business chambers and associations in Vietnam, including the Vietnam Business Forum, KoCham, EuroCham, AmCham and AusCham. It provided an important forum for the foreign-invested business community to share perspectives and reaffirm its commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices.

Views from the Business Community

Participating chambers emphasised that their members maintain clear policies and codes of conduct prohibiting forced labour. They also highlighted the strong compliance frameworks and responsible supply-chain practices adopted by international businesses operating in Vietnam, while expressing concern that broad conclusions may not fully reflect the standards upheld by compliant companies.

EuroCham noted that its internal survey continued to show a high level of confidence among European businesses in Vietnam. AmCham representatives also observed that, regardless of tariff developments, Vietnam’s ability to maintain and further improve a transparent, predictable and competitive business environment would remain central to attracting high-quality foreign investment.

AusCham's perspective

Speaking on behalf of AusCham, Mr Whitehead reaffirmed that Australian businesses have zero tolerance for forced labour and are committed to protecting workers’ rights, maintaining responsible supply chains and complying with applicable Vietnamese and international standards.

Australian companies operating in Vietnam are closely connected to regional and global supply chains, including those serving the US market. Changes to tariffs and trade requirements may affect supply chains, production costs, market access and investor confidence, making a stable and transparent trading environment important to both Australian businesses and the broader Australia–Vietnam economic relationship.

AusCham will continue to support the ongoing engagement and negotiations, represent the interests of its members and contribute to efforts that strengthen confidence in Vietnam as a responsible, open and attractive destination for international investment.

AusCham looks forward to a fair and positive outcome that supports the continued development of Vietnam–US trade relations, provides greater certainty for the broader business community and reinforces Vietnam’s role in regional and global supply chains.