WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — In the midst of a critical week of bilateral talks, a Vietnam–United States trade deal is edging closer to finalization, with agriculture at the center.
Delegations from both nations are meeting this week in Washington to advance the framework set out in late October, outlining a “reciprocal, fair and balanced” agreement that keeps U.S. tariffs on Vietnamese goods at 20 percent while granting the U.S. zero-tariff access on certain products.
The agriculture and textile sectors emerge as key leverage points. Vietnam has rapidly increased imports of U.S. cotton, accounting for more than 48 percent of its cotton imports and purchasing some 2.9 million U.S. bales during the 2024/25 marketing year.
With the new trade deal, U.S. cotton exporters may be well-positioned to expand sales into Vietnam’s large textile and apparel manufacturing base, especially if Vietnam secures favorable terms for U.S. goods and streamlines non-tariff barriers. Below the surface, broader ag flows are in motion: Vietnamese firms have signed memorandums of understanding to buy over $2 billion in U.S. agricultural commodities — including corn, wheat, soybean meal, and DDGs.
For U.S. producers and exporters, the deal could open new channels for Diverted demand from China and strengthen feed-grain, cotton, and oilseed product flows to Vietnam. The textile tie-in is especially strong: U.S. cotton’s premium fiber quality and origin transparency give the U.S. a competitive edge as Vietnam works to meet rules-of-origin standards for its apparel exports to key Western markets.
Farm-Level Takeaway: With the U.S.–Vietnam agreement nearing signature, U.S. cotton, corn, and soybean exporters could gain significant access into one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing manufacturing markets — locking in new demand lanes just as global supply shifts.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
The review signals renewed scrutiny of China’s agricultural trade pledges and could reshape farm export opportunities depending on its outcome.
October 28, 2025 11:20 AM
·
The U.S.-Japan tech pact signals long-term investment in bio-innovation, connectivity, and secure supply chains — all of which can strengthen rural manufacturing, ag exports, and digital infrastructure critical to the next generation of farm productivity.
October 28, 2025 11:01 AM
·
Export volumes remain positive year-to-date, but weaker soybean loadings and slowing wheat movement hint at early bottlenecks in global demand or river logistics. Farmers should watch basis levels and freight conditions as export competition heats up.
October 28, 2025 10:58 AM
·
Industry leaders representing more than 40 nations gathered to discuss the future of ethanol and other corn-based products.
October 27, 2025 12:44 PM
·
A fast-moving series of trade signals from the White House and key partners is resetting the near-term outlook for U.S. agriculture.
October 27, 2025 11:41 AM
·
Stay alert for trade announcements—especially border reopening timelines, tariff threats, and developments in Brazil’s export flows.
October 24, 2025 01:56 PM
·
Margin Protection and the new MCO add county-level margin tools — with earlier price discovery, input cost triggers, and high subsidy rates — to complement on-farm risk plans for 2026.
October 24, 2025 01:44 PM
·
Set targets and use forwards, futures, or options to manage downside while preserving room for rallies.
October 24, 2025 11:05 AM
·
Bangladesh’s buying surge offers temporary relief for U.S. farmers facing weaker Chinese demand, highlighting how global politics can reshape export outlets overnight.
October 24, 2025 10:57 AM
·
