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 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing now to make markets less volatile for ranchers over the long term and more affordable for consumers, according to a press release.
October 22, 2025 04:05 PM
·
Elizabeth Strom with the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) joined us to share the latest on harvest progress and market activity in her area.
October 22, 2025 03:12 PM
·
Lyndsey Smith with RealAg Radio discusses how global trade dynamics could shape the future of Canada’s pulse exports.
October 22, 2025 03:08 PM
·
“Farmers for Free Trade” warns that disaster is brewing as President Trump’s trade policy is causing farm input costs to rise even more.
October 22, 2025 12:07 PM
·
NCBA CEO Colin Woodall says more conversations need to occur with stakeholders present surrounding President Trump’s proposal to lower consumer beef prices with Argentinian imports.
October 22, 2025 11:53 AM
·
Corn and wheat inspections outpaced last year, but soybean movement remains seasonally active yet behind, keeping basis and freight dynamics in focus by corridor.
October 21, 2025 04:00 PM
·
API said it stands ready to work with Congress to develop a balanced approach to E15 legislation that promotes fuel choice, supports investment certainty, and contributes to a stable and fair marketplace for American consumers.
October 21, 2025 12:39 PM
·
Lawmakers are pressing for answers on how Washington’s “managed trade” approach — keeping leverage through long-term tariffs — will affect farmers, global markets, and future export opportunities.
October 21, 2025 12:17 PM
·
In the meantime, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is asking that farmers be allowed to use marketing assistance loans to help stay afloat.
October 21, 2025 11:57 AM
·
