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 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was once again on the national stage, front and center this week before the House Agriculture Committee.
September 10, 2025 11:10 AM
·
Pressure to lower gas prices across the Golden State could be the saving grace of this year’s corn harvest. California may soon be the final U.S. state to approve E-15 sales.
September 09, 2025 11:12 AM
·
Both Congressional Ag Committees took up the bill over the summer, but there’s no word on when the Senate could move forward; it does expire on September 30.
September 09, 2025 10:37 AM
·
September 09, 2025 10:25 AM
·
Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report with his insights on the incident and a deeper dive into the issues at hand.
September 08, 2025 12:00 PM
·
As the Trump Administration seeks out new global trade partnerships, Congress is considering more support for farmers, which comes as the Federal Reserve warns that farmers need a safety net.
September 08, 2025 11:47 AM
·
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins will travel to Europe and Asia to seek new trade partnerships for U.S. crops after China reduced imports due to tariffs.
September 08, 2025 11:45 AM
·
The $221 million will help farmers and ranchers cover losses from Hurricane Helene that USDA programs didn’t cover. They’ll focus on infrastructure, markets, timber, and future economic losses.
September 05, 2025 05:09 PM
·
Tom Peterson with the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association says taxpayers are “unfortunate casualties” of this overlay now that the Mexican wolf population is stable under ESA guidelines.
September 05, 2025 01:21 PM
·
