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
North Dakota CO₂ Storage Law Struck Down
January 07, 2026 03:03 PM
·
Tennessee Rep. John Rose joined us to pay tribute to his friend and colleague, Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a true Champion of Rural America.
January 07, 2026 12:20 PM
·
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins today released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030.
January 07, 2026 11:55 AM
China continues to buy U.S. soybeans toward its 12 MMT commitment, as analysts cite data gaps, delivery timing questions, and muted market reaction.
January 07, 2026 11:50 AM
·
Higher ethanol blend rates translate directly into stronger, more durable corn demand if regulatory momentum holds.
January 07, 2026 10:06 AM
·
Trade uncertainty—especially regarding soybeans—continues to weigh on future outlooks, even as farm finances and land values remain resilient.
January 06, 2026 03:09 PM
·
Strong export demand supports feed grain prices, but drought risk and seasonal patterns favor disciplined early-year marketing.
January 06, 2026 02:46 PM
·
Roger McEowen with the Washburn University School of Law joined us to provide legal insight and context on these issues facing agriculture. Today, he discusses pesticide litigation.
January 06, 2026 01:39 PM
·
Sen. Deb Fischer reintroduces the HAULS Act to update hours-of-service exemptions and definitions affecting livestock and agricultural haulers. She joins us on Market Day Report to share more about her proposed legislation.
January 06, 2026 01:28 PM
·
