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Dear AmCham,

It has certainly been an interesting week. On April 9, President Trump announced a 90-day pause on the 46% tariffs for Vietnam. AmCham has strongly and promptly advocated for such a delay as essential to allowing both Vietnamese and U.S. companies to adjust to whatever new tariffs will be applied, while allowing the U.S. and Vietnamese governments to align on a trade framework that sustainably addresses the interests of both countries. Vietnam’s decision to engage the U.S. in good-faith discussions, which have been aimed at decreasing the U.S trade deficit through reductions in tariff and non-tariff barriers, appears to have been the correct approach up until this time and policy makers should be recognized for patience and pragmatism. 

In spite of this positive development, tariff challenges remain. Vietnam, U.S. businesses and U.S. trading partners must still adjust to the 10% tariffs, in addition to the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum. And the Trump administration’s announcement is clear that this is a “pause”. During this pause, AmCham expects to work closely together with the

Vietnamese government and the business community towards identifying and addressing trade barriers that are material and legitimate. AmCham remains committed to assisting all stakeholders in creating a trade environment which is freer, fairer, and more efficient and predictable.

I still would appreciate any feedback from our Members concerning tariffs, particularly how they would impact American consumers (you can reply to this newsletter or contact me directly). The international press appreciates concrete stories, so please help me raise awareness of the situation.

Tomorrow morning, Thursday, April 17, we are hosting an event titled “Navigating the Trade and Tariffs Landscape”, where we’ll discuss the latest developments and provide in-depth analysis. You can register for the event here

Our Legal & VBF Committee meeting will be held today Wednesday, April 16, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. This is a great opportunity to engage with fellow members, stay updated on key legal and business advocacy developments, and contribute to ongoing discussions. Click here to register.

On Friday morning, our ESG and Manufacturing Committees, in collaboration with AmCham Hanoi’s Environment and Climate Action Committee, invite you to a closed-door roundtable discussion (register here) exploring how companies are adapting their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and sustainability strategies amid a rapidly shifting global context. We will have keynote insights from leading government affairs and political risk analysts, who will offer perspectives on the evolving policy environment in the US and its implications for American businesses in Vietnam.

Calling all US citizens! Do you know everything about tax? On Tuesday, April 22 in the afternoon, American International Tax Advisers (AIT) is partnering with AmCham for an event titled "Navigating Financial & Tax Challenges for U.S. Expats", focussing on tax for U.S. expatriates and businesses, covering tax planning, minimization of tax paying, optimizing tax efficiency, and return preparation. The presentations will include everything from filing normal U.S. returns to more complex cases, as well W-8Ben and W-8Ben-E forms, Foreign Bank Account Reports (FBAR), Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, and retirement considerations for expiates overseas. There will also be a short presentation on Business Processing Outsourcing from Lotus BPO. Register here.

Finally, I want to give a very warm welcome to two new bronze members - Arylessence, a global leader in fragrances and flavors – and Luther Vietnam, a leading German corporate and commercial law firm. We are delighted to have you as our newest premium members, and we are looking forward to working with you this year!

Thank you everyone for all your support of the Chamber over the last two weeks. We really appreciate you and are honored to serve as the voice of American business.

Yours sincerely,



Travis Mitchell

Executive Director

We thank all members who recently shared their comments on draft legislation currently being discussed.

1. Draft Decree detailed to implement a number of Articles of the Pharmacy Law (Draft on April 1, 2025): Comments and recommendations have been submitted to the Drug Administration of Vietnam, Ministry of Health and Office of Government on April 8, 2025.

2. Amend and Supplement to Decree No. 152/2020/NĐ-CP and Decree No. 70/2023/NĐ-CP: Comments and recommendations have been submitted to the Department of Employment, Ministry of Home Affairs and Office of Government on April 14, 2025.

Members are encouraged to bring forward any advocacy needs or related questions to the relevant Committees, or by email to advocacyaction@amchamvietnam.com.

Similarly, we invite members experiencing instances of administrative delays and challenges to share details via email to communications@amchamvietnam.com. We are compiling this information on behalf of our members.

AmCham is thrilled to welcome several new companies to our vibrant business community this April. We are especially pleased to introduce our newest Premium Bronze Members who bring unique expertise and perspective to our network:

Bronze Member Spotlight: Arylessence

We are excited to introduce Arylessence, a global leader in fragrances and flavors. With over 45 years of expertise, Arylessence partners with top global brands to craft innovative fragrance and flavor strategies for diverse applications, from personal care to industrial uses. As Arylessence continues its expansion in Vietnam, AmCham looks forward to supporting their growth and fostering valuable connections.

🔗 Learn more about Arylessence. Please join us in extending a warm welcome!

Bronze Member Spotlight: Luther Vietnam

AmCham is pleased to welcome Luther Vietnam, a leading German corporate and commercial law firm with deep local expertise in Vietnam's regulatory landscape. Supporting businesses with cross-border operations through Legal, Tax, and BPO services from their HCMC base, Luther aims to expand its network and contribute insights through AmCham. We were delighted to host their team at our HCMC office on April 15.

🔗 Learn more about Arylessence. Let's give them a warm AmCham welcome!

Also Joining AmCham This April

We also extend a heartfelt welcome to all the companies who became part of the AmCham community this month:

We look forward to engaging with all our new members!

Members are welcome to join, in-person or virtually:

• Legal & VBF Liaison Committee Meeting, April 16, 2025 – 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
• Education & Training Committee Meeting, May 7, 2025 – 9:00 am - 10:00 am
• Tourism & Hospitality Committee Meeting, May 9, 2025 – 10:30 am - 11:30 am
• Capital Markets and Financial Services Committee (CMFSC) Meeting, May 12, 2025 – 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
• Energy Committee Meeting, May 13, 2025 – 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
• Digital Economy & Technology Committee Meeting, May 20, 2025 – 9:00 am - 10:00 am
• Tax & Customs Committee Meeting, May 22, 2025 – 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
• Logistics & Transportation Committee Meeting, May 28, 2025 – 9:00 am - 10:00 am

[VnEconomy] Import tax rates to be reduced for improvement of trade environment. Most Favored Nation import tax rates are to be reduced under a proposal from the Ministry of Finance as Vietnam seeks to enhance its trading environment.

[Vietnam Briefing] Vietnam’s Government Introduces Official Plan for Provincial Mergers. Vietnam’s government has introduced its proposed plan to build a two-tier local government model, reducing the current centrally governed cities and provinces to 34 units, with a goal to provide a bedrock for sustainable growth targets.

[VnExpress] Trump spares smartphones, computers, semiconductors from global tariffs. The Trump administration has exempted smartphones, computers and other electronics from its sweeping new tariffs, easing the impact on American consumers.

[Vietnam Briefing] Vietnam-US Trade and Investment Relations: Q1 2025 Update. Since Vietnam and the US established diplomatic relations in 1995, shared strategic and economic interests have propelled both countries to expand their cooperation across numerous issues. We discuss bilateral trade and investment relations between Vietnam and the US and prospects in light of their recently formed Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

[VnExpress] 90-day US tariff pause an opportunity for Vietnam to negotiate: experts. The U.S.’s 90-day postponement of its new tariffs is a good chance for Vietnam to engage in talks and address that country’s trade concerns, experts have said.

[VnExpress] US hikes fruits, vegetables imports from Vietnam. The U.S. imported $111 million worth of Vietnamese fruits and vegetables in the first quarter, up 66% year-on-year.

[Vietnam Investment Review] Deputy PM meets lead US negotiator for trade talks with Vietnam. Deputy PM Ho Duc Phoc lauded the sides’ agreement to kick off negotiations on a reciprocal trade deal. He confirmed Vietnam’s readiness to engage in talks and urged both parties to accelerate discussions to reach an agreement at the earliest opportunity, contributing to stable and sustainable bilateral economic and trade ties that benefit their businesses and people.

[Nhan Dan] Ministry calls for stricter control over imported materials amid tighter origin rules. In an effort to prevent origin fraud, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has issued a document to export industry associations, manufacturers and exporters, urging tighter control over imported materials used in the production of export goods.

[Vietnam Investment Review] AmCham Vietnam encouraged by government response to US tariffs. AmCham Vietnam has been encouraged by the quick and reasoned response of the Vietnamese government to the new US tariffs.

[The Investor] Boost localization rate given US tariff tensions: expert. Vietnam must quickly increase its localization rate to reduce reliance on foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs), which currently account for more than 70% of the country’s export value, said associate professor Dr. Nguyen Huu Huan of the Ho Chi Minh City-based University of Economics.

[The Business Times] Citibank, Vietnam Airlines ink US$560 million loan deal to buy aircraft. The airline plans financing for a sale and leaseback of 25 of the narrow-body aircraft, the carrier’s vice-president says

The American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam

in Ho Chi Minh City & Danang

New World Hotel Suite 323

76 Le Lai Street, District 1

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Phone: +84 28 3824 3562