The Donald Trump administration also accuses Vietnam of serving as a transshipment hub for Chinese exports to the US, an allegation Hanoi denies. (EPA Images pic)HANOI: Businesses expect no near-term change in the US trade stance toward Vietnam after the midterm elections weakened President Donald Trump, as the two countries seek to seal a trade deal at a time when Vietnam has become the country with the largest trade surplus with the US.
The Trump administration imposed in July a general 12.5% tariff on Vietnamese goods over alleged failures to prevent imports of products made with forced labour, partly replacing 20% duties that had been struck down by the Supreme Court.
Two other probes could result in additional duties as early as this month, amid repeated accusations from White House officials that Vietnam serves as a transshipment hub for Chinese exports to the US.
