During a working visit to the US in mid-July 2026, Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung held a series of meetings with US government officials and business partners to discuss strategic directions for advancing bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation. Meeting with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick

On July 15, 2026, Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung, accompanied by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to the US and senior officials from the Ministries of Public Security, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Science and Technology, and Agriculture and Environment, met with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to discuss key priorities for strengthening bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

Minister Le Manh Hung reaffirmed that Vietnam attaches great importance to its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the US and wishes to work with the US to establish a stable, predictable and mutually beneficial legal framework for trade that reflects the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and serves the interests of the people and businesses of both countries.

The Minister also called on the US Department of Commerce to expedite Vietnam's removal from the D1 and D3 groups under the US strategic export control regime. He further urged the US side to promptly recognize the equivalency of Vietnam's remaining 11 marine fishing methods under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), based on scientific evidence, objectivity and Vietnam's continued efforts to promote sustainable fisheries.

Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick spoke highly of relations with Vietnam, reaffirming his support for the early conclusion of the Vietnam - US Fair and Reciprocal Trade Agreement. He also pledged to continue working closely with relevant US agencies to move the process forward.

Meeting with US Under Secretary of State Jacob Helberg

Later the same day, Minister Le Manh Hung met with US Under Secretary of State Jacob Helberg to exchange views on expanding bilateral cooperation in economic affairs, trade, technology and supply chains.

Minister Le Manh Hung reiterated that Vietnam highly values its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the US and looks forward to working with the US to establish a stable, predictable and mutually beneficial legal framework for trade that is consistent with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and beneficial to the people and businesses of both countries.

The two sides exchanged views on future cooperation in high technology, artificial intelligence, semiconductors and energy. They also agreed to further strengthen coordination and create more favourable conditions for businesses to expand investment and commercial activities in each other's markets.

Under Secretary Jacob Helberg commended Vietnam's efforts to deepen cooperation with the United States and expressed support for expanding collaboration in technology, innovation and resilient supply chains. He also affirmed that he would continue coordinating with relevant US agencies to advance bilateral cooperation initiatives.

Meeting with US Senator Steve Daines

Earlier, on July 14, 2026, Minister Le Manh Hung, together with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to the US and Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with US Senator Steve Daines to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral economic and trade relations.

During the meeting, Minister Le Manh Hung reaffirmed that Vietnam consistently places high importance on its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the US and expressed the hope that both sides would soon conclude negotiations and establish a stable, long-term and mutually beneficial framework for economic and trade cooperation.

The Minister outlined Vietnam's ongoing efforts to improve its institutional framework, enhance trade governance standards, strengthen intellectual property protection and implement international labour standards. He also called on Senator Steve Daines to continue supporting the early recognition of Vietnam as a market economy, Vietnam's removal from the D1 and D3 export control lists, and the adoption of trade policies that would facilitate greater investment and business cooperation between enterprises from both countries.

Senator Steve Daines praised the positive momentum in Vietnam - US relations, describing Vietnam as a "true friend" of the US and a strategically important partner in the Indo-Pacific.

The Senator acknowledged Vietnam's goodwill and constructive efforts throughout the trade negotiations and expressed his hope that the two sides would soon achieve positive outcomes. He also affirmed that he would continue engaging with relevant US authorities, including the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR), to further promote bilateral economic, trade and investment relations.