Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Vietnam-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA)

The Bilateral Trade Agreement signed on July 13, 2000, is the outcome of the persistent efforts by both sides over the 4 years of negotiations. It is an important step for Vietnam to integrate into the world economy on the WTO rules and principles.

1/ In comparison with other trade agreements, the Vietnam-US BTA is very unique and comprehensive with over 100 pages consisted of four parts: market access, trade in services, intellectual property rights, and investment.

Market Access: The two sides pledge to immediately and unconditionally give each other no less favorable treatment than what they offered other countries (MFN or NTR).

Vietnam will eliminate quotas on all imports over a period of 3-7 years and treat imports of US products the same as domestic products (National Treatment).

Vietnam will allow U.S companies and U.S-invested companies to import and export most products, to be phased in 3-6 years.

Vietnam will adhere to WTO rules in applying customs, import licensing, technical standards, sanitary measures.

Vietnam will reduce tariffs on about 250 products; the cuts range from 33% to 50% and are to be phased in over 3 years.

Intellectual Property Rights : Vietnam has pledged to phase in the WTO Agreement on Trade-related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) over 18 months. The bilateral TRIPS agreement goes above and beyond the WTO