Vietnam and the U.S. have successfully reached a bilateral agreement to resolve the long-standing anti-dumping duty dispute concerning Vietnam's export of tra and basa fish to the U.S. market, according to the Vietnamese Ministry of industry and Trade.

On January 17, the ministry, authorized by the Vietnamese government, signed a bilateral agreement with the Office of the United States Trade Representative, representing the U.S. government.

The agreement addresses the anti-dumping duties imposed on Vietnamese tra and basa fillet fish exports.

This case originated on January 8, 2018, when Vietnam officially filed a complaint against the U.S., alleging violations of World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations related to the anti-dumping duties imposed on Vietnamese tra and basa fish exports.

In 2020, after the WTO Panel issued a draft ruling to the parties involved, the U.S. proposed postponing the release of the final report.

This allowed both sides to engage in bilateral negotiations to reach a mutually acceptable solution.

With the agreement now in place, Vinh Hoan Corporation becomes the sole Vietnamese company eligible for the removal of anti-dumping duties under U.S. regulations.

Vinh Hoan, a leading exporter of tra and basa fish from Vietnam, can now export to the U.S. market without being subject to these tariffs.

This settlement results from years of persistent and coordinated efforts by the Vietnamese government, legal advisors, and key industry players, particularly Vinh Hoan.

The U.S. implementation of the WTO ruling also demonstrates its willingness to foster stronger bilateral relations with Vietnam, particularly as the two nations have recently elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The successful solution reflects the goodwill and negotiating efforts from both sides.

Vietnam appreciates the constructive approach and cooperative spirit demonstrated by the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Department of Commerce in settling the dispute.

This agreement demonstrates Vietnam’s readiness to leverage appropriate forums, including WTO dispute settlement mechanisms, to safeguard Vietnamese businesses’ legitimate rights and interests as the country deepens its integration into the global economy.

This marks the second bilateral agreement between Vietnam and the U.S. to resolve a WTO-related trade dispute.

In 2016, the two countries reached a similar agreement concerning anti-dumping duties on warm-water shrimp exports, which led to the removal of duties on shrimp exports by Minh Phu Seafood Corporation, another prominent Vietnamese exporter.

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, the U.S. remains a key export market for Vietnam's tra fish.

In 2024, the export value of Vietnamese tra fish to the U.S. reached US$345 million, representing a 27-percent increase compared to 2023.

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