Có thật Việt Nam đang áp thuế quan 90% với hàng hóa Hoa Kỳ?

Key Points

• The US claim that Vietnam imposes a 90% tariff on US goods is likely inaccurate.
• Official US data shows Vietnam's average MFN tariff is only 9.4%.
• The 90% figure might be a miscalculated sum of various taxes and fees, not just import tariffs.
• International trade law defines tariffs narrowly, excluding domestic taxes like VAT.
• Applying retaliatory tariffs based on this flawed 90% claim is legally questionable and risks trade instability.
• Vietnam and the US should resolve trade differences through dialogue and reliable data.

Detailed Summary

• The article addresses the US assertion that Vietnam applies a 90% tariff on US goods, which is used to justify the US imposing a 46% tariff on Vietnamese exports.
• The author questions the validity of the 90% figure, citing the US Trade Representative's (USTR) own report which states Vietnam's average MFN tariff is 9.4% (17.1% for agriculture, 8.1% for non-agriculture).
• Vietnam, a WTO member since 2007, has bound all tariff lines, making a 90% tariff highly improbable.
• The 90% figure is likely a misleading aggregation of import tariffs, special consumption tax, VAT, and administrative fees, rather than a true import tariff.
• According to international trade law and WTO definitions, only direct import duties are considered "tariffs." Domestic taxes like VAT and excise taxes, applied equally to domestic and imported goods, are not tariffs and shouldn't be considered discriminatory.
• Combining various taxes to reach 90% is not a standard or accurate way to measure protectionism in international trade.
• The author argues that differences in tax systems do not automatically imply discrimination if regulations are applied uniformly, without origin-based discrimination, and with transparent processes.
• While some goods might face a higher total tax burden, this doesn't inherently violate international trade obligations if principles of non-discrimination and procedural fairness are upheld.
• The US's use of the 90% figure to justify retaliatory tariffs is legally risky and sets a concerning precedent for international trade.
• The author emphasizes the need for accurate data, objective assessments, and dialogue in US-Vietnam trade relations, especially given their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
• The article concludes that claiming Vietnam imposes a 90% tariff is inaccurate and trade differences should be resolved through existing cooperation mechanisms, mutual respect, and a rules-based trade order.

Conclusions

• The 90% tariff claim against Vietnam is likely unfounded and lacks legal and factual basis.
• Retaliatory tariffs based on this claim risk damaging US-Vietnam trade relations and the stability of the multilateral trading system.
• Accurate data, objective analysis, and open dialogue are crucial for resolving trade disputes and fostering a fair and stable trade environment.
• Vietnam and the US should utilize existing cooperation mechanisms to address trade differences constructively.