The structure of the deal, while imperfect, gives Vietnam a clearer outlook on trade policy and supports its positioning in global supply chains.

The United States announced it had reached a trade deal with Vietnam on Wednesday, which will see Washington impose a 20 per cent tariff on Vietnamese goods. Businesses in Vietnam's vast export sector initially reacted with relief to the news,

At the heart of Trump’s latest trade deal with Vietnam and talks with other trading partners is an effort to counter what he sees as China’s unfair practices to circumvent U.S. tariffs.