Can Vietnam golf its way out of new Trump tariffs?

BBC - Mar 27th, 2025

Countries worldwide are on edge as Donald Trump's 'Liberation Day in America!!!' approaches, marking the deadline for new reciprocal tariffs. Following a recent 25% tax on foreign carmakers, Vietnam finds itself particularly vulnerable due to its significant trade deficit with the US. Despite Trump's past criticism of Vietnam's trade practices, its Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chinh, appears to favor a diplomatic route, suggesting even a golf game at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence to benefit Vietnam. While Vietnam has not been specifically targeted yet, analysts suggest its efforts may not shield it from impending tariffs.

Vietnam's strategic approach, dubbed 'bamboo diplomacy,' involves adaptability and compromise to manage foreign pressures. The country has recently lowered tariffs on US imports and allowed SpaceX to trial its Starlink service, potentially as a gesture to avoid tariffs. Despite these efforts, Vietnam's role as a major beneficiary of US-China trade tensions, and its growing ties with China, pose challenges. Tariffs could impact US businesses operating in Vietnam and raise consumer prices stateside. The real test of Vietnam's diplomatic maneuvers will be evident next week when Trump's tariffs take effect.

Donald Trump Vietnam Tariffs Trade Deficit Pham Minh Chinh Us Vietnam Relations Bamboo Diplomacy

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RATING

6.2

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the potential impact of U.S. tariffs on Vietnam, highlighting the country's diplomatic strategies and trade relations. While the story is largely accurate, it requires further verification of specific claims and could benefit from more balanced representation of perspectives. The use of expert opinions adds credibility, but the lack of direct source attribution affects the overall source quality. The article is timely and addresses issues of public interest, though its potential impact on policy or societal shifts is limited. Clarity and readability are strengths, although additional context and transparency would enhance the reader's understanding. Overall, the article presents a well-rounded discussion of a complex international issue, with room for improvement in certain dimensions.

Accuracy

The article provides a detailed account of the potential impact of Trump's tariffs on Vietnam, reflecting a substantial degree of accuracy in its claims. However, some claims require further verification, such as the specifics of Vietnam's trade deficit and the exact nature of tariff cuts on U.S. imports. The story accurately portrays Vietnam's diplomatic strategies and trade relations, but it lacks precise data on the potential economic impacts on U.S. businesses operating in Vietnam. Overall, while the article is largely factual, some details need additional substantiation to ensure full accuracy.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view of the situation, highlighting both the potential negative impacts of tariffs on Vietnam and the strategic diplomatic efforts by its government. However, it leans more towards discussing the actions and strategies of Vietnam without equally exploring the U.S. perspective or potential benefits of the tariffs. Some viewpoints, such as those of U.S. policymakers or economists who support the tariffs, are underrepresented. This creates a slight imbalance in the narrative, favoring Vietnam's perspective.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, making it easy to follow the narrative about Vietnam's diplomatic strategies and trade relations. The language is straightforward, and the tone remains neutral throughout. However, the article could benefit from a more organized presentation of facts and clearer delineation of the different perspectives involved to enhance comprehension.

Source quality

The article cites various analysts and experts, such as Stephen Olson and Steve Norris, which lends credibility to its claims. However, it lacks direct quotes or statements from official government sources or primary data, which would enhance the reliability of the information. The reliance on secondary sources and expert opinions, while informative, does not fully establish the authority needed for a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

Transparency

The article provides some context about Vietnam's trade strategies and the potential implications of U.S. tariffs. However, it does not fully disclose the methodology behind its claims or the basis for some expert opinions. The lack of detailed explanation regarding the sources of trade data or the specific measures Vietnam is taking to mitigate tariff impacts affects the transparency of the reporting.