Japan, Vietnam pledge to support free trade as PM Ishiba visits Hanoi

28/4/2025 14:50

Japan and Vietnam agreed to boost bilateral trade and uphold global rules on the free flow of goods as Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met Vietnamese leaders in Hanoi while both countries engage in talks with Washington to avoid tariffs.



Ishiba's first trip to Vietnam, and his subsequent visit on Tuesday to the Philippines, mark the latest high-level East Asian meetings amid escalating global uncertainty triggered by the threat of crippling U.S. tariffs.



Ishiba told reporters after a meeting with Vietnam's Prime Minister Chinh, "The world economy is becoming more uncertain, and the impact on the Southeast Asian region is also becoming apparent."



In recent weeks, Vietnam has hosted China's President Xi Jinping and top South Korean ministers, while Tokyo has held a trilateral meeting with China and South Korea.



Early in April, the White House slapped "bilateral tariffs" of 46% on Vietnam and 24% on Japan. Those duties were later paused until July as bilateral talks are underway, but a 10% levy applies on all imports into the United States, which is a major market for both countries.