As of January 8, 2021 on the proposed tax by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) under Section 301 on imports from Vietnam - VITAS's assessment on two hearings dated December 28th -29th 2020 and telegram with USTR
To: VITAS’ Member Enterprises
In response to the USTR's investigation on Vietnam under Section 301, with the aim to protecting the legitimate interests of our textile and apparel industry as well as the entire manufacturing industry of Vietnam, the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS) continued its advocacy activities through email exchanges, notices, petitions, face-to-face and online meetings with members, purchasing partners, American association partners, Alliance of Vietnam Industry Associations as well as Ministry of Industry and Trade, Government’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, etc. to prepare the best for the two hearings scheduled on December 28-29, and the Government-level call early January 2021.
VITAS considered the two hearings on December 28, 2020 (on timber) and December 29, 2020 (on Vietnam currency) as rather positive. Arguments made by the partners to defend Vietnam were logical, reasonable, concise and sharp, especially in the hearing on December 29th, 2020.
Regarding the Government-level telephone call in the first week of January 2021: on January 6, 2021, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Pham Binh Minh had a phone call with US Secretary of State H.E. Mike Pompeo. On January 7, 2021, Minister of Industry and Trade H.E. Tran Tuan Anh had a phone call with USTR Chief Representative Robert Lighthizer.
The positive result from the above activities included USTR Chief Representative Robert Lighthizer’s sharing USTR is still in the process of investigating, gathering and evaluating all comments related to the case, and has not yet discussed any conclusion on Vietnam imports; At the same time, some false information about the USTR's plan to impose tariffs on Vietnamese exports is completely inaccurate, and that is not how USTR works. Expected conclusions on Vietnam imports will be made before the date of power transfer to the new administration i.e. before January 20, 2021.
VITAS would like to update the advocacy situation and work as of January 8th, 2021 in Appendix 2 as attached.
Attached file: Official Letter No. 002/2021/VITAS-CS dated January 8th 2021 and Appendix 2
