Vietnam adjusts import tariffs on essential products

The Vietnamese government has issued Decree 73/2025/ND-CP, lowering Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rates on essential imports. The decree amends Vietnam’s Preferential Import Tariff Schedule and follows Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s Directive No. 06/CT-TTg, which called for adjustments in response to shifting global trade dynamics. The reduced tariffs apply to automobiles, agricultural commodities, energy resources, and industrial inputs.

The updated MFN rates cover goods not sufficiently available in the domestic market and apply uniformly to all World Trade Organization member countries. The Ministry of Finance stated that the changes adhere to Vietnam’s Law on Export and Import Duties and streamline the tariff system without creating new tax categories.

Vietnam also maintains certain exemptions to MFN rates under bilateral agreements, including air transport services governed by air services agreements with countries such as Australia, Japan, France, and the UK, which remain in effect indefinitely. Additionally, cargo-sharing arrangements with Thailand under a 10-year maritime navigation agreement and inland logistics commitments with Singapore under a similar 10-year shipping deal are excluded from MFN rates.