Hanoi (VNS/VNA) – Vietnam and the US on June 25 signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to exchange customs data electronically in real time in a move to facilitate bilateral trade, strengthen supply chain security and combat customs frauds amid rapidly increasing trade flows between the two countries.
The MoU was signed in Brussels by Director of the Vietnamese Department of Customs Nguyen Van Tho and Commissioner for US Customs and Border Protection Rodney Scott on the sidelines of the 147th and 148th sessions of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council.
Under the agreement, the two sides plan to share electronic cargo manifest data in real time, or as quickly as possible, to support risk management and detect violations, including trade fraud, counterfeit goods, smuggling, origin fraud and tax evasion.
The initiative marks a new step in cooperation between the two countries to facilitate trade amid the global trend towards data-driven customs management and digitalisation. This is also in line with recommendations from the WCO to improve trade facilitation while safeguarding international supply chains.
The data-sharing mechanism would enhance the ability of both sides to verify shipment information, cross-check import-export records and identify attempts to circumvent trade defence measures such as illegal transshipment or origin frauds.
The mechanism is also expected to streamline customs clearance procedures for compliant businesses and reduce inspection-related delays at border checkpoints while improving the competitiveness of exports from both countries.
The Department of Customs said that the agreement demonstrated Vietnam’s commitment to addressing concerns shared by both sides, particularly those related to origin fraud and tax avoidance, while enhancing transparency and the effectiveness of customs administration.
The MoU opens a new phase of practical cooperation between the two sides at a time when trade between Vietnam and the US continues to expand rapidly following the upgrade of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023.
The US is currently Vietnam’s largest export market while Vietnam is the seventh-largest trading partner of the US globally.
Official statistics showed that two-way trade reached 172.3 billion USD in 2025, with Vietnam's exports rising 28.2% year-on-year to 153.1 billion USD and imports from the US increasing 27.7% to 19.2 billion USD.
From January 1 to June 18, the bilateral trade totalled 89.58 billion USD, up 23.1% over the same period last year. Exports rose 22.4% to 79.09 billion USD, while imports climbed 28.3% to 10.49 billion USD./.
Vietnam, US seek stronger defence cooperation
The minister reaffirmed that Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defence would continue to coordinate closely and facilitate efforts to search for US personnel missing in action (MIA) during the war. He also called on the US to share more information, documents and belongings related to Vietnamese soldiers and support Vietnam in enhancing DNA analysis capabilities to identify war martyrs’ remains.
