Requesting that Canada discontinue its investigation of anti-dumping cases involving Vietnamese products

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien expressed concern about the growing number of trade defense cases against Vietnamese-origin products in the Canadian market during a meeting with his Canadian counterpart, Minister Mary Ng. 

The Minister emphasized the importance of Canada's rigorous adherence to international practices and WTO regulations in trade defense cases. He also advocated for the conduct of investigations transparently and fairly, thereby ensuring that the Vietnamese government and businesses have the opportunity to provide information and documentation and express their opinions. 

The Minister requested that Canada discontinue the use of special market condition investigations in anti-dumping cases involving Vietnamese exports and completely incorporate the data provided by Vietnamese manufacturers and exporters when calculating anti-dumping margins. 

He also stressed how important it was to improve cooperation in trade defense by using the right bilateral and multilateral forums to set up trade defense dialogues and let people know early on about possible investigations. 

Currently, Canada is one of Vietnam's most significant export markets. According to Canadian statistics, the value of Vietnam's exports to Canada in 2023 increased by 136% compared to 2018, including products transshipped through the United States. 

This indicates that Vietnam's export turnover to Canada has more than doubled from USD 4.1 billion in 2018 to USD 9.8 billion in 2023, after the five-year implementation of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). 

The North American nation boasts the highest export growth rate among CPTPP member states and is a "billion-dollar" market. At present, Vietnam is Canada's seventh-largest import partner, and Canada is a significant trade surplus market for Vietnam, with a surplus exceeding USD 9 billion. 

Products that are eligible for a 0% tariff when exported to Canada, including phones, electronics, basic metals, seafood, optical machinery, vegetables, chemicals, rice, cashews, tea, and coffee, have experienced a substantial increase, with some items increasing by as much as 1,000%, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. 

Textiles and footwear are the two sectors that have experienced the greatest benefit from the tariff reduction schedules of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Vietnam has become the third-largest market share holder in Canada for textiles, as its textile exports to Canada have doubled since 2018. Vietnam is the second-largest market share bearer in the leather products sector, with export turnover surpassing USD 1 billion. 

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien acknowledged and highly valued these results, noting that the sharp growth in Vietnam's exports was significantly supported by Canada's role as CPTPP Chair in 2024.  

Ministers Dien and Mary Ng agreed to advance the implementation of the Joint Statement from the 2nd meeting of the Vietnam-Canada Joint Economic Committee (which took place in Vietnam in March 2024) and the initiatives of two working groups: energy transition to mitigate climate change and trade and investment facilitation. 

Vietnam suggested that both parties strengthen their collaboration to facilitate the integration of Vietnamese products into Canada's supply chains and retail distribution systems by assisting businesses in accessing markets, promoting trade, and participating in specialized trade exhibitions.

The Canadian Minister consented to further enhance bilateral trade and investment exchanges by enhancing cooperation and technical support. 

Previously, during the CPTPP Council session, members acknowledged that the agreement's official implementation for the United Kingdom on December 15, 2024, is a significant milestone for global trade, as well as for the United Kingdom and CPTPP members. It fosters the development of trade and investment relationships that are defined by transparent and consistent regulations. 

The Ministers endorsed the Vancouver Declaration, the decision to initiate accession negotiations for Costa Rica to join the CPTPP, and the list of rotating CPTPP Chairs and Vice Chairs for the 2025–2031 period, all based on consensus.