U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
EU Delays Mercosur Free Trade Agreement Signing Amid Ukraine War Funding Talks 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Japan Inflation Holds Firm in November as BOJ Nears Key Rate Hike Decision 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip After CPI-Fueled Rally as Markets Weigh Economic Uncertainty 
Yen Near Lows as Markets Await Bank of Japan Rate Decision, Euro Slips After ECB Signals Caution 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Spending Fears and Global Central Bank Decisions Weigh on Markets 
Precious Metals Rally as Silver and Platinum Outperform on Rate Cut Bets 
Austan Goolsbee Signals Potential for More Fed Rate Cuts as Inflation Shows Improvement 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
New Zealand Business Confidence Hits 30-Year High as Economic Outlook Improves 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Micron Earnings Boost AI Sentiment Ahead of CPI Data 
Vietnam's Trade Prospects Amid Trump’s Return
Vietnam's trade with the United States could face increased volatility if Donald Trump wins a second term as president, according to officials and supply chain experts. While Vietnam stands to benefit from U.S.-China trade tensions, it may also suffer "collateral damage" to Trump's protectionist policies.
Trade Surplus with the U.S.
As a major exporter to the U.S., Vietnam reported a $90 billion trade surplus with Washington by September, ranking fourth after China, the EU, and Mexico. The country has been a significant beneficiary of Trump's tariff hikes on Chinese goods during his first presidency.
Risks of Protectionism
Trump’s threat to impose a 60% tariff on Chinese imports and an additional 20% tariff on all imports could severely disrupt global trade. Vietnam’s trade surplus with the U.S. is partly due to its role as an assembly hub for Chinese-made components, occasionally leading to U.S. sanctions for illegal transshipment.
Shift in Supply Chains
While protectionism may harm Vietnam's trade, it could also drive further shifts in supply chains from China to other markets. Vietnam is expected to remain a key destination for companies relocating production, as noted by international law expert Leif Schneider.
Diplomatic and Economic Strategies
To reduce trade tensions, Vietnam may purchase high-value U.S. imports like Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and military equipment, along with a potential partnership involving a $1.5 billion Trump Organization project in Vietnam.
Uncertainty Ahead
Experts agree that while Vietnam's ability to attract companies leaving China remains strong, any shift in U.S. trade policy could bring both opportunities and challenges, making the actual impact of a second Trump presidency uncertain.
