[20180312]IF10798_美越经贸关系：2018年发行.pdf

https:/crsreports.congress.gov Updated March 12, 2018U.S.-Vietnam Economic and Trade Relations: Issues in 2018Over the past decade, U.S.-Vietnam economic relations have expanded rapidly, and Vietnam has become a significant U.S. trade partner. In 2017, the Trump Administration focused on the nearly $32 billion U.S. merchandise trade deficit in 2016 with Vietnam, while the Vietnamese government emphasized its desire to further “normalize” bilateral trade relations as part of the two nations “comprehensive partnership.” In addition to the bilateral trade balance, other issues likely to arise in 2018 include market economy status for Vietnam; U.S. arms sales to Vietnam; trade in catfish; a possible bilateral investment treaty; and Vietnams potential membership in two regional trade agreements. The main vehicle at which these and other trade issues may be discussed is the Trade and Investment Council (TIC), established by the 2007 bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). The two nations held the first TIC meeting since 2011 on March 27-28, 2017, in Hanoi. During the meeting, the United States reportedly urged Vietnam to address certain trade issues, such as agricultu