Vietnam tells US it will cut tariffs to zero

Trump move leaves Hanoi dazed, puzzled

- TUNG NGO SUI-LEE WEE

Vietnam's top leader, To Lam, has asked President Donald Trump to delay the imposition of tariffs at least 15 days so the two sides can avert a move that would devastate the Vietnamese economy and raise prices for US consumers.

The call to frustrate the United States has said it will impose on Vietnam is among the highest any country faces. The prospect of such a steep tariff has left Vietnam with a sense of whiplash and deep apprehension. It also presents a sharp contrast to Washington's recent embracing of Hanoi as an important bulwark against China and a manufacturing destination for many American apparel brands.

Mr Lam's proposal to Trump was laid out in a letter dated Saturday, according to a copy obtained by The New York Times. In the letter, Mr Lam called on Trump to appoint a US representative to lead negotiations with Duc Hoang, a Vietnamese deputy prime minister, "with the goal of reaching an agreement as soon as possible."

Mr Lam had been one of the first world leaders to reach out to Trump after the tariffs were announced. In a phone call, he pledged to reduce tariffs on US imports to zero, and urged Trump to do the same, according to the Vietnamese government. Vietnam has said its tariffs on US goods average 5.8%.

Trump later described the call as "very productive."