Vietnam, Spain vow to support free trade in face of Trump tariffs

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) – Vietnam and Spain pledged on Wednesday to support free trade as the new tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump continue to rock world markets.

The commitment came during a meeting between Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez in Hanoi, as part of Sanchez’s three-day official visit to Vietnam, according to Vietnam Plus.

The leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral economic ties, emphasizing the importance of trade, investment, and economic cooperation as central elements of their strategic partnership.

Their discussions followed the implementation of Trump’s tariff measures today, which imposed a 46% tariff on goods from Vietnam – a top manufacturing hub – and a 25% tariff on products from European Union countries (including Spain) entering the US.

Both leaders expressed their commitment to successfully implementing the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, and they signed a bilateral financial cooperation protocol.

They also reaffirmed their support for cooperation, multilateralism, and international law in addressing global challenges.

Sanchez is set to visit China on Thursday for a two-day visit, where he will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Last week, the Spanish premier unveiled a €14.1 billion ($15.5 billion) plan to protect and modernize Spain’s economy in response to US tariffs.

The European Union is reportedly considering resetting its trade relations with China due to Trump’s aggressive trade policies.