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List of Vietnam’s active FTA (Updated 2024)

As of 2024, Vietnam has 16 active free trade agreements (FTAs), offering substantial benefits such as exemptions or reductions of export/import taxes of up to 100% in major international markets like the UK, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

FDI Enterprises benefit from free trade agreements

FDI enterprises investing in Vietnam enjoy significant advantages from active FTAs, including up to 100% exemption or reduction of export/import taxes, simplified customs procedures, and easier access to large markets such as Europe and ASEAN. These agreements not only help FDI enterprises reduce procedures, costs, and clearance times but also enhance the competitiveness of their products in international markets.

Additionally, mutual recognition of technical standards, quality testing, and product standards among FTA members accelerates import and export processes, facilitating the production and business activities of enterprises.

Key Vietnam’s free trade agreement

Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA)

The EVFTA, effective from August 1, 2020, offers significant opportunities for Vietnamese businesses in collaboration with 27 EU member states. The agreement eliminates or reduces import taxes on up to 99% of tariff lines over a ten-year period, increasing the competitiveness of Vietnam’s key export products such as textiles, footwear, and seafood in the European market. Besides, imports from the EU, such as machinery, industrial equipment, and pharmaceuticals, also benefit from tax reductions, helping FDI enterprises in Vietnam optimize costs and expand production efficiently.

Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)

CPTPP is a trade agreement between 11 countries, including Vietnam, Australia, Brunei, Japan, Malaysia, Canada, Chile, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, and Singapore. Since its enforcement in Vietnam on January 14, 2019, 65.8% of tariff lines have been reduced to 0%, increasing to 86.5% in year four and reaching 97.8% by year eleven. This has significantly benefited Vietnam’s exports, such as textiles, footwear, seafood, furniture, and electronics, by granting them greater access to CPTPP markets. Conversely, Vietnamese businesses can easily import textile materials, chemicals, machinery, and high-tech equipment from member countries without facing tariff barriers.

ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (AFTA)

In effect since 1993, AFTA established a free trade area among the ten ASEAN countries: Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Brunei, Myanmar, and the Philippines. By reducing import tariffs to just 0-5% on most goods, AFTA has created a level playing field, facilitating the flow of goods within the region. This has allowed products such as consumer goods, agricultural products, electronics, automotive parts, and processed foods to circulate more easily, enhancing economic cooperation and development. FDI enterprises operating in Vietnam can leverage these benefits to optimize costs, expand market access, and increase competitiveness in the ASEAN market.

Vietnam-UK Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA)

The UKVFTA represents a major milestone in trade relations between Vietnam and the United Kingdom, effective on January 1, 2021, shortly after Brexit (UK’s exit from the European Union). The agreement inherited commitments from the EVFTA, providing significant benefits to FDI enterprises in Vietnam. The UK will eliminate import tariffs on 99% of tariff lines within six years, offering Vietnamese goods lower-cost access to the UK market. This enhances competitiveness and fosters stronger bilateral economic cooperation.

Overview of Ongoing FTAs in Vietnam

Vietnam currently has sixteen active FTAs, providing numerous opportunities for FDI businesses. These agreements facilitate easier access to international markets and enable companies to take full advantage of tariff incentives.

STT FTA Name Status Members
1 AFTA Active since 1993 ASEAN
2 ACFTA Active since 2003 ASEAN, China
3 AKFTA Active since 2007 ASEAN, South Korea
4 AJCEP Active since 2008 ASEAN, Japan
5 VJEPA Active  since 2009 Vietnam, Japan
6 AIFTA Active  since 2010 ASEAN, India
7 AANZFTA Active since 2010 ASEAN, Australia, New Zealand
8 VCFTA Active since 2014 Vietnam, Chile
9 VKFTA Active since 2015 Vietnam, South Korea
10 VN-EAEU FTA Active  since 2016 Vietnam, Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan
11 CPTPP Active since January 14, 2019 Vietnam, Canada, Mexico, Peru, Chile, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, and the UK
12 AHKFTA Active  since February 12, 2021 ASEAN, Hong Kong (China)
13 EVFTA Active  since August 1, 2020 Vietnam, EU
14 UKVFTA Active since May 1, 2021 Vietnam, UK
15 RCEP Active since January 1, 2022 ASEAN, China, South Korea, Australia, Japan, New Zealand
16 VIFTA Signed on July 25, 2023 Vietnam, Israel

FTAs in Negotiations

  • Vietnam-EFTA
    • Negotiations began in May 2012
    • Members: Vietnam, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein
  • ASEAN-Canada FTA
    • Negotiations restarted in November 2021
    • Members: ASEAN and Canada
  • Vietnam-UAE FTA
    • Negotiations are in the initiation phase
    • Members: Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates

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