In a significant development, top U.S. technology, defense, and energy companies such as Boeing and Apple are set to participate in a major business delegation to Vietnam next week. This move, revealed in a list of participants obtained by Reuters, indicates growing confidence as Vietnam aims to navigate U.S. trade tariffs.
The annual mission, organized by the US-ASEAN Business Council, is scheduled at a crucial time as Vietnam reviews its tariffs on U.S. products, specifically on liquefied natural gas, agriculture, and high-tech goods. Over 60 executives from leading American companies are slated to travel to Vietnam in the coming week, as revealed by organizers.
The participating companies include established players like Apple, Intel, Coca-Cola, and Nike, alongside enterprises eyeing expansion in Vietnam’s thriving economy such as Boeing, Amazon, and Bell Textron. Additionally, companies like Excelerate Energy and GE Vernova, engaged in LNG infrastructure and equipment supply deals with Vietnamese entities, will also attend the mission.
Vietnamese officials have emphasized the intention to increase LNG imports from the U.S. to address the trade surplus issue, which exceeded $123 billion in 2024. The U.S. delegation is expected to engage with top Vietnamese authorities, including Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Communist Party General Secretary To Lam, as indicated in an internal agenda obtained by Reuters.
Amid discussions around potential tariffs, companies like Exxon Mobil, managing Vietnam's largest untapped gas field, and Boeing, with substantial aircraft agreements, are part of the delegation. Notably, Boeing and Bell Textron have longstanding engagements with Vietnam regarding helicopter and military equipment sales.
The business mission further includes prominent U.S. financial institutions like JPMorgan, Visa, Mastercard, and Warburg Pincus, reflecting a comprehensive representation across key sectors.