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Vietnam–EFTA FTA 2026: Tariff Elimination, Market Access, and Strategic Benefits

October 26, 2026

Following approximately 14 years of negotiations, Viet Nam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)—comprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein—signed their Free Trade Agreement in Hanoi on October 18, 2026. Under the agreement, EFTA States will apply zero duties on industrial and marine products originating from Viet Nam from entry into force, while Viet Nam will phase out duties on most EFTA industrial and seafood products within up to 11 years, and key agricultural products within up to 16 years. This treaty provides strategic advantages for Viet Nam by diversifying export and import markets, enhancing enterprise competitiveness, and lowering production input costs, while offering EFTA companies preferential market access and a predictable gateway into regional value chains.

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