# Vietnam Signs Free Trade Deal with Four European Nations

> Vietnam and EFTA sign free trade deal to counter US tariffs amid global commerce disruption.
- Title: Vietnam Signs Free Trade Deal with Four European Nations
- Summary: Vietnam and EFTA sign free trade deal to counter US tariffs amid global commerce disruption. Vietnam and four European nations signed a free trade agreement…
- Keywords: vietnam, european free trade association, free trade agreement, us tariffs, global commerce, trade deal, customs duties, industrial products, agricultural products, fish products, european nations, switzerland
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/money/2026/10/18/vietnam-signs-free-trade-deal-with-four-european-nations-as-us-tariffs-disrupt-global-commerce/239587
- Published: 2026-10-18T14:05:12+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: vietnam, european free trade association, free trade agreement, us tariffs, global commerce, trade deal, customs duties, industrial products, agricultural products, fish products, european nations, switzerland
## Vietnam and EFTA sign free trade deal
Vietnam and four European nations outside the EU signed a free trade agreement in Hanoi today seeking to diversify their markets as US tariffs disrupt global commerce.
## Deal eliminates customs duties
The deal eliminates or reduces customs duties, including on imports of industrial, fish and agricultural products.
## Parties aim to strengthen rules-based trading system
Vietnam said the agreement showed the parties’ resolve to 'reinforce the rules-based trading system amid continued volatility in the global economy'.

> reinforce the rules-based trading system amid continued volatility in the global economy
## Bilateral trade valued at 4.8 billion euros
Bilateral trade between EFTA and Vietnam last year was valued at 4.8 billion euros (US$5.4 billion).
## EFTA includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland
The European Free Trade Association (EFTA), consisting of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, has signed a free trade agreement to diversify markets amidst global trade disruptions from US tariffs.
## Trade deal covers multiple areas
The agreement covers trade in goods and services, intellectual property rights, trade remedies and sustainable development, among other areas.
## US tariffs disrupt global commerce
The agreement followed a global trade-disrupting tariff blitz by the United States under President Donald Trump, which has left Vietnam with a hefty tax on its US exports amid ongoing negotiations with Washington.
## Key takeaway

Vietnam and four European nations signed a free trade agreement to diversify markets and reduce reliance on US trade after US tariffs disrupted global commerce.