Vietnam's top leader To Lam is planning a visit to Washington next week to hold trade talks with US President Donald Trump, according to sources familiar with the matter. The meeting comes after months of negotiations between the two countries failed to produce a breakthrough on the contentious issue of "transshipped" goods.

The planned discussions highlight the ongoing tensions in US-Vietnam trade relations, particularly around allegations that Vietnamese manufacturers have been routing Chinese goods through Vietnam to avoid US tariffs. These transshipment concerns have been a major sticking point in bilateral trade talks, with US officials pushing for stricter enforcement and verification measures.

This diplomatic engagement represents a significant step in addressing the trade disputes that have strained economic ties between the two nations. The meeting could potentially pave the way for resolving long-standing issues and establishing clearer trade protocols between Vietnam and the United States.