As Vietnam’s US trade surplus overtakes China, Trump replaces envoy to fix ‘imbalance’
Last Updated on January 13, 2026 10:15 pm
The Trump administration plans to replace the US ambassador to Vietnam with a nominee set on addressing “imbalanced” trade relations, as Hanoi’s goods trade surplus with Washington surpassed China’s in recent quarters while it was locked in unresolved tariff negotiations with Washington.
On Sunday, current ambassador Marc Knapper will end his tenure after being abruptly recalled before Christmas alongside several other career diplomats. His designated successor, career diplomat Jennifer Wicks McNamara, who is awaiting US Senate confirmation after being nominated in October, has said the trade relationship needs rectifying.
The Southeast Asian nation reported record exports to the United States last year despite 20 per cent US tariffs since August, generating a surplus of nearly US$134 billion, according to Vietnamese government data, which is more conservative than US figures.
“The current trade relationship is imbalanced,” Wicks told US lawmakers in December, noting that if confirmed she would promote equitable access for US goods and services to Vietnam and encourage Vietnamese investment in the United States.
The US Supreme Court may rule on the legality of the White House’s tariffs as soon as this week, but analysts said Vietnam is likely to face US pressure regardless of the ruling.