During a press briefing on Friday, Secretary Of State Marco Rubio was asked a question about a trade deal signed between the United States and Vietnam.

Vietnam's economy grew at a faster pace in the second quarter of this year led by strong exports, in an encouraging sign just days after U.S. President Donald Trump said he would place lower-than-threatened 20% tariffs on many Vietnamese products.

The deal with Vietnam seeks to stop Chinese-made goods from transiting through the Southeast Asian country to avoid higher duties.

The US trade agreement with Vietnam reportedly lowers tariffs but lacks detail, triggering sharp warnings from Chinese officials.

Vietnam is a top destination for retailers and brands looking to reduce their reliance on factories in China, but has also become a target of Trump's aggressive trade policy.

Trump said the U.S. will impose a 20% tariff on Vietnamese exports to the U.S. Goods transshipped through Vietnam will get 40%.

In announcing a new trade deal with Vietnam, President Donald Trump said (Opens in a new window), “It is my opinion that the SUV or, as it is sometimes referred to, Large Engine Vehicle, which does so well in the United States, will be a wonderful addition to the various product lines within Vietnam.” Never going to happen.

Pakistan and Vietnam have agreed to begin negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) within this year, aiming to boost trade flows between the two countries. The decision was made during the 5th Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting held in Hanoi on Friday,