In 2026, the landscape of trade agreements involving Vietnam has seen notable movement: one agreement has officially taken effect, another has just concluded negotiations, and a major cooperation framework is under negotiation. Yet media coverage has not always been accurate — some outlets describe an agreement as \”signed\” when in reality negotiations have only just concluded. This article maps the precise legal status of each agreement as of 14 October 2026 so FDI businesses can decide correctly.
The golden rule for reading trade-agreement news: \”conclusion of negotiations\” is not \”signing\”, which is not \”entry into force\”. These three milestones can be months or even years apart — and only upon entry into force do businesses actually enjoy tariff preferences and market access.
1. In force: the Vietnam – UAE CEPA (from 3 February 2026)
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) officially entered into force on 3 February 2026. It is Vietnam first free trade agreement with a Middle Eastern country, opening a direct trade and investment corridor to the Gulf market.
Accompanying the agreement, Decree 143/2026/ND-CP promulgates the special preferential import tariff schedule implementing the Vietnam – UAE CEPA commitments. Businesses trading goods between Vietnam and the UAE now apply this special preferential tariff where the agreement rules of origin are met — certificates of origin (C/O) must be prepared in the prescribed form to enjoy the preferential rates.
For FDI enterprises, the UAE CEPA offers two opportunities: (i) using Vietnam as a platform for exporting to the UAE and Middle East markets at preferential tariffs; and (ii) attracting UAE investment into Vietnamese projects as bilateral economic ties deepen.
2. Negotiations concluded only — not signed, not in force: the Vietnam – EFTA FTA
The free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) concluded negotiations on 2 July 2026. This is a major milestone after years of talks — but it must be stressed: concluding negotiations is not signing, let alone entry into force.
Some foreign headlines using the word \”sign\” for this event are legally inaccurate: after negotiations conclude, the agreement must still undergo legal scrubbing, formal signing and ratification under each party domestic procedures before it can take effect. FDI businesses cannot yet invoke the Vietnam – EFTA agreement for tariff preferences or market access — business plans should assume the agreement does not apply until an official entry-into-force announcement.
3. Under negotiation: the Vietnam – United States framework
The economic and trade cooperation framework between Vietnam and the United States is still under negotiation. This is a major bilateral trade relationship with potentially far-reaching effects on supply chains, tariff policy and the investment environment — FDI businesses should monitor progress closely, but should not base investment decisions on unconfirmed scenarios.
4. Note: Decree 374/2026 on procurement under CPTPP/EVFTA/UKVFTA — not yet applicable
Decree 374/2026/ND-CP on procurement under the CPTPP, EVFTA and UKVFTA commitments takes effect on 14 November 2026 — i.e. it is not yet in force as of this article (14 October 2026). Businesses bidding for packages governed by international commitments should note this timeline: the new CPTPP/EVFTA/UKVFTA-standard procurement rules apply only from mid-November 2026.
Status tracker as of 14 October 2026
| Agreement / Instrument | Legal status | What it means for business |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam – UAE CEPA | In force from 3 February 2026 | Tariff preferences available now (with Decree 143/2026) |
| Vietnam – EFTA FTA | Negotiations concluded (2 July 2026) — not signed, not in force | Not applicable yet; monitor signing and ratification |
| Vietnam – US framework | Under negotiation | Monitor; do not decide on scenarios |
| Decree 374/2026 (procurement under CPTPP/EVFTA/UKVFTA) | Effective 14 November 2026 — not yet applicable | Prepare for compliance from mid-November 2026 |
Legal basis
- Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Vietnam – UAE — in force from 3 February 2026.
- Decree 143/2026/ND-CP — special preferential import tariff schedule implementing the Vietnam – UAE CEPA.
- Vietnam – EFTA Free Trade Agreement — negotiations concluded 2 July 2026; not signed, not in force.
- Decree 374/2026/ND-CP on procurement under CPTPP/EVFTA/UKVFTA commitments — effective 14 November 2026.
Conclusion
The core message for FDI businesses: the UAE CEPA is usable now — review the Decree 143/2026 tariff schedule and rules of origin to optimize costs; EFTA has only concluded negotiations — do not confuse it with \”signed\”, no preferences to claim yet; the Vietnam – US framework remains under negotiation; and Decree 374/2026 on procurement applies only from 14 November 2026. Reading each agreement legal status correctly is the prerequisite for turning trade opportunities into real competitive advantage.
Need advice on tariff preferences and trade-agreement compliance? FLAT Law Firm supports FDI enterprises in applying rules of origin, claiming preferential rates and complying with international commitments. Contact us at /en/contact/.
Disclaimer: This article provides general legal information based on the status of instruments as of 14 October 2026 and does not constitute legal advice for any specific case. Please consult a lawyer for detailed advice.
Transparency label: This content was prepared by the FLAW AI Legal Council; it is reviewed by the QA Council under internal procedures (not reviewed by a human lawyer).