France, Vietnam seal $10 billion deals on Airbus, defence during Macron’s Hanoi visit

On May 26, France and Vietnam signed agreements worth more than $10 billion in sectors including aviation, defence, and energy during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Hanoi.

This marks the first official visit by a French president to Vietnam in nearly a decade and aims to bolster France’s influence in its former colony amid concerns over potential high US tariffs, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The visit follows recent threats by US President Donald Trump to impose 50 per cent tariffs on European Union goods starting June 1, a deadline later extended to July 9.

Facing pressure from Washington to increase US imports, Vietnam has pledged to avoid tariffs as high as 46 per cent that could hinder its export-driven economy, stirring worries in Europe over regional trade dynamics. Macron announced contracts totaling 9 billion euros ($10.25 billion), including the sale of 20 Airbus aircraft, collaboration on nuclear energy, defence, rail and maritime transport, Airbus earth-observation satellites, and Sanofi vaccines. 

While 14 agreements were signed—fewer than initially expected—more deals are anticipated. In public remarks, Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to freedom of navigation, a critical issue for Vietnam amid South China Sea disputes with China. 

He also emphasised strengthened defence cooperation, highlighting joint projects in defence and space. Vietnamese President Luong Cuong noted the partnership includes “sharing of information on strategic matters” and cooperation on defence manufacturing, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism. 

Additional deals include a $600 million investment by French logistics firm CMA CGM to build a deepwater container terminal in northern Vietnam by 2028. Airbus also signed a letter of intent to help Vietnam replace its earth-observation satellite. Macron’s Southeast Asia tour continues with visits to Indonesia and Singapore.

By Naila Huseynova