Pot Price Plunge

SEATTLE – Interiorscapers now have the opportunity to purchase imported Vietnamese pots without paying a hefty price to cover tariffs.

This is bcause the Vietnamese National Assembly signed the U.S.-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement, resulting in reduced tariffs imposed on goods imported into the United States from Vietnam. Duties charged on imported goods from Vietnam, previously averaging 40 percent, will now fall to an average of 4 percent, similar to the rate enjoyed by most trading nations.

For the ceramics industry, this means the potential for greater sales volume. Ceramics are already among the top 10 exports from Vietnam to the United States, pointed out Cameron Oliva, president, Champa Ceramics, Seattle, Wash.

The trade agreement couldn't have come at a greater time, said Oliva, whose company began importing Vienamese pottery more than a year ago.

"We have experienced a welcoming reception among landscape designers and architects, interiorscapers and nurseries for our stoneware pottery," Oliva related. "Now, with lowered tariff rates, total costs will be reduced and a greater variety of ceramics at lower prices will result for America's homes, businesses and other landscaping locations."

The author is contributing editor for Lawn & Landscape magazine.