possibility

They are concerned about the possibility of higher tariffs for Vietnam - it currently faces a 10% levy, like most of the world – but "it's a lot better here than China", they say with a laugh.

"We'll have a partnership on our terms. There's a win-win possibility there, but on our terms, not on their terms," he said.

However, he said there was a "win-win possibility" for his country if it could secure a deal with the US and also build on trading relationships with the European Union and the UK.

That anger, however, was not universal, evidenced by the interest among a few local merchants in the possibility of expanding their market by doing business in Vietnam.

“Right now, as we speak, our programs across the state are facing the possibility of closure and dissolution and termination.”