A different perspective on Vietnam’s economy and doing business in Vietnam. Make sure to subscribe.
Can LNG really save Vietnam-US trade?
Key Challenges in Vietnam-US Trade Negotiations: Unpacked
Vietnam’s Private Sector Development Push: Unpacked
Vietnam’s Aviation Industry: State of Play 2025
Vietnam and the Middle Income Trap: Unpacked
Vietnam’s 8 Percent GDP Growth Target: Unpacked
Buy More, Sell Less: Tackling Vietnam’s Trade Surplus with the US
Is Vietnam the Next Asian Tiger Economy?
What Recent Traffic Reforms Say About Doing Business in Vietnam
Building An International Financial Centre in Vietnam: Unpacked
Vietnam’s Economy in 2024: A Brief Recap
What to Watch Now Google Has An Office in Vietnam
Does Vietnam Have a Private Consumption Problem Too?
Day: April 16, 2025
Vietnam’s ferrous waste and scrap imports decline by 1.06 percent in March
Vietnam’s imports of ferrous waste and scrap decreased by 1.06 percent in March, totalling US$169.97 million. The year-to-date (YTD) total reached US$444.76 million, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam injects nearly US$305 million via repos as central exchange rate hits VND 24,899
On April 15, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) conducted two repo operations totalling over VND 7.9 trillion (US$305.5 million), offering liquidity at 4 percent interest as the dong weakened to VND 24,899 against the US dollar, according to data from the SBV.
Stock market: VNIndex down 1.42 percent as foreign investors sell US$11 million in shares
Vietnam’s stock market fell sharply on April 16, with all major indices closing lower and foreign investors turning net sellers. The VNIndex shed 1.42 percent to close at 1,210.30, according to data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Eating out prices in Vietnam decrease slightly in March
The price index for eating out in Vietnam saw a slight decrease of 0.03 percent in March 2025 compared to the previous month, according to Vietnam’s Consumer Price Index. This minor decline had a negligible impact on the overall CPI.
Drinks and tobacco prices in Vietnam rise in March 2025
In March 2025, the price index for drinks and tobacco in Vietnam saw an increase of 0.69% compared to the previous month, according to Vietnam’s Consumer Price Index. This contributed to a 0.09 percentage point rise in the overall CPI for March 2025.
Food services prices in Vietnam rise 3.78 percent year-on-year in Q1 2025
Vietnam’s food and food services consumer price index (CPI) rose 3.78 percent in the first quarter of 2025 compared to Q1 2024, with prices up 3.83 percent year-on-year in March alone, according to the latest CPI tracker.
Vietnam’s camera imports rose 12 percent in March
Vietnam imported US$186.64 million worth of still image, video cameras and parts thereof in March, a 12.29 percent increase from February, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This brought the year-to-date total to US$531.45 million.
Vietnam’s electricity output up 4.5 percent year-on-year in Q1
Vietnam’s electricity production reached 28.1 billion kilowatt-hours in March, up from 23.0 billion kilowatt-hours in February. Total output for the first quarter reached 74.7 billion kilowatt-hours, reflecting a 6.4 percent increase compared to March 2024 and a 4.5 percent year-on-year rise, according to data from the General Statistics Office.
US tariffs prompt LG to pause Vietnam expansion plans
LG Electronics has suspended expansion plans for its microwave and refrigerator production lines in Hai Phong, northern Vietnam, citing the rising cost burden from new US tariffs. The decision comes despite strong financial performance in 2024 and highlights the growing impact of tariff-driven trade tensions on foreign-invested manufacturers in Vietnam, The Investor is reporting.
Vietnam relaxes aircraft certification rules opening market to China, Brazil, others
Vietnam has issued a new decree broadening its aircraft import framework to allow certification from aviation authorities i nChina, Russia, Brazil, Canada, and the UK — a move expected to benefit airlines like Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet as they seek to expand their fleets, CafeF is reporting.
Vietnam’s LPG production up 7 percent year-on-year in March
Vietnam’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) production reached 74,900 tons in March, up from 63,200 tons in February. Total output for the first quarter stood at 209,100 tons, reflecting a 49.0 percent increase compared to March 2024 and a 7.0 percent rise year-on-year, according to data from the General Statistics Office.
Vietnam’s textile and footwear material exports rise nearly 30 percent in March
Vietnam exported US$208.9 million worth of textile, leather and footwear materials and auxiliaries in March, up 29.60 percent from February, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam’s fertilizer exports rise by 23.08 percent in March
Vietnam’s fertilizer exports increased by 23.08 percent in March compared to February, reaching US$90.92 million, according to data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
April 2025
Labour Market Report
Q1 2025
We’re looking for a self-starting freelance Business Development Manager to help shape and grow the-shiv’s commercial strategy. You’ll be responsible for identifying new revenue opportunities, pitching services, and building partnerships.