Author: the-shiv
Petroleum products: Vietnam imports plunge by 16.88 percent in May
Vietnam’s imports of petroleum products reached US$480.41 million in May 2025, according to figures released by Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This represents a significant decrease of 16.88 percent compared to April, bringing the year-to-date (YTD) import value to US$2.69 billion.
Energy: US$2.56 billion LNG power plant in Northern Vietnam’s Thai Binh to break ground this year
A US$2.56 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plant project in Thai Binh province is scheduled to begin construction in late 2025, The Investor has reported. The plant, backed by Japanese firms Tokyo Gas and Kyuden Group alongside Truong Thanh Vietnam, is among 11 LNG power projects planned for commissioning between 2028 and 2029.
News Media: Vietnam’s top legislator uses press event to reaffirm Party-aligned press mission
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man has praised journalists for their role in national development while reaffirming the media’s central mission: to uphold Party directives and reflect public sentiment within an ideologically aligned framework, Vietnam News has reported.
Energy: Vietnam crude oil imports plunge by 20.19 percent in May
Vietnam’s imports of crude oil amounted to US$557.12 million in May 2025, according to figures released by Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This represents a significant decrease of 20.19 percent compared to April, bringing the year-to-date (YTD) import value to US$3.42 billion.
Industry: Vietnam wire & cable imports up 3.52 percent in May
Vietnam’s imports of insulated wires and cables reached US$409.61 million in May 2025, according to figures released by Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This represents an increase of 3.52 percent compared to April, bringing the year-to-date (YTD) import value to US$1.81 billion.
Pastry, sweets and cereals products: Vietnam exports up 5.28% in May
Vietnam’s exports of pastry, sweets, and cereals products reached US$102.63 million in May 2025, according to figures released by Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This represents an increase of 5.28 percent compared to April, bringing the year-to-date (YTD) export value to US$492.76 million.
Advertising: Nestlé fined in Vietnam over misleading Milo milk advertisement
Nestlé Vietnam has been fined VND 80 million (US$3,077) and ordered to immediately remove promotional materials for its Milo barley milk after Dong Nai police ruled the company’s claims were misleading, Tuoi Tre has reported. The advertisement used unsubstantiated phrases like “best” and “only,” which authorities said could confuse or deceive consumers, violating the Law on Protection of Consumer Rights.
Tax: Vietnam excludes subsidiaries from SME tax incentives under new law
Subsidiaries and affiliated companies will not be eligible for the new preferential tax rates of 15–17 percent aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), under Vietnam’s amended Law on Corporate Income Tax, passed by the National Assembly on June 14, VN Express has reported. The general corporate income tax rate remains at 20 percent, while firms with annual revenues under VND 3 billion and VND 50 billion may access lower rates—unless they are linked to larger corporate groups.
Banking & finance: Vietnam records 5.5 billion cashless transactions in Q1 2025
Vietnam’s recorded 5.5 billion cashless transactions in Q1 2025 with 82 percent via digital channels, according to Nguyen Hung Nguyen, Deputy General Director of Vietnam National Payment Joint Stock Company (NAPAS) and reported by VN Express.
Real estate: Collateral to fund Vietnam’s Trump-branded resort to include factories, land, and cars
Kinh Bac City Development Holding Corporation (KBC) is making a bold financial play to support a high-profile Trump-branded complex in Hung Yen. The firm is seeking shareholder approval to unlock funding using a wide range of collateral, including land, factories, subsidiary shares—and even a luxury Lexus, Dan Viet has reported
Manufacturing: Vietnam glass & glassware exports dip 2.68% in May
Vietnam’s exports of glass and glassware reached US$108.09 million in May 2025, according to figures released by Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This represents a slight decrease of 2.68 percent compared to April, bringing the year-to-date (YTD) export value to US$524.34 million.
Textiles & footwear materials: Vietnam imports slightly dip 0.86 percent in May
Vietnam’s imports of textile, leather, and footwear materials and auxiliaries reached US$637.42 million in May 2025, according to figures released by Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This represents a slight decrease of 0.86 percent compared to April, bringing the year-to-date (YTD) import value to US$2.98 billion.
Plastic products: Vietnam imports surge by 12.22 percent in May
Vietnam’s imports of plastic products reached US$966.81 million in May 2025, according to figures released by Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This represents a significant increase of 12.22 percent compared to April, bringing the year-to-date (YTD) import value to US$4.05 billion.
Tax: Vietnam to impose excise tax on soft drinks from 2027
Vietnam’s National Assembly has passed an amendment to the Law on Special Consumption Tax, introducing new excise taxes on soft drinks and revising tax schedules for alcohol, tobacco, air conditioners, and fuel, VN Express has reported.
Industry: Vietnam chemicals imports down 5.70 percent in May
Vietnam’s imports of chemicals reached US$671.33 million in May 2025, according to figures released by Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This represents a decrease of 5.70 percent compared to April, bringing the year-to-date (YTD) import value to US$3.25 billion.
Vietnam Market Wrap: Vietnam stock market dips as foreign investors turn net sellers
The VN-Index closed at 1,315.49 on June 13, falling 7.50 points or 0.57 percent, as selling pressure dominated across key sectors. Total trading value reached VND 27,143.98 billion or approximately US$1.04 billion.
Footwear: Vietnam exports dip 3.45% in May, but China and South Korea see massive gains
Vietnam’s exports of footwear reached US$2.15 billion in May 2025, according to figures released by Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This represents a slight decrease of 3.45 percent compared to April, bringing the year-to-date (YTD) export value to US$9.76 billion.
Tax: New decree requires e-commerce platforms collect tax for Vietnam sellers
Decree 117/2025/NĐ-CP has officially been issued, introducing stricter tax compliance obligations for e-commerce platforms, including requiring platforms to collect tax on behalf of their Vietnamese sellers.
Electricity: Vietnam generates 127.6 billion kWh in first five months of 2025, coal remains dominant
Vietnam’s total electricity output for the month of May was 28.6 billion kWh, with the system reaching a peak capacity of 49,759 MW, according to a press release from state power providers Electricity Vietnam. Notably, coal remains the key power source accounting for 56.8 percent of power generated.
Banking and finance: Vietnam corporate bond issues top US$1.8 billion in May
Vietnam’s corporate bond market showed signs of renewed activity in May, with VND 46.77 trillion (US$1.80 billion) worth of private placements across 42 deals, according to data from the Vietnam Bond Market Association (VBMA) as of May 31.
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