Author: the-shiv
Manufacturing: Indonesia new orders plunge, but PMI jumps .7 points
Indonesia’s Manufacturing PMI stood at 47.4 in May, rising from 46.7 in April but still well below 50, indicating continued contraction, according to the latest data from S&P Global. New orders fell at the sharpest rate since August 2021, while exports also declined — notably in shipments to the US.
Manufacturing: Vietnam PMI climbs in May but still in contraction
Vietnam’s Manufacturing PMI rose to 49.8 in May from 45.6 in April, remaining below the 50 threshold that signals contraction, according to the latest data from S&P Global.
New export orders fell sharply for the second straight month, linked to the impact of US tariffs on demand. However, output returned to growth as tariff policy appeared more stable than in April.
Policy: Vietnam GS calls for national culture of thrift to drive sustainable development
General Secretary To Lam has called for greater thrift and efforts at fighting waste in Vietnam, in a wide-ranging article published Sunday. This, however, comes amid a push to grow Vietnam’s economy through domestic consumption.
Automotive: Vietnam introduces separate electricity tariff for EV charging stations
Vietnam has introduced a separate electricity pricing mechanism for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations under Decision 14/2025, effective May 29, Nguoi Quan Sat has reported. This is as opposed to being charged at either the retail or business price.
Dairy: Vietnam’s Nutifood and Australia’s ViPlus launch premium milk brand
Vietnam’s Nutifood and Australia’s ViPlus Dairy signed a joint venture on May 8 in Melbourne to launch GippsNature, a premium international dairy brand, VnEconomy has reported. The brand will debut in Q3 2025, targeting Vietnam and global markets with products ranging from infant formula to functional foods.
Garments & textiles: Vietnam textile, footwear firms shift focus to emerging markets on tariff challenges
Vietnamese textile and footwear exporters are expanding into Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and India, while maintaining core markets in Japan, Europe, and the US, English language news site, Vietnam News is reporting.
Tourism: Vietnam’s Asian arrivals fall sharply in April, but YTD growth signals recovery
Vietnam recorded 1.25 million tourist arrivals from Asia in April, marking a sharp 22.5 percent drop compared to March. Despite this decline, year-to-date (YTD) figures remain positive, with 4.71 million Asian arrivals, up 3.0 percent over the same period in 2024, according to the latest data from the General Department of Tourism.
Aviation: Vietnam aviation authority defends Vietjet’s use of Chinesee Comac aircraft
Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority has formally defended Vietjet’s decision to operate Chinese-made Comac ARJ21 aircraft, responding to concerns raised by a member of the Vietnam Fatherland Front about potential safety risks, Lao Dong has reported. The concerns cited Comac’s lack of FAA and EASA certification, minimal global flight hours, and limited operational history compared to legacy aircraft such as the Airbus A320
Pharmaceutical materials: Vietnam imports down 15.34 percent in April
Vietnam’s imports of pharmaceutical materials reached US$44.55 million in April 2025, according to figures released by Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This represents a decrease of 15.34 percent compared to March, with a year-to-date (YTD) import value of US$172.91 million.
Trade: Vietnam ramps up commodity imports from Australia in April
Vietnam’s imports from Australia rose to US$688.85 million in April, up 3.24 percent from March, bringing the year-to-date total to US$2.44 billion, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. The growth was driven by surging coal shipments and strong gains across key industrial and agricultural commodities.
Insurance: Cathay Life under fire in Vietnam for marketing life insurance as ‘savings books’
Cathay Life (Vietnam) is facing scrutiny for marketing its life insurance products as “super savings” schemes or “savings books”, misleading consumers about the true nature of the product, local news outfit, Tuoi Tre has alleged.
Gold: Vietnam jeweler under investigation for possible criminal law violations
Vietnam’s State Bank Inspectorate has referred Phu Nhuan Jewelry (PNJ) to the Ministry of Public Security amid allegations it has violated multiple regulations related to gold trading, tax compliance, and anti-money laundering, VietnamNet has reported.
HSBC’s 2025 Global Trade Pulse Survey: Key Takeaways for Businesses in Vietnam
A total of 80 percent of Vietnamese firms have already faced rising costs due to tariff and trade uncertainty, according to HSBC’s 2025 Global Trade Pulse Survey. A further 82 percent expect this to continue in the short term.
Retail: Vietnam cracks down on counterfeit goods at Saigon Square
housands of items suspected of violating intellectual property laws were seized during a surprise inspection at Saigon Square on May 29, VN Express has reported. Brands targeted included Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, Hermès, Dior, and more, with counterfeit goods ranging from watches and handbags to eyewear and suitcases.
Pastry, sweets & cereal products: Vietnam imports down 13.12 percent in April
Vietnam’s imports of pastry, sweets, and cereal products reached US$47.08 million in April 2025, according to figures released by Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This represents a decrease of 13.12 percent compared to March, with a year-to-date (YTD) import value of US$190.76 million.
Food & beverage: Vietnam bottled water market to reach US$1.41 billion by 2033: Report
The bottled water market in Vietnam was valued at US$809.23 million in 2024 and is forecast to reach US$1.41 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 6.08 percent, according to a report by IMARC Group.
Energy: Vietnam receives first JETP funding with €67 million French loan for grid upgrades
Vietnam has secured its first funding under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), with the French Development Agency (AfD) providing €67 million to the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT) for major transmission projects, VN Express has reported.
Vietnam Market Wrap: VN-Index steady as foreign investors turn net sellers
The VN-Index closed nearly unchanged at 1,341.86 on 29 May 2025, down just 0.01 points. Trading value reached VND 20.97 trillion or approximately US$807.39 million. Market sentiment was mixed, with no decisive upward or downward momentum.
Soy beans: Vietnam imports down sharply in April, USA remains top supplier
Vietnam’s imports of soy beans reached US$56.25 million in April 2025, according to figures released by Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This represents a sharp decrease of 41.85 percent compared to March, with a year-to-date (YTD) import value of US$318.07 million.
Precious stones & metals: Vietnam imports down 11.34 percent in April
Vietnam’s imports of precious stones, precious metal, and articles thereof reached US$80.67 million in April 2025, according to figures released by Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This represents a decrease of 11.34 percent compared to March, with a year-to-date (YTD) import value of US$309.78 million.
In today’s Vietnam news: Thailand vs Vietnam tourism, India missile purchase final stages, Airport rail connections Long Thanh, BESS development Northern Vietnam, New US
In today’s Vietnam news: SCB to liquidate assets at 11 branches, State censorship fines Facebook comments, Still aiming for 10% growth, AI adoption in
In today’s Vietnam news: Vinhomes to stop expanding landbank, 38 percent of businesses paying informal charges, SBV governor meets USTR delegation, Fitch affirms BB+
This is an interview with Chris Walker, a Vietnam Sourcing Expert with Vietnam Factory Tours how rising oil prices and the Middle East crisis are
This is an interview with John Gardner, CEO and Founding Partner, at Optimum Hospitality in Ho Chi Minh City. It covers fuel price impacts on:
This is an interview with Dr Nuno F. Ribeiro, Associate Professor, International Tourism & Hospitality Management at Copenhagen Business College, formerly of RMIT Vietnam. It