Author: the-shiv
Sanctions: EU to target Vietnamese companies aiding Russian sanctions evasion
For the first time, the European Union plans to sanction a Vietnamese company for allegedly assisting Russia in bypassing trade restrictions, as part of its 17th sanctions package since the Ukraine invasion, the Financial Times is reporting.
Cryptocurrency: Vietnam tax on digital assets feasible, but legal clarity needed
In an opinion piece in the Vietnam Investment Review, Nguyen Tien Hoa, Senior Partner at ASL Law, has argued that taxing crypto assets in Vietnam is legally feasible but requires foundational legal clarity and a phased implementation.
Food & beverage: Vietnam wine consumption set to hit US$2.8 billion by 2033: Report
Vietnam’s wine market reached US$2.0 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.73 percent to reach US$2.8 billion by 2033, according to a report from IMARC Group.
Trade: US-Vietnam trade grows in April post-US tariff announcement
Vietnam’s exports to the United States in April reached US$12.02 billion, up 1.5 percent from US$11.85 billion in March, according to the latest data from Vietnam Customs. Imports from the US were also up, reaching US$1.57 billion, an increase 4.3 percent from US$1.50 billion in March.
Tourism and hospitality: Vietnam receives 7.67 million international visitors in first four months of 2025
Vietnam’s April 2025 tourist arrivals hit 1.65 million, down 19.5 percent from March, but up 6.3 percent year-on-year, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office (NSO). Year-to-date (Jan–Apr 2025) total arrivals reached 7.67 million, up 23.8 percent compared to the same period in 2024.
Trade: Vietnam’s import-export turnover up 15.7 percent year-to-date, surplus narrows
Vietnam’s April trade turnover reached US$74.32 billion, down 1.4 percent from March, up 21.3 percent year-on-year, according to the latest data from the National Office of Statistics. Year to date, total trade reached US$276.89, up 15.7 percent year-on-year.
Inflation: Vietnam’s CPI up 3.2 percent year-to-date in April 2025
Vietnam’s April 2025 CPI rose 0.07 percent month-on-month and 3.12 percent year-on-year and was up 1.37 percent since December 2024, according to the latest data from the National Office of Statistics. Year-to-date CPI (Jan–Apr) also increased 3.2 percent with core inflation up 0.21 percent month-on-month and 3.05 percent year to date.
Securities: Vietnam’s long delayed KRX trading system finally goes live
Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange (HoSE) has officially launched its new KRX trading system, ten years after it was first conceived, VietnamNet has reported. It’s hoped the new system will improve liquidity, trading efficiency, and pave the way for a market status upgrade.
Gold: Vietnam demand slips despite investor interest and regional resilience: WGC
Gold jewellery demand in Vietnam fell by 15 percent year-on-year to 3.5 tonnes in Q1 2025, though it rose 5 percent from the previous quarter, according to the World Gold Council (WGC) Gold Demand Trends: Q1 2025. Bar and coin investment demand also dropped by 15 percent year-on-year to 12 tonnes, despite a 46 percent quarter-on-quarter rise.
Defense: Experts weigh in on Vietnam’s shift from Russian to Western arms
Vietnam’s push to modernise its military and reduce dependence on Russian arms has opened the door to Western defence firms, but experts have told Breaking Defense that unclear procurement processes, political risks, and capacity gaps in logistics and maintenance could complicate their path into the market
Economy: Vietnam PM holds steady on 8 percent growth target despite US tariff threat
In a report delivered to the National Assembly, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has outlined a sweeping economic agenda centred on sustaining growth, diversifying markets, and negotiating a resolution to the proposed US “reciprocal” tariffs. He has said the government intends to maintain its growth target of 8 percent for 2025, even as it faces rising trade tensions with the United States.
Construction: Vietnam’s construction sector secures US$12 million in March FDI commitments
The construction sector received US$12.41 million in foreign direct investment in March. This included 3 new projects worth US$2 million, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Automotive: Vietnam’s auto-trade and repairs sector records US$123 million in March FDI
The wholesale and retail trade sector, including the repair of cars, motorcycles and motorbikes, recorded US$123.46 million in foreign direct investment in March 2025. This comprised 103 new projects worth US$19 million, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Manufacturing: Vietnam March new manufacturing FDI tops US$2 billion
Vietnam’s processing and manufacturing industry recorded a total of US$2,077.01 million in foreign direct investment in March, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Planning and Investment. This included 123 new projects valued at US$1,174 million, accounting for more than half of total inflows.
Banking: Credit growth boosts Q1 profits, but deposit costs and provisioning rise
Vietnam’s system-wide credit grew 3.93 percent by March 31, nearly triple the pace in Q1 2024, Kinh Te Saigon is reporting. This supported high profit growth at banks like SeABank (+189 percent), MBBank (+45 percent), HDBank (+33 percent), and Sacombank (+38 percent), however, the publication also notes that rising bad debts led to increased credit risk provisioning, with rising deposit interest costs also putting pressure on banks’ margins.
Manufacturing: Vietnam April PMI sees sector contract sharply as US tariffs hit
Vietnam’s manufacturing sector shrank in April as newly announced US tariffs triggered a sharp drop in orders, production, and sentiment, according to a press release from S&P Global Vietnam Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index. Vietnam’s PMI fell to 45.6, down from 50.5 in March, signalling the steepest monthly contraction since May 2023, largely as a result of the US tariffs announced at the start of the month, the press release says.
Tourism & hospitality: Vietnam’s accommodation and food services sees US$37 million in March FDI
The accommodation and food services sector recorded US$36.61 million in foreign direct investment in March 2025. This included 4 new projects with a total value of US$33 million, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Banking and finance: Vietnam’s finance and insurance sector sees US$142 million in March FDI commitments
The finance, banking and insurance sector attracted US$141.94 million in foreign direct investment in March, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Industry and Trade. This included just 1 new project valued at US$2 million.
Help Wanted: Business Development Manager (Freelance)
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. While you’ll have access to editorial support and product guidance, you’ll need to develop and drive your own sales strategy from scratch.
Finance: Vietnam’s insurance market grows 5.6 percent in Q1 2025
Vietnam’s Total insurance premium revenue in Q1 2025 reached VND 56.58 trillion or US$2.26 billion, up 5.62 percent year-on-year. Non-life insurance recorded VND 22.01 trillion or US$880.4 million, rising 10 percent, with life insurance reaching VND 34.56 trillion or US$1.38 billion, growing 3 percent, according to data from the Ministry of Finance.
In today’s Vietnam news: Vietnam Airlines Q2 results, Stadium renamed, More details airport investigation, Overnight interest rates, Petrol price revisions, Domestic steel price increase,
In today’s Vietnam news: Fuel supply status, Critical minerals industry commentary, Sotheby’s opens HCMC office, US international school market entry, China response US customs
In today’s Vietnam news: AMRO growth forecast revised up, New HCMC airport investigation findings, Exchange rate reaches new high, Online electronics sales, National Day
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