Manufacturing & Industry
This category focuses on industrial production, from electronics and textiles to automotive and heavy industry. It covers FDI trends, supply chain developments, factory expansions, and government regulations shaping the industrial landscape. As a key driver of economic growth, manufacturing plays a crucial role in global supply chains, technological advancements, and industrial competitiveness.
Vietnam and the Middle Income Trap: Unpacked
There’s been a lot of talk lately about the risk Vietnam faces with respect to growth stagnating, and the country becoming stuck in the middle-income trap. Most of this talk, however, has focused on the level of GDP growth that needs to be reached and maintained rather than the specific policy and structural reforms needed. With this in mind, this article looks at what the middle-income trap is, how countries get themselves stuck in it and how they get out, and where Vietnam fits in a slightly more policy-focused discussion.
Hard coal and lignite industry output in Vietnam sees mixed January performance
Vietnam’s mining of hard coal and lignite recorded a 12.4 percent increase in January 2025 compared to the 2019 baseline, according to Vietnam’s Industrial Production Index. However, the sector saw a 4.2 percent decline compared to December.
Vietnam’s exports of tyre cord fabrics rise 7.84 percent in January
Vietnam’s exports of tyre cord fabrics and other fabrics for technical uses increased by 7.84 percent month-on-month to US$60.62 million in January, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam’s machinery exports decline by 11.93 percent in January
Vietnam’s exports of machinery, equipment, tools, and instruments fell by 11.93 percent month-on-month in January, reaching US$3.86 billion, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Beer and malt production in Vietnam sees slight annual growth despite January decline
Vietnam’s beer and malt production increased by 75.2 percent in January compared to the 2019 baseline, according to Vietnam’s Industrial Production Index. However, this was lower than December 2024, when output stood at 99.3 percent above 2019 levels.
Vietnam’s imports of fabrics fall 18.76 percent in January
Vietnam’s imports of fabrics declined by 18.76 percent month-on-month in January to US$1.08 billion, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This follows a decrease from US$1.33 billion recorded in December.
Vietnam’s exports of chemical products fall 7.33 percent in January
Vietnam’s exports of chemical products decreased by 7.33 percent month-on-month in January, reaching US$228.43 million, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This follows a decline from US$246.50 million recorded in December.
Vietnam’s imports of plastic products fall 18.43 percent in January
Vietnam’s imports of plastic products decreased by 18.43 percent month-on-month in January, reaching US$679.68 million, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This follows a decline from US$833.22 million recorded in December.
Chinese firms add US$489.87 million to Vietnam’s January FDI tally
In January, Chinese firms contributed US$489.87 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) in Vietnam across 85 new projects, according to data from Vietnam’s Ministry of Planning and Investment. This represents a decline of US$358.85 million compared to December, which saw US$848.72 million in registered capital with 96 new projects.
Vietnam’s exports of toys and sports requisites rise 27.55 percent in January
Vietnam’s exports of toys and sports requisites surged by 27.55 percent month-on-month to US$401.81 million in January, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam’s iron and steel product exports fall by 13.25 percent in January
Vietnam’s exports of iron and steel products declined by 13.25 percent month-on-month in January, reaching US$438.99 million, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam’s imports of essential oils and cosmetics fall 29.82 percent in January
Vietnam’s imports of essential oils, resinoids, perfumery, cosmetic, and toilet preparations fell by 29.82 percent month-on-month in January to US$93.32 million, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This follows a decline from US$132.97 million recorded in December.
Vietnam’s exports of ceramic products fall 25.46 percent in January
Vietnam’s exports of ceramic products decreased by 25.46 percent month-on-month in January, reaching US$54.54 million, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This follows a decline from US$73.18 million recorded in December.
Vietnam’s imports of pharmaceutical products fall 51.24 percent in January
Vietnam’s imports of pharmaceutical products decreased by 51.24 percent month-on-month in January, reaching US$252.63 million, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This follows a sharp decline from US$518.17 million recorded in December.
Japanese firms contribute US$599.09 million to Vietnam’s January FDI tally
In January, Japanese firms invested US$599.09 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) in Vietnam across 21 new projects, according to data from Vietnam’s Ministry of Planning and Investment. This marks an increase of US$710.96 million in registered capital compared to December, which saw a negative balance of US$111.87 million across 25 new projects.
Vietnam’s textile and garment exports drop 5.81 percent in January
Vietnam’s exports of textiles and garments fell 5.81 percent month-on-month to US$3.19 billion in January, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam’s iron and steel exports rise by 15.10 percent in January
Vietnam’s iron and steel exports increased by 15.10 percent month-on-month in January, reaching US$611.05 million, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Footwear manufacturing output in Vietnam sees January decline
Vietnam’s footwear manufacturing industry increased by 86.9 percent in January compared to the 2019 baseline, according to Vietnam’s Industrial Production Index. However, this was lower than December 2024, when output stood at 117.6 percent above 2019 levels.
Vietnam’s imports of electric consumer products fall 4.79 percent in January
Year-to-date, Vietnam’s total imports of these products stood at US$198.94 million. China remained the largest supplier, contributing US$79.72 million, or 40.08 percent of the total. Thailand followed with US$74.40 million, representing 37.39 percent, while Malaysia supplied US$30.91 million.
Vietnam’s exports of cashew nuts fall 30.24 percent in January
Vietnam’s exports of cashew nuts decreased by 30.24 percent month-on-month in January, reaching US$254.27 million, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This follows a decline from US$364.51 million recorded in December.
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