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.
FDI inflows from the Netherlands to Vietnam show positive growth
Year-to-date figures show a total of 11 new projects and US$164.84 million in newly registered capital. These figures demonstrate that the Netherlands remains a significant contributor to Vietnam’s economic development, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing and processing.
Vietnam’s PMI falls in November but still in growth territory
The S&P Global Vietnam Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index recorded a fall in November over October, from 51.2 points to 50.8, according to a press release from the firm. This is still above the 50-point no-change point signalling the sector is still in an expansionary phase.
Vietnam NA approves Vietnam Airlines share issue to clear outstanding debts
This is an interesting development in that 86 percent of the airline is owned by the government. With this in mind, the National Assembly has effectively given the government permission to issue several thousand billion dong worth of shares to itself. It’s not clear, however, if the National Assembly will give the government permission to buy said shares.
Concerns re: Low domestic consumption spark response from Vietnam PM
Overall, local media coverage suggests broad consensus that there is a domestic consumption problem, relative to past experiences, in the lead up to the Lunar New Year. That said, there does not seem to be much in the way of analysis of the specific aspects of the Prime Minister’s Directive or how it might manifest in a practical sense…
Vietnam NA approves resuming pursuit of Ninh Thuan nuclear power plant
Coverage from Dau Tu Chung Khoan notes that the cost was estimated to be VND 200,000 billion in 2009 (This is about US$7.9 billion at today’s exchange rate). In addition, the publication points out that several key issues were raised by the NA including radioactive waste management and community safety, though these do not appear to have been addressed.
Vietnam’s exports to the Philippines rise 11.69 percent in October
Vietnam’s exports to the Philippines reached US$600.87 million in October, marking an 11.69 percent increase month-on-month with the year-to-date export value reaching US$5.22 billion, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs…
Vietnam retail sales of services records steady growth in October
In September, the sector recorded sales of VND 56.56 trillion, equivalent to US$2.23 billion. In October, this rose to VND 57.95 trillion, or US$2.28 billion, showing a month-on-month growth of 2.46 percent.
Vietnam’s plastic product exports grow in October, year-to-date performance remains robust
Year-to-date figures further highlight strong performance. From January to October, Vietnam exported plastic products valued at US$5.46 billion, a 30.5 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023.
FDI inflows from the UK to Vietnam show steady growth
Year-to-date data shows a total of 40 new projects and US$225.65 million in newly registered capital. These figures indicate that the UK continues to play an important role in Vietnam’s economic development, particularly in sectors like manufacturing and processing.
Vietnam’s exports to India decline in October
Vietnam’s exports to India totalled US$713.24 million in October, a decline of 10.90 percent compared to September, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam’s petroleum product exports surge in October, year-to-date figures show steady growth
Year-to-date performance also reflects positive growth. From January to October, Vietnam exported 1.99 million tonnes of petroleum products, valued at US$1.61 billion. This marks an 8.6 percent increase in volume and a 3.7 percent rise in value compared to the same period in 2023.
Vietnam National Assembly approves Hanoi-HCMC High-Speed Rail, opinions mixed
BBC Vietnamese, for example, has comments from Tran Quoc Viet, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Region 1 Railway Services Joint Stock Company, who essentially suggests it is all moving very fast and points out there is a dearth of high-speed rail expertise in Vietnam to properly assess the project. On that note, Radio Free Asia points out that the pre-feasibility study for the project was conducted by a consortium of local firms.
Vietnam’s steel production and exports show strong growth in 2024: VSA
The production of finished steel products of all kinds reached 24.47 million tons, up 8.5 percent year-on-year. Among product categories, metal-coated and color-coated steel recorded the highest growth at 27.1 percent, followed by construction steel at 12.2 percent, steel pipes at 4.6 percent, and hot-rolled coil (HRC) at 3.2 percent. However, cold-rolled steel coil (CRC) production experienced a decline of 16.2 percent.
Road to second airport for Vietnam’s HCMC delayed amid land acquisition issues
Bao Giao Thong says this is because on one road 40 percent of the land is defense land though it doesn’t explain why this would cause abnormal delays. It also notes that Tan Binh District needs to hand over land belonging to 68 households before December 28 for a second road if it is to be completed by February 28 next year. It’s not clear if there is a delay here or if a delay is expected.
Philippines to investigate Vietnam cement dumping claims
Notably, the Philippines had accounted for 27 percent of Vietnam’s cement exports to the end of October this year. With this in mind, Vietnam’s cement oversupply problem may be about to get worse.
Vietnam’s exports to Thailand in October show mixed trends
Vietnam’s exports to Thailand totalled US$635.29 million in October, representing a slight increase of 0.87 percent month-on-month. The year-to-date export value reached US$6.50 billion, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam’s pastry and cereal product exports surge in October
Year-to-date figures further highlight robust performance. From January to October, exports in this category totalled US$995.76 million, a 20.8 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023.
State Bank of Vietnam increases credit limits for some of banks to meet 15 percent target
This is an interesting decision with broad uncertainty around what might happen with respect to the US dollar when Trump assumes the presidency in January, though most economists are expecting a stronger dollar. Bad debts among Vietnam’s banks have also been rising and the country’s US dollar reserves have fallen below the IMF recommended three months worth of imports.
Vietnam’s exports to Australia decline sharply in October
Vietnam’s exports to Australia reached US$471.42 million in October, reflecting a significant drop of 26.05 percent compared to September. The year-to-date export value stood at US$5.50 billion, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam’s transportation exports surge in October, growth steady year-to-date
Year-to-date performance remains solid. From January to October, the sector’s exports totalled US$12.52 billion, a 5.9 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023.
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