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 to self-fund high-speed rail, avoid ‘strings attached’ foreign loans
Notably, debt-diplomacy has become common in recent years particularly in developing nations and given Vietnam’s precarious position in the world in terms of geopolitics, a reluctance to be indebted to external creditors is understandable. That said, this is a huge and very expensive project that really needs to be done right and Vietnam has no existing high-speed rail and therefore no experience installing and using the technology to speak of.
PetroVietnam Gas Corporation: Vietnam Stock Overview
Amid declining domestic natural gas production, imported LNG is slated to play a crucial role as a long-term alternative energy source. Currently, GAS is the first and only enterprise in Vietnam authorized to officially distribute LNG. GAS is involved in several key LNG projects, including the Thi Vai and Son MY LNG port warehouse and the Block B – O Mon gas pipeline projects…
VietinBank: Vietnam Stock Overview
Non-interest income fell by 12.6 percent to US$333.2 million, driven by a drop in bancassurance operations, in line with a broader decline in bancassurance revenue following negative publicity in 2023. In addition, securities trading revenue decreased 72.6 percent in contrast to the VN Index which increased by 10.2 percent and other financial institutions like MB Bank which had an eightfold increase in securities revenue year-over-year…
US announces preliminary subsidy rates on solar panels from Vietnam, others
This comes on the back of a series of trade remedies investigations into imports from Vietnam under suspicion that they are actually mostly made in China and simply shipped through Vietnam to avoid anti-dumping duties on Chinese imports…
Vietnam Mercedes-Benz plant lease extended after months of uncertainty
The joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and local firm SAMCO had requested an extension of its land lease as far back as 2021, however, the request was never actioned due to the aforementioned regulatory challenges (the can was kicked down the road). This came to a head earlier this year, however, when the company said it was considering shutting down its operations in Vietnam altogether as a result of the lolly-gagging…
Vietnam Purchasing Managers Index records 5.1 point fall in September
The S&P Global Vietnam Purchasing Managers’ Index has recorded a 5.1 point fall in September, from 52.4 in August to 47.3 a month later, according to a press release from the firm. This moved the index below the 50-point break even mark which means that Vietnam’s manufacturing industry, according to the index, contracted in September.
Should Vietnam Be Worried About Indonesia Joining the CPTPP?
Last week, Indonesia officially applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement. Whereas the benefits to Indonesia are clear, for Vietnam, a founding member of the agreement, it could be problematic. This article looks at the risks and opportunities for Vietnam if Indonesia’s accession is approved…
Military Commercial Bank: Vietnam Stock Overview
MBB’s total operating income increased by 11.3 percent year over year in the first half of 2024 with the banking industry benefiting from a more stable macroeconomic environment than in 2023 and a rebound in credit demand. Net interest income, however, increased by only 1 percent…
Buy Now Pay Later service debuts on petrol station app in Vietnam
Of note, the Buy Now, Pay Later–BNPLY–market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 29.2 percent from 2024 to 2029, according to a report from Markets and Research. The gross merchandise value of buy now pay later in Vietnam is expected to rise from US$1.32 billion in 2023 to US$6.89 billion by 2029…
Vietnam-made tyres subject of South African anti–dumping investigation
This announcement is in line with a growing narrative around Chinese producers using third-countries, particularly in Southeast Asia to circumvent trade remedies. Of note, genuine Vietnamese producers and exporters often get caught up in these investigations. Whereas they can apply for separate antidumping rates, this still consumes time and resources that many local firms, on the back of broader economic challenges, may not have.
IMF-Vietnam consultation report forecasts GDP growth of 6.1 percent 2024
The International Monetary Fund has released its Vietnam: 2024 Article IV Consultation report which breaks down the performance of Vietnam’s economy over the last 12 months. Notably, it forecasts GDP growth for this year and 2025 of 6.1 percent. The 97 page report also includes a number of recommendations…
S&P Global raises GDP growth outlook for Vietnam 0.4 points
The report notes that Vietnam and Malaysia in particular are experiencing strong growth in electronics exports and attracting substantial foreign direct investment in the electronics sector. However, it also notes that the electronics industry is known for its cyclical nature, and any decline in global demand could impact this momentum, leading to potential fluctuations in production and investment.
Vietnam skin care market to reach US$2.35 billion by 2032: Report
This is inline with a self-care market on the rise. The health and supplements market in Vietnam, for example, has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing health awareness, rising disposable incomes, and a rapidly growing middle class.
HDBank: Vietnam Stock Overview
In the first half of 2024, HDB saw a significant uptick in its performance, with total operating income and pre-tax profit increasing by 32.9 percent and 48.9 percent year-over-year, respectively. This growth was primarily attributed to a more stable macroeconomic environment and a rebound in credit demand compared to 2023 during which banks in general faced a challenging financial environment with rising interest costs on deposits outpacing lending income…
US furniture firm bails on Vietnam, leaves local workers unpaid
Notably, there are channels of recourse for workers in Vietnam, however, these can be difficult to access in the event a foreign business owner has left the country. That said, foreign firms should keep in mind that internet penetration is very high in Vietnam and reputational damage is therefore not restricted to the Vietnam market.
Vietnam seafood exports up 7.3 percent in value August over July
Vietnam’s seafood exports climbed by 7.3 percent in August over July from US$916 million to US$983.2 million. Vietnam’s seafood exports for the year now stand at US$6.3 billion which represents an increase of 9 percent over the same period last year.
Australia’s Timezone video game arcade chain opens 13th Vietnam location
Video games are played widely around Vietnam. There are cyber cafes in the big cities on just about every corner. These are generally long rooms chock full of computers and almost always filled with young Vietnamese playing a broad range of video games. With this in mind, Vietnam’s consumers are well primed for more classic video game experiences like video game arcades.
Buy Now Pay Later market in Vietnam could grow by US$5 billion by 2029: Report
BNPL services are an attractive option for young and budget-conscious shoppers. Major players like Fundiin, Kredivo, and Atome are expanding their presence in Vietnam, partnering with retailers to offer flexible payment options. This trend is expected to continue as digital adoption and consumer demand for flexible credit solutions increase…
Vietnam ceramics exports up 11.3 percent in value August over July
Vietnam’s ceramics exports climbed by 11.3 percent in August over July from US$51.1 million to US$56.9 million. Vietnam’s ceramics exports for the year now stand at US$425 million which represents an increase of 9.2 percent over the same period last year.
Vietnam News Roundup: September 20 to September 26
This week’s Vietnam news roundup covers the latest cosmetic, furniture, and dairy trade data; the State Bank’s latest open market operations; foreign trading on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange; several key large-scale foreign direct investment projects; an update on the Skoda assembly plant in Quang Ninh; and more.
In today’s Vietnam news: GS TL on AI, Saigon Economic Times last issue, Fuel prices cut, Vinhomes issuing more bonds, Counterfeit Korean cosmetics store,
In today’s Vietnam news: Power supply imports, Hanoi boulevard project protests, Antidumping duties coming for boxes, Maersk container terminal project Hanoi, Vinpearl foreign investment,
In today’s Vietnam news: Credit limits removed for some major projects, Estonian web security company market entry, Vingroup’s Vuong becomes major shareholder LP Bank,
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