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 Mercedes-Benz factory could close altogether on licence extension delays
This challenge looks to stem from regulations that require the Ho Chi Minh City government to reclaim the land at the end of the lease and reassess its use case. Reportedly there is no way around this with the Ho Chi Minh City government asking the national government for assistance. What is perhaps most concerning, however, is that it has been suggested that if the factory were to close it is unlikely to reopen with Mercedes-Benz to be imported instead.
Emu eggs selling in Vietnam for up to US$40 a piece
Alongside rising middle class incomes, the demand for luxury goods and exotic foods in Vietnam is also growing. Of note, New Viet Dairy, an importer and distributor of speciality dairy and deli products, was sold to Japan’s Sojitz Corporation last year. The value of the deal was not announced, however, New Viet Dairy recorded revenue in 2022 of US$320 million…
Doing Business in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam 2024
Thai Nguyen, a province strategically located in northeastern Vietnam, offers a favourable environment for foreign investors. With its well-developed infrastructure, competitive labour costs, and supportive government policies, the province presents a compelling investment opportunity.
Doing Business in Quang Ninh, Vietnam 2024
Quang Ninh, a coastal province in northeastern Vietnam, has emerged as a strategic location for businesses seeking to tap into the country’s growing economy. With its prime geographical position, well-developed infrastructure, and abundant natural resources, the province offers a favourable environment for investors from various sectors.
Doing Business in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Vietnam 2024
Ba Ria-Vung Tau, a coastal province in southern Vietnam, has emerged as a strategic location for businesses seeking to tap into the country’s burgeoning economy. With its prime geographical position and well-developed infrastructure, this province offers a favourable environment for investors from various sectors.
Vietnam News Roundup: August 16 to August 22
This week’s Vietnam news roundup covers foreign trader stock market activity, car registration fee cuts, the latest manufacturing announcements, a number of new antidumping investigations, the latest iPOS food and beverage report, and a whole lot more.
Vietnam F&B outlets down 3.9 percent in six months to June: iPOS
The report suggest this was in large part the result of a spike in small food outlets opening and then closing within three months. It also notes that the market may have been over saturated with the number of new food outlets opening post-COVID outpacing revenue growth in the industry.
Slew of new US trade remedies cases announced against Vietnam exports
This comes amid an increasing number of Chinese firms relocating at least part of their production south of the border in order to circumvent antidumping and countervailing duties in other parts of the world. That’s not to say, Vietnam is not-subsidising its own industries, with the US DOC finding earlier this year that government intervention in the market is beyond what is acceptable for it to be considered a market economy.
Once leading Vietnam garment maker on last legs as lack of orders bites
Of note, it is not unusual for Vietnamese firms to hold out for as long as possible, grasping at straws to stay afloat under the belief that the ship will right itself if they can hold out just a little longer. Furthermore, it is not unusual for them to be allowed to do so, with a firm not considered insolvent until its debts are over 90 days past due, but even then they can often continue to trade for quite a while longer.
Vietnam public school system short 113,491 teachers
Of note, the lowest paid teachers across preschool, primary school, and high school, receive just VND 4.9 million or US$196.59 with the highest paid teachers only VND 15.9 million or US$637.91. For contrast, manufacturing and construction workers receive an average wage of VND 8.3 million or US$333 per month with wages over the last twelve months growing at about 5 percent.
New Estée Lauder cosmetics store headed for Vietnam’s Noi Bai airport
This is inline with strong growth in Vietnam’s cosmetics market which is projected to generate a revenue of US$546.2 million this year on an anticipated annual growth rate of 3.20 percent up to 2028, according to data collated by Statista. A good portion of these sales look to be imports too with approximately US$800 million worth of essential oils, perfumes, and cosmetics imported into Vietnam in the first seven months of this year.
What’s Going On with Vietnam’s Car Market in 2024?
Last week, it was announced that Vietnam would once again cut registration fees for locally assembled cars. This is on the back of slower sales of Vietnam-made vehicles which is the result of a much broader rejig of Vietnam’s car market. This article looks at how Vietnam’s car market is changing, what’s making it change, and what might come next.
Low electricity prices in Vietnam see industry eschew electricity conservation: EVN exec
Of note, retail electricity prices in Vietnam are regulated and price rises are not all that common and this has led to power often being sold at below cost price. This has then had a carry over effect in that investment by the state power provider into more power generation and grid infrastructure has been insufficient resulting in power shortages that were estimated to have cost Vietnam’s economy US$1.4 billion last year.
South Korean firm signs agreement with chip factory manager in Vietnam
Of note, Vietnam has a breadth of experience in assembly, packing, and testing of semiconductor chips on the back of huge investment from firms like Intel and Amkor. Furthermore, regional and global free trade agreements to which Vietnam is a party position it well for this final stage of semiconductor chip supply chains. That said, Vietnam’s semiconductor manufacturing has faced a number of challenges including an unreliable electricity supply and a shortage of skilled workers.
Vietnam Stock Reviews: FPT Retail
In the first half of 2024, FPT Retail’s revenue increased by 22 percent compared to the same period in 2023, of which Long Chau’s revenue accounted for 63 percent. During this period, FPT Retail realigned its operations, expanding Long Chau’s network by adding 209 pharmacies and 77 vaccination centres while closing a further 113 underperforming FPT Shop stores…
Doing Business in Hai Duong, Vietnam 2024
Hai Duong province, located in the Red River Delta region of Vietnam, has emerged as a dynamic economic hub. With its strategic location, proximity to Hanoi, and a skilled workforce, the province has attracted significant domestic and foreign investment. Known for its rapid industrialization, Hai Duong has transformed from an agricultural-based economy into a manufacturing powerhouse.
Doing Business in Da Nang, Vietnam 2025: Key Sectors & Investment
Da Nang, often referred to as the “city of bridges,” has emerged as a dynamic economic and tourism hub in Vietnam. Its strategic location on the central coast offers a balance of natural beauty and urban development, making it an attractive destination for businesses and investors. With a focus on sustainable development and a strong commitment to improving the business environment, Da Nang has positioned itself as a competitive city for domestic and foreign enterprises.
Mercedes Benz plant in Vietnam’s HCMC future uncertain, on extension approval delays
The project was originally approved in 1995 and given a 30 year lifespan. The operators of the plant, a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Saigon Transport Mechanical Corporation have requested a five-year extension, however, current regulations dictate that at the end of the licence the land must be reclaimed by the city. There does not appear to be regulatory provisions for an extension without interruption.
Starbucks closes premium store in Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City
Of note, opening a cafe or coffee shop in Vietnam for foreign firms or individuals, however, is not always easy. Not only are there a number of technical and licensing requirements that need to be met, but Vietnam has also developed its own very distinct and unique coffee culture which can make penetrating Vietnam’s coffee consumer class challenging…
Vietnam Stock Reviews: Vinamilk (dairy products)
In the second half of the year, domestic consumption is projected to bounce partly thanks to a nationwide increase in the salaries of government employees, providing a strong stimulus for Vinamilk to grow. Additionally, Vinamilk is actively pursuing new opportunities by expanding its presence in global supply chains, focusing on emerging markets and leveraging free trade agreements…
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