Services & Trade
This category includes the service sector, retail, logistics, finance, e-commerce, and tourism, alongside trade policy and investment trends. It covers import/export dynamics, banking regulations, stock market movements, and infrastructure development. With increasing integration into regional and global trade, this section provides insights into consumer behavior, foreign investment, and evolving service industries.
Vietnam dong central exchange rate set at VND 25,051, Monday
The State Bank of Vietnam set its central exchange rate at VND 25,051 per US dollar, while Google Finance showed a mid-market rate of VND 25,975, Monday.
Vietnam plastics imports down 1.04% in January 2026 MoM / China -5.77% , South Korea -8.18
Vietnam imported plastics to the tune of US$1,110 million in January, down from US$1,122 million in December, a change of -1.04 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam phone exports up 39.65% in January 2026 MoM / to China -20.30%, USA +137.08%
Vietnam exported Phones to the tune of US$5,662 million in January, up from US$4,054 million in December, a change of 39.65 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Tourists arriving in Vietnam from Europe up 35.1% in January 2026 / from UK +33.6%, Germany +19.8%
In January, Europe accounted for 423,988 tourist arrivals, an increase of 35.10 percent from December, according to the latest data from Vietnam’s General Department of Tourism.
Vietnam imports from Taiwan up 15.53% MoM / Computers +21.71%, Fabrics +2.37%
In January, Vietnam imported US$3,606.77 million worth of goods from Taiwan, up from US$3,122.03 million in December, a change of 15.53 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam exports to South Korea down 1.62% MoM / computers -0.68%, phones -10.70%
In January, Vietnam exported US$2,663 million worth of goods to South Korea, down 1.62 percent over December, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam computer imports up 16.56% in January 2026 / from China +18.49%, South Korea +7.57%
Vietnam imported computers to the tune of US$16,627 million in January, up from US$14,265 million in December, a change of 16.56 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam imports from Thailand down 8.85% in January 2026 MoM / computers -1.04%, motor vehicles -27.41%
In January, Vietnam imported US$1162.76 million worth of goods from Thailand, down from US$1275.71 million in December, a change of -8.85 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam exports to Japan up 7.87% MoM / textiles and garments -12.37%, telephones +95.84%
In January, Vietnam exported US$2,530 million worth of goods to Japan, up 7.87 percent over December, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
The Philippines’s Health & Fitness Industry 2026: Trends, Growth, Opportunities
The Philippines’s health and fitness industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by rising health consciousness, a young and urbanising population, and greater access to both in-person and digital wellness options. While still developing compared to regional markets like Thailand or Singapore, the Philippines shows strong potential, with increasing investment, expanding gym networks, and growing demand for holistic wellness services.
Vietnam imports from Japan up 3.82% MoM in January / computers +62.78%, machines -22.63%
In January, Vietnam imported US$2,338.25 million worth of goods from Japan, up from US$2,252.17 million in December, a change of 3.82 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam motor vehicles imports 5.21% MoM in January 2026 / from China +46.96%, Thailand -27.41%
Vietnam imported motor vehicles to the tune of US$385 million in January, down from US$406 million in December, a change of -5.21 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam’s Health and Fitness Industry 2026: Trends, Growth, Opportunities
Vietnam’s health and fitness industry is growing rapidly, driven by rising income levels, increasing health awareness, and urbanisation. Gyms and fitness centres, both large international chains and local establishments, are expanding to meet this demand.
Indonesia’s Food & Beverage Industry 2026: Risks, Opportunities, Trends & More
Indonesia’s food and beverage industry is one of the largest contributors to the country’s economy and a major employer across urban and rural areas. This article explores the food and beverage industry in Indonesia including opportunities, key risks, listed F&B companies, how it compares to the rest of Southeast Asia, and more.
Vietnam imports from India down 2.72% in January MoM / fishery products -10.17%, chemicals -23.29%
In January, Vietnam imported US$678.58 million worth of goods from India, down from US$697.56 million in December, a change of -2.72 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam Land Ports for Foreign Firms 2026: Locations, Features, & More
Vietnam’s land ports have been a critical component in Vietnam’s economic development. They are the main entry point for a sizable amount of materials used in manufacturing in Vietnam. This is particularly true of its northern border with China which has become increasingly important to both China and Vietnam’s manufacturing industries as firms have sought to diversify their supply chains….
Malaysia’s Health & Fitness Industry 2026: Market Trends, Opportunities, Challenges, & Key Players
Malaysia’s health and fitness industry has grown into a vibrant sector of Malaysia’s economy, shaped by rising incomes, greater health awareness, and urban lifestyle changes. This article explores Malaysia’s health & fitness industry, including market trends, challenges, opportunities, key players, popular products, and more.
Vietnam imports from USA down 16.64% MoM / fruit & veg -54.57%, cotton +6.03%, soy beans +17.52%
In January, Vietnam imported US$1891.99 million worth of goods from the USA, down from US$2269.79 million in December, a change of -16.64 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
English News in Indonesia 2026: Top Sources, Censorship, and Alternatives
Indonesia’s news landscape in 2025 is defined by a mix of traditional outlets, digital platforms, and state influence. This article explores key news sources, censorship, and alternative news sites in Indonesia.
Vietnam exports to China down 12.16% in January MoM / computers -8.87%, phones -20.30%
In January, Vietnam exported US$6,322 million worth of goods to China, down 12.16 percent over December, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
In today’s Vietnam news: Fuel prices cut, Double-digit growth target reinforced, New airport services delay approval requested, TikTok VN investment, Bybit in Vietnam, LG
In today’s Vietnam news: VN renews antidumping tariffs on Thai sugar, Power supply challenges continue, USTR tariffs forced labour, AMRO growth forecast downgrade, Foreign
In today’s Vietnam news: Fund outflows May, New HCMC airport trial operations to begin September, M&A HCMC 2026, Compensation for gas-to-electric bike switch Hanoi,
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