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.
Stock market: Vietnam’s VN-Index surges to 1,573.71 points, Wednesday
The VN-Index rose 26.56 points, or 1.72 percent, to close at 1,573.71 on August 6, 2025, supported by gains in large-cap stocks and strong foreign investor activity, according to official data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Currency: Vietnam Dong steady, repo demand shifts to longer terms, Wednesday
The Vietnamese dong remained stable on 6 August as the central rate edged up slightly, while repo activity shifted towards longer maturities. Interbank interest rates saw a mixed movement, with longer terms trending higher.
Vietnam Tourist Arrivals Tracker: July Update [data set]
Vietnam welcomed 1,562,588 international tourists in July, marking a 6.8 percent increase from June, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Tourism. Of the five segments recorded, the most foreign tourists came from Asia accounting for 1,225,257 arrivals with the biggest source country being China which accounted for 391,051 of Vietnam’s tourist arrivals in July.
Trade: Vietnam’s import export turnover continues to climb despite tariff risks
Vietnam’s total trade in goods reached US$82.27 billion in July, up 8.0 percent month-on-month and 16.8 percent year-on-year, according to the latest data from Vietnam’s National Statistics Office.
Gambling: Vietnam proposes VND 50 million monthly ticket for locals entering casinos
The Ministry of Finance has proposed doubling the entrance ticket price for Vietnamese citizens to access casinos, Zing News has reported. This is part of a revised draft decree on casino business aimed at simplifying financial eligibility checks and aligning with international practices.
Stock market: Vietnam’s VN-Index extends rally, trading value hits US$3.02 billion
Vietnam’s VN-Index rose for a second session on 5 August, adding 18.96 points (+1.24 percent) to close at 1,547.15, with strong performances in the VN30 group and continued leadership from financials and real estate. Market trading value surged to VND 78.54 trillion or US$3.02 billion.
Stock market: South Korea’s SK Group exits Vietnam’s Vingroup stake worth nearly US$377 million
SK Group has divested a significant portion of its holdings in Vingroup, offloading 90 million VIC shares in a negotiated transaction worth nearly US$377 million on August 4, Nguoi Quan Sat has reported.
Stock market: Vietnam’s VN-Index surges but foreign investors turn net sellers, Monday
The VN-Index soared on 4 August, closing up 32.98 points (+2.21 percent) at 1,528.19, with strong gains across large-caps, real estate, and financials, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Currency: Vietnam dong black market premium widens, short-term rates surge
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) adjusted the central exchange rate slightly, dropping it by 9 dong from VND 25,249 to VND 25,240, Monday. The Google Finance mid-market rate also dipped 25 dong over the same period, falling from VND 26,220.02 to VND 26,195.
Trade: Vietnam government gives update on US trade talks, specific details still missing
Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has said progress is being made in “reciprocal” trade negotiations with the United States, in a statement posted on its website. The statement goes on to confirm Vietnam’s “reciprocal” tax rate has been reduced from 46 percent to 20 percent.
Aviation: Why no US airlines currently fly direct to Vietnam: Simply Flying
Despite strong demand and growing US–Vietnam ties, no US airline currently operates nonstop flights to Vietnam. The reasons lie in operational challenges, low yields, and more attractive alternatives, according to Simply Flying.
Pharmaceuticals: Vietnam’s top import sources for pharmaceutical materials (June 2025)
Vietnam’s imports of pharmaceutical materials saw a significant increase in June 2025, reaching $43,676,526, a 3.83 percent increase compared to May 2025 according to data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Stock market: Vietnam bourse dips slightly as foreign investors resume net selling
Vietnam’s VN-Index fell 7.31 points to close at 1,495.21 on Thursday, a 0.49 percent drop, as foreign investors returned to net selling amid broad declines in major sectors, according to the latest release from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Currency: Vietnam Dong weakens further as SBV injects liquidity, interbank rates ease
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) set the central exchange rate at VND 25,249, Friday, a 9-dong increase from the previous day. The black market mid-rate remained steady at VND 26,445, representing a 0.86 percent premium over the Google Finance mid-rate of VND 26,220.
Rubber: Vietnam’s top import sources for rubber products (June 2025)
Vietnam’s imports of rubber products saw a slight decline in June 2025, reaching $107,233,313, a -2.01 percent decrease compared to May 2025 according to data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam News Roundup: July 25 to July 31
In this week’s Vietnam News Roundup: Vietnam’s motorbike makers urge delay to Hanoi’s petrol bike ban, the dong weakens further, Sabeco profits fall, foreign investors net-sell US$96 million, TikTok Shop gains ground, EVN posts profit, and Vietnam’s creative and retail scenes show bold ambition.
Stock market: Vietnam’s VN-Index dips as foreign investors exit, VPB and HPG dominate trade
The VN-Index closed at 1,502.52 on 31 July, down 5.11 points or 0.34 percent. The VN30 fell more sharply, losing 15.55 points or 0.95 percent, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Currency: Vietnam dong stable as central rate edges up, SBV resumes 7-day repos
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) set the central exchange rate at VND 25,240 to the US dollar on 31 July, up 12 dong from 30 July. This marks a continued upward trend in official rates.
Advertising: Short term thinking, regulations challenge sector development in Vietnam: Happiness Saigon exec.
Vietnam’s creative market is evolving fast, but short-termism, regulation, and undervaluing of creativity still present challenges, Happiness Saigon’s managing director Son Nguyen, has said in corporate commentary published by LBB Online.
Packaging: Vietnam’s major suppliers of paper products, June 2025
Vietnam’s imports of paper products saw a slight decline in June 2025, reaching $112,328,344, a -2.06 percent decrease compared to May 2025 according to data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
In today’s Vietnam news: Facebook account theft ring shut down, Minimum wage to rise from Jan 1, Nuclear power project reorganisation proposed, No jail
In today’s Vietnam news: Research prosecution exemption, Fuel retailer losses, Semiconductor degree requirements, Eurocham BCI, Government bond auction Wednesday, Australia tourist visa problems, Coffee
In today’s Vietnam news: Accor-Sun Group agreement, US largest ethanol supplier, Demographic dividend to end 3 years early, Maritime economy development, ACV looking to
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