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.
Trade: Vietnam government report warns Trump tariffs could slash US exports by a third
Vietnam may lose up to US$37 billion in export revenue to the US if tariffs of 20 to 40 percent announced by President Donald Trump take effect, according to a government assessment prepared for Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s advisory council, and reported by Bloomberg.
Film: Vietnam–Thailand horror flick to get global release in August
This is significant in that making films in Vietnam has historically been challenging, though notably, over the last year or so, the Government of Vietnam has been actively working to try to make Vietnam a more attractive destination for filming.
Currency: Vietnam Dong steady, interbank rates flat as SBV ramps 14-day repo support
Vietnam’s central exchange rate held steady at 25,177 dong per US dollar on 23 July, dipping just 2 dong from the previous day, according to the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV). The black market rate remained elevated at 26,420, according to Ty Gia USD, maintaining a 1.01 percent spread over the mid-market rate on Google Finance.
Electronics: Vietnam’s top import sources for still image, video cameras and parts (June 2025)
Vietnam’s imports of still image, video cameras and parts thereof saw a slight increase in June 2025, reaching $198,543,486, a 0.19 percent increase compared to May 2025 according to data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Food & beverage: Vietnam fruit and vegetable imports, source countries (June 2025)
Vietnam’s imports of fruits and vegetables saw a significant increase in June 2025, reaching $214,043,921, a 9.36 percent increase compared to May 2025 according to data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Garments & textiles: Vietnam’s top import sources for yarn (June 2025)
Vietnam’s imports of yarn saw a significant decline in June 2025, reaching $241,505,937, a -4.14 percent decrease compared to May 2025 according to data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Stock market: VN-Index gains 1.65 percent as trading surges to US$1.3 billion, Tuesday
Vietnam’s VN-Index rose 24.49 points to close at 1,509.54 on July 22, up 1.65 percent from the previous session. Total trading value reached VND 33.92 trillion or US$1.3 billion, with mid-caps and real estate stocks leading the advance, according to data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange
Tax: Vietnam’s Vietcombank urges removal of foreign withholding tax duty
Vietcombank has asked the government to scrap the requirement that commercial banks withhold and pay taxes on behalf of foreign entities without a physical presence in Vietnam, The Investor has reported. The bank is arguing that it is unfeasible and inconsistent with global norms.
Stock market: VN-Index dips, foreign investors return, VPB and HPG lead trades
Vietnam’s VN-Index closed down 12.23 points on 21 July to 1,485.05, a 0.82 percent drop on trading value of VND 35.41 trillion (US$1.36 billion). Market breadth was negative across key indices, with VN30 down 0.96 percent and mid- and small-cap segments also in the red, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Currency: Vietnam’s exchange rate pressure persists as SBV drains repos, Monday
Vietnam’s central exchange rate was fixed at 25,191 on 21 July, up 6 dong from 18 July, according to State Bank of Vietnam data.
The unofficial market premium widened further, with black market mid-rates from tygiausd.org reaching 26,410 compared to Google Finance’s 26,155, a 0.97 percent difference—up from 0.86 percent just three days earlier.
Labour: Vietnam five-year visa exemption for artists and Olympic medallists floated by MPS
Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security has proposed a special five-year visa exemption scheme for selected high-profile foreigners—including scientists, executives, artists, and Olympic medallists—as part of efforts to attract global talent and boost national competitiveness, Vietnam News has reported.
Wood: Vietnam’s top import sources for wood and wooden products (June 2025)
Vietnam’s imports of wood and wooden products saw a slight decline in June 2025, reaching $296,229,247, a -1.59 percent decrease compared to May 2025 according to data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Top countries supplying fishery products to Vietnam (June 2025)
Vietnam’s imports of fishery products saw a significant decline in June 2025, reaching $273,549,124, a -2.70 percent decrease compared to May 2025 according to data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Packaging: Vietnam’s top import sources for paper (June 2025)
Vietnam’s imports of paper saw a significant decline in June 2025, reaching $197,731,747, an -8.41 percent decrease compared to May 2025 according to data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Real estate: Vietnam’s HCMC short 179,000 housing units as legal hurdles stall supply
Ho Chi Minh City is facing a major housing shortage, having achieved only 24 percent of its 2021–2025 housing development target, according to a Q2 market report from Savills Vietnam, The Investor has reported.
Stock market: VN-Index climbs as financials lead gains Friday, July 18
The VN-Index rose 7.27 points to close at 1,497.28 on July 18, up 0.49 percent, as strong performance in financial stocks offset losses in real estate and IT shares, according to data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Automotive: Vietnam’s biggest import origins for motor vehicles, June 2025
Vietnam’s imports of motor vehicles saw a significant decline in June 2025, reaching $406,926,434, a -4.56 percent decrease compared to May 2025 according to data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Stock market: VN-Index rises 0.99 percent as foreign investors net sell, Thursday
Vietnam’s benchmark VN-Index climbed 0.99 percent on July 17, closing at 1,490.01 points, with strong gains in large caps and a return to net buying by foreign investors, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Banking & finance: Credit imbalance raises red flags for Vietnam’s financial stability
Trillions of dong in new credit have flooded Vietnam’s economy in the past year, but experts warn the bulk is being channelled into real estate and construction — not production — raising concerns over asset inflation and future financial stability, Tuoi Tre has reported. Vietnam’s current credit path suggests a misallocation of capital, with real estate overheating while production lags.
Banking & fianance: Vietnam’s banks face talent shortage finance-tech linked skills
Despite large-scale investment in digital transformation, Vietnamese banks are struggling with a critical shortage of professionals who can bridge finance and technology,, Deputy General Director of LP Bank Luu Danh told a forum, Wednesday, VN Express has reported.
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
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This is an interview with Dr Nuno F. Ribeiro, Associate Professor, International Tourism & Hospitality Management at Copenhagen Business College, formerly of RMIT Vietnam. It