economy
The Economy category covers macroeconomic trends, fiscal policies, trade performance, and financial markets. It explores GDP growth, inflation, employment, investment flows, and regulatory changes, providing insights into economic stability, global trade relations, and policy impacts. This section serves as a resource for businesses, investors, and analysts monitoring economic developments.
Vietnam’s CPI rises in February 2025 due to higher pork, dining, and housing costs
Vietnam’s consumer price index (CPI) in February 2025 increased by 0.34 percent compared to the previous month, marking a 1.32 percent rise from December 2024 and a 2.91 percent increase year-on-year.
Right Now, a Weak Dong Could be Good for Vietnam. Here’s Why.
The depreciation of the Vietnamese dong has picked up speed since the Lunar New Year break with the State Bank of Vietnam easing its intervention efforts. This is not, however, necessarily a bad thing and could even be a good thing in certain circumstances. With this in mind, this article looks at Vietnam’s monetary policy and how it is changing, who benefits from a stronger dong, who benefits from a weaker dong, and how these outcomes are connected.
Calls for 7 percent minimum wage hike in Vietnam in 2025
Ha Minh Vi, the Permanent Vice Chairman of the Trade Union of Industrial Zones in Bac Giang province, has told reporters that he would like to see the minimum wage in Vietnam increase by 7 percent this year. This comes amid reports the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs is preparing to conduct a wages survey to use as a basis for discussing the next minimum wage adjustment.
Household appliances and equipment prices in Vietnam rise in January
Household appliances and equipment prices in Vietnam increased by 0.31 percent in January, with household services seeing the largest rise at 1.73 percent, according to the Vietnam’s Consumer Price Index.
Complaint lodged with EU trade body RE: Vietnam EVFTA human rights compliance
The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) has lodged a complaint with the European Commission’s trade department arguing that an “…ongoing crackdown on human rights defenders working on sustainable development violates the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement”.
Is Vietnam the Next Asian Tiger Economy?
This article looks at what the Asian Tigers were before 1997, what happened in 1997 when the AFC hit, and then what that might say about Vietnam’s current economic development trajectory.
US steps back from lead role in Indonesia’s JETP, Vietnam too?
The United States has announced that it will take a step back from its role as a lead partner in Indonesia’s Just Energy Partnership Agreement (JETP), the Jakarta Post has reported. Germany is set to take over the role with JETP Secretariat head Paul Butarbutar telling the publication this would
What Recent Traffic Reforms Say About Doing Business in Vietnam
Change is afoot on the typically chaotic streets of Vietnam with significantly increased fines introduced at the start of the year for a myriad of traffic violations. These changes can in many ways be seen as a proxy for Vietnam’s economic development more broadly. Here’s how.
Vietnam Economic Data: Key Indicators to Watch in 2025
As Vietnam continues to expand its role in global trade and attract foreign direct investment, understanding its economic trends is critical for maintaining investor confidence and ensuring sustainable development. Accurate and timely economic data allows international partners and financial institutions to assess Vietnam’s creditworthiness, economic stability, and growth potential. This article list several key economic data sets foreign firms should keep track of…
Vietnam Business Climate Index records unusual jump in Q4
The European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam’s Business Confidence Index for the fourth quarter of 2024 has recorded a jump of 15.5 points over the third quarter of the year. It should be noted, however, that the number of respondents was well below average for the year and given the time of year the results may be skewed.
Estimated 15 percent increase in Vietnam credit growth in 2024
This is interesting in that credit growth limits were first introduced just over a decade ago to try to keep bank lending and by extension inflation under control, essentially acknowledging that the more money people have to spend the higher inflation will climb. This reality hasn’t changed, however, the connection between inflation and credit growth in Vietnam has, with the former going down this year while the latter has risen.
Vietnam’s Economy in 2024: A Brief Recap
Vietnam had a bumper year in 2024 based on GDP figures alone. Released on Monday, data from the General Office of Statistics, found that the economy had increased in size by 7.09 percent, a significant jump from the 5.05 percent it recorded in 2023. But that’s not to say Vietnam is on a sure footing heading into 2025 (it actually looks more to the contrary) or that everyone was a winner…
Vietnam’s CPI rises 2.94% in December, annual average ends year below target
This rise was attributed to adjustments in medical service prices, higher rental housing prices, and increased gasoline prices. Despite the December surge, the average CPI for 2024 rose by only 3.63 percent compared to 2023, staying below the National Assembly’s target.
Vietnam fourth quarter GDP growth comes in at 7.55 percent
This marks the highest fourth-quarter growth since 2018, continuing a quarterly upward trend throughout the year with growth of 5.98 percent in Q1, 7.25 percent in Q2, and 7.43 percent in Q3…
Vietnam’s exports to Thailand reach US$643.52 million in November 2024
Year-to-date, Vietnam’s exports to Thailand amounted to US$7.15 billion. Machinery, computers, and electronics dominate the export portfolio, with these categories leading the trade figures.
Vietnam exports to Germany in November hit US$663.96 million
Year-to-date figures reflect a broader view, with exports to Germany totalling US$7.20 billion. This underscores Germany’s importance as one of Vietnam’s key trading partners, with significant contributions from machinery, textiles, and electronics.
Reduction in Vietnam Environment Tax on jet fuel, petrol extended to end 2025
A 50 percent cut to Vietnam’s Environment Tax on jet fuel, petrol, and grease, first implemented as a COVID-19 economic stimulus measure, will be extended to the end of next year. The tax cut was originally set to end on the first of January.
Vietnam fertility rate hits new low, possible labour shortages on horizon
Vietnam’s fertility rate fell to 1.91 children per woman in 2024 down from 1.96 in 2023, and well-below the 2.1 replacement rate needed. This has been raised as a concern in the context of its impact on Vietnam’s labour supply.
Vietnam’s exports to Hong Kong decline in November
Year-to-date exports to Hong Kong reached US$11.26 billion. Computers, electrical products, spare parts, and components dominated, accounting for US$611.18 million in November with a minimal decline of 0.39 percent.
Vietnam’s imports from Indonesia decline slightly in November
Year-to-date imports from Indonesia totalled US$9.46 billion. Key imported products included coal, which saw a 4.96 percent increase month-on-month to US$216.71 million, and animal, vegetable fats and oils, which declined by 35.49 percent to US$64.43 million.
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,
In today’s Vietnam news: Vietnam gene company planned Hong Kong IPO, Samsung signs DPPA, Oil delivery from Iraq, Bio-fuel mandate roll-out reaction, Stock market
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