This is a brief rundown of what is being reported today in Vietnam’s state-approved media.
It compiles coverage from official outlets such as Dan Tri, Tuoi Tre, and VN Express, highlighting the narratives currently shaping the country’s economic, financial, and business news landscape.
See yesterday’s news headlines →
Auto-safety
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that some car owners in Vietnam are being advised by mechanics to disconnect their oxygen sensors to avoid warning lights → source.
Associate Professor Do Van Dung, Vice Chairman of the HCMC Automobile and Engine Association, said this practice is misguided and harmful.
This increases fuel use by 10–20 percent, costing about VND 650,000–VND 1.3 million or US$25–US$50 per month.
Ed.’s notes: Reflects tendency toward short term fixes over long term costs, both financial and in personal safety.
Fake VinFast Fanpages
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that VinFast is warning of fraudulent Facebook fanpages impersonating the company and its authorised dealers to post fake promotions→ source.
The company said some pages had used its brand name to advertise a supposed “foldable electric bike” for VND 286,000 or US$11, tricking users into sharing personal information and transferring money.
Ed.’s notes: Looking at it another way, it could be a win for the company in the sense that it suggests fraudsters believe its reputation is of a calibre that it could drive consumer engagement.
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Bitcoin & Cybercrime
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that Bitcoin rose 0.3 percent to US$111,720 on 25 October, while Ethereum and BNB slipped slightly and XRP gained 4 percent and is then linking this to the UN’s Hanoi Convention on Cybercrime over the weekend → source.
It quotes Dr Jeff Nijsse of RMIT Vietnam as saying the convention shows Vietnam’s growing leadership in combating cybercrime, saying he noted the inclusion of digital assets within the legal definition of property, allows authorities to trace and confiscate illegally obtained cryptocurrency.
Ed.’s notes: Interesting how the author has conflated the cybercrime regulations with the price of Bitcoin. This article reads like it needs some sort of disclosure statement.
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Flood, storm bank support
VnExpress is reporting that Vietnam’s government has ordered banks to cut lending rates by up to 2 percent for customers hit by recent storms and floods → source.
The State Bank is charged with directing lenders to restructure debt and reduce interest and fees for affected borrowers, with a 0.5–2 percent rate cut over three to six months on existing loans.
Ed.’s notes: Underscores banks as instruments of government policy rather than independent market actors.
Vietjets dividend share issuance
Dan Tri is reporting that Vietjet (HOSE: VJC) will issue 118.3 million new shares as a 20 percent stock dividend, giving shareholders 20 extra shares for every 100 held → source.
The issuance, valued at over VND 1.183 trillion or US$44.9 million, is expected in late 2025 or early 2026, raising charter capital to more than VND 7 trillion or US$265 million and total equity above VND 24 trillion or US$910 million.
Ed.’s notes: You can read the original disclosure here.
New bus routes post-merger
Tuoi Tre is reporting that two new interprovincial bus routes connecting Ho Chi Minh City with Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau will begin service on 1 November → source.
Operated by Phuong Trang–Futabuslines, route 171 links Ben Thanh and Binh Duong’s former administrative centre over 46 km and route 172 connecting Ben Thanh with Vung Tau over 97 km.
The article notes both routes aim strengthen public transport connectivity after recent urban administrative mergers.
Ed.’s notes: Goes to practical outcomes from province mergers earlier this year.
Black market USD crackdown
Tuoi Tre is reporting that the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has asked the Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Government Inspectorate to jointly monitor foreign exchange activity amid a widening gap between official and black-market rates → source.
The request follows the USD’s rise above VND 27,500 on the informal market—around VND 1,200–1,300 higher than bank quotes of roughly VND 26,300.
The SBV said the volatility reflects global financial pressure and urged strict enforcement against illegal currency trading.
Ed.’s notes: Treating the symptom not the cause. Global financial pressure, sure, but also domestic policy, too. See: It’s Time to Talk About Vietnam’s Credit Growth Policy…
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Luxury car market discounts
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that luxury car dealers in Vietnam are offering record discounts as demand weakens and inventories rise → source.
Brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Lexus, and Volvo are cutting prices by hundreds of millions of dong to clear 2023–2024 stock.
It says, dealers are saying that traditional status-driven buyers are shrinking, while affluent consumers are turning to premium electric vehicles or delaying purchases.
The heavy discounts highlight structural changes in Vietnam’s high-end auto market, where cautious spending and the shift to EVs are eroding margins and forcing dealers to compete aggressively on price to sustain sales, it suggests.
Retail Tet preparations
Tuoi Tre is reporting that retailers and manufacturers in Vietnam are preparing early for Tet 2026 as input costs rise and consumer spending weakens → source.
One firm told the publications that it began stockpiling goods from the third quarter of 2025 to stabilise prices and ensure supply, negotiating early with suppliers to avoid sharp cost increases.
Another, Ba Mien Agrifoods said it expects purchasing power to drop by 30 percent.
Ed.’s notes: A 30 percent drop is significant. Runs counter to current high-growth narrative. Also FYI, Tet is in February next year. See public holidays in Vietnam→
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Iron & steel exports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s iron and steel exports reached US$496.95 million in September 2025, up 14.94 percent from August, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs → source.
Year-to-date exports climbed to US$5.17 billion.
Rice exports
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that Vietnam Food Association chairman Do Ha Nam has said rice exporters are under pressure as the Philippines, Vietnam’s largest buyer accounting for 40 percent of exports, has yet to reopen its market → source.
He called the suspension a “strange move,” warning that if it continues into the winter–spring harvest, farmers will face severe hardship with paddy prices already near VND 5,000 or US$0.19 per kilogram.
Nam added that exporters are also struggling with delayed VAT refunds since July.
Exports to France
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s exports to France fell by 5.97 percent in September 2025 compared with August, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs → source.
Total export value reached US$337.35 million, bringing the year-to-date figure to nearly US$2.98 billion.
Dairy imports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s imports of milk and milk products fell by 5.10 percent in September 2025 compared with August, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs → source.
Total imports reached US$100.14 million, bringing the year-to-date value to US$1.06 billion.
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