This is a brief rundown of what is being reported today in Vietnam’s state-approved media.
It compiles coverage from official outlets like 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 →
3.30pm update | Jump to 9am update
Novaland’s balance sheet
VnExpress is reporting that Novaland has reported a post-tax loss of more than VND 1.15 trillion or about US$44 million in Q3 2025, mainly due to a sharp fall in financial income and higher foreign exchange losses → source.
Financial revenue dropped to VND 456 billion or US$17.5 million, down over eightfold from a year earlier, while exchange rate losses rose by VND 712 billion or US$27.4 million.
Novaland’s total debt reached VND 64 trillion or US$2.46 billion.
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Vincom sells Hanoi shopping centre
Dan Tri is reporting that Vincom Retail has completed the transfer of its entire stake in Vincom Center Nguyen Chi Thanh to Bao Quan Investment, Trade and Services Company → source.
Bao Quan is an independent company with no ownership links to Vingroup or its affiliates, the publication notes.
Vincom Retail said the divestment is part of its strategy to streamline its portfolio and focus resources on larger, high-potential retail projects.
Vincom Retail remains Vietnam’s largest retail real estate developer, with nearly 90 malls across 31 provinces and cities, the article says.
Ed.’s notes: The fact it notes that Bao Quan has no relation to Vingroup is telling.
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Rooftop solar policy
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting on the Ho Chi Minh City Renewable Energy Association’s proposed revisions to government decrees on rooftop solar and renewable energy→ source.
The association argues that the draft rules limiting solar capacity based on maximum load are impractical for homes and small businesses.
The group recommends flexible capacity tied to actual electricity use and grid conditions, plus a clear framework for power measurement and pricing.
It also calls for restoring incentives, including VAT exemptions, low-interest green loans, and tax relief for solar and storage investors.
The association suggests a “zero-cost leasing” model to expand rooftop solar access without upfront investment.
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Wire & cable exports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s exports of insulated wires and cables reached US$374.44 million in September, down 4.52 percent month-on-month, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Year-to-date exports totalled US$3.24 billion. → source
Coffee tariff exemption
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that Vietnam’s coffee industry sees potential in the US after President Donald Trump announced plans to remove the 20 percent tariff on Vietnamese coffee → source.
VICOFA Chairman Nguyen Nam Hai told the pubication the move was expected, noting that US importers had already indicated this would likely happen.
He added that since the US does not produce coffee, eliminating import tariffs would likely apply to other suppliers such as Brazil, Indonesia, and Colombia as well, which might cut into any advantage the announcement over the weekend might provide.
Similarly, VICOFA Vice Chairman Thai Nhu Hiep said the decision could give Vietnam a major export advantage as US consumers react to high prices for Brazilian coffee.
However, he notes that shifting American tastes from Arabica to Vietnam’s Robusta could take two to three years.
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Carbon emissions trading
VnExpress is reporting that Vietnam plans to launch its pilot carbon credit trading exchange by late 2026, one year later than initially scheduled → source.
The exchange will trade two main products: emission allowances and carbon credits.
Officials from Lao Cai and Khanh Hoa provinces urged technical and financial support for small firms and forest-rich regions to participate.
They also called for better data systems, emission verification, and legal frameworks to ensure transparent carbon trading nationwide.
Ed.’s notes: The legal framework for a carbon market was completed back in June. Details here.
Pollution policy
Nha Dau Tu is reporting that Vietnam has not yet met its 2025 goal of fully addressing all major pollution sources, with 38 out of 435 severely polluting facilities still unresolved as of September 2025 → source.
National Assembly Secretary General Le Quang Manh presented the findings of an environmental law review.
He also pointed out that infrastructure for wastewater treatment and solid waste collection also lags, with only 18 percent of urban wastewater currently being treated.
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Major steel maker fined
Vietnam Daily is reporting that Ho Chi Minh City’s Tax Department fined steel maker Hoa Sen Group more than VND 1.5 billion or about US$58,000 for tax violations between 2021 and 2022 → source
The company was found to have declared non-business expenses, submitted incomplete documents, and exceeded the legal overtime payment limit of 300 hours per year.
Authorities adjusted Hoa Sen’s 2021 taxable income upward by over VND 5 billion, resulting in more than VND 1 billion in additional corporate income tax.
The fine includes VND 201.2 million for incorrect declarations and VND 306.9 million in late-payment interest.
LNG power projects
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Investors in Vietnam’s LNG power projects, including Hai Lang, Quang Ninh, and O Mon 2, have petitioned the government for stronger guarantees to make projects financially viable → source.
They are asking the state utility EVN to share operational risks and raise the minimum power offtake commitment from the 75 percent proposed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, to 90 percent for the full contract term.
Developers cite stalled power purchase (PPA) and gas supply (GSA) negotiations as key barriers to financing.
They also want clearer rules on fuel purchase obligations, USD-based pricing, compensation for early termination, and government-backed plant buyouts in case of force majeure.
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Competition from China
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Chinese retail brands are rapidly expanding in Vietnam, shifting from low-cost “market goods” to trendy, experience-driven outlets targeting young consumers → source.
Brands like Chagee, KKV, Popmart, Oh!Some, and Colorist are opening stores in major malls across Ho Chi Minh City, the article notes.
It also carries comment from Vietnamese firms like Vina Giay and KIDO which acknowledge growing competition as Chinese products improve in quality and presentation.
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9am update
Hanoi land prices
VnExpress is reporting that Hanoi’s draft 2026 land price framework has a maximum rate of about VND 702 million per square metre or US$26,650 per square metre → source.
Zone 1 (inner Ring Road 1 wards) has the highest prices along streets such as Ba Trieu and Dinh Tien Hoang.
Suburban areas such as Zone 9 could see increases of up to 26 percent, with top prices reaching VND 64.7 million per square metre or US$2,456 per square metre.
Ed.’s notes: This fits with the broader story around the revised Land Law 2024 allowing real estate prices to follow market prices more closely and significant price increases as a result.
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TikTok shop fees
Dan Tri is reporting that TikTok Shop has introduced a new 3,000 VND (US$0.11) order-handling fee on every transaction from 27 October 2025, regardless of order size or quantity, further tightening margins for sellers → source.
The fee applies even to orders later refunded or returned, following earlier hikes of up to 300 percent in commission rates.
TikTok Shop says the new charge supports logistics, AI sales tools and sustainable platform growth.
The article notes that many sellers plan to raise prices and are warning that small merchants could be forced out.
Ed.’s notes: There is something to be said here about the frog in the pot.
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US trade deal analysis
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that Vietnam and the United States agreeing on a new “Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade Agreement” could reshape bilateral trade for select Vietnamese exports such as textiles, electronics, furniture, and seafood → source.
It highlights expert and industry perspectives on how the deal could boost Vietnam’s competitiveness, attract foreign investment, and deepen supply-chain integration while also warning of new challenges, including competition from imports and stricter trade compliance requirements.
Ed.’s notes: Views expressed seem optimistic, the ‘framework’ announced is very light on detail.
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Fake invoices bust
VOV is reporting that Police in Bac Ninh Province have arrested a 38 year-old man, accused of operating four shell companies to illegally trade over 300 fake value-added tax invoices worth about VND 500 billion or US$19 million → source.
Investigators said the firms, registered in Bac Ninh and Ho Chi Minh City, had no real business activity and were created solely for issuing fraudulent invoices to generate illicit profits.
Ed.’s notes: Ongoing issue, basically firms use the fake invoices to claim higher expenses to lower their tax exposure.
Plastic product exports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s imports of plastic products reached US$979.07 million in September 2025, up 3.14 percent month-on-month, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs → source.
Year-to-date imports reached US$7.87 billion.
Nuclear power
VnExpress is reporting that Vietnam and Russia agreed to expedite negotiations and to move toward signing the required agreements to start construction of the Ninh Thuan 1 nuclear power plant→ source
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk reached the consensus during a meeting in Kuala Lumpur.
Ed.’s notes: Light on detail, but suggests still government priority.
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More golf courses planned
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Gia Lai province plans to open bidding for several large resort and golf projects between 2025 and 2026, including the 174-hectare Dak Doa golf course and the 544-hectare Ia Hrung golf and resort complex → source.
Other planned projects include a 191-hectare eco-sport resort in Mang Yang and a 10.5-hectare Gia Lai education complex.
Major hydropower projects such as the Sesan 3 (130 MW) and Sesan 4 (120 MW) expansions will also go to tender.
Ed.’s notes: There are a lot of golf courses being planned. Plans for two golf courses in Can Tho were also announced last week.
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Rice price challenges
Dan Tri is reporting that Vietnam’s rice industry faces dual pressure from falling paddy prices and cash shortages caused by delayed VAT refunds → source.
Farmers are earning little as prices drop to about VND 5,000 or US$0.19 per kilogram, while exporters lack liquidity to buy and store rice.
Philippines’ suspension of rice imports and stronger output from Indonesia and India have worsened the slump.
The Vietnam Food Association urges faster tax refunds, capital support, and new government-to-government export deals to protect farmers and sustain rice export competitiveness.
Ed.’s notes: Domestic economy vs. FDI economy challenges. Rural economy versus city economy challenges. Nguoi Lao Dong also covered this a couple of days ago.
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Bank employee salaries
Dan Tri is reporting that Average monthly income at several Vietnamese banks has exceeded VND 40 million or about US$1,520, driven by strong nine-month profit growth → source.
Military Bank (MB) led with average staff income of VND 49.1 million or US$1,860 per month, followed by Techcombank at VND 46.8 million or US$1,780.
Experts note these averages are calculated from total staff costs and do not reflect disparities across job roles, with executive pay often far higher than front-line salaries.
Ed.’s notes: The average salary across the board in Vietnam in Q3 2025 was 8,374,000 or about US$317.92.
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Transport carbon emissions
Vietnamnet is reporting that experts at a 27 October conference on diesel emissions said Vietnam should adopt interim solutions to cut pollution from older combustion vehicles instead of phasing them out immediately → source.
Senior researcher Nguyen Huu Luong from the Vietnam Petroleum Institute proposed installing Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems using Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to cut NOx emissions by up to 90 percent and particulate matter by 30–50 percent.
Auto industry representatives supported the idea but urged a clear national roadmap linking fuel quality, emission standards, and upgrade timelines.
Ed.’s notes: Calls for a progressive shift to lower polluting vehicles particularly noteworthy in the context of Hanoi’s petrol bike ban.
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Vietnam buying Russia arms
The New York Times is reporting that Vietnam is quietly purchasing advanced Russian arms including electronic-warfare systems for Su-35 fighter jets in deals reportedly worth about US$8 billion → source.
Payment for these deals is being funneled through third-party intermediaries and joint-ventures to bypass international sanctions, the publication says.
Vietnamese officials say US trade and aid shifts under the Trump administration have diminished Washington’s reliability as a partner while Russia positions itself as a consistent supplier, it also notes.
Ed.’s notes: Vietnam and Russia both have borders with China so it makes sense that they would work together, not to mention their communist roots. Also, shifting from one supplier to another in any industry is a big job, so any transition away from historical supplier Russia will be a long process.
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United Airlines to Ho Chi Minh City
VnExpress is reporting that United Airlines, one of the three largest US carriers, has resumed service to Ho Chi Minh City after more than a decade → source.
The airline announced on 27 October that it will operate daily flights linking Ho Chi Minh City with Los Angeles and San Francisco via Hong Kong, using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners with 257 seats, including 48 in business class.
United previously flew to Vietnam between 2007 and 2012.
Ed.’s notes: It’s not clear why United stopped flying the route back in 2012. But Simply Flying published a story about airlines not flying direct to Vietnam on operational challenges, low yields, and more attractive alternatives.
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VinMetal investors
VnExpress is reporting that two sons of billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong have contributed a combined VND 200 billion or about US$7.6 million to VinMetal, Vingroup’s new steel subsidiary → source.
According to the firm’s establishment filing, VinMetal has charter capital of VND 10 trillion or US$380 million, with Vingroup holding 98 percent and Vuong’s sons Pham Nhat Quan Anh and Pham Nhat Minh Hoang each owning 1 percent (VND 100 billion or US$3.8 million).
Ed.’s notes: Vingroup has moved into an unusually large number of new industries in the last year. #keepingtabs.
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Stock market yesterday
Vietnamnet is reporting that Vietnam’s stock market plunged nearly US$5 billion in the last 30 minutes of trading on 27 October as heavy selling hit property, banking and blue-chip stocks, even while other Asian markets surged → source.
It notes that the VN-Index dropped 1.82 percent to 1,652.54 points, with Vinhomes (VHM) and Vincom Retail (VRE) both hitting their lower limit (Vietnam stocks can only go up or down a maximum of 7 percent in a day).
In sharp contrast, Japan’s Nikkei 225 jumped 2.5 percent past 50,000 points for the first time, South Korea’s Kospi rose 2.6 percent above 4,000, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained 1.1 percent and China’s CSI 300 added 1.2 percent—lifted by optimism over reduced US-China tariffs and Federal Reserve rate-cut expectations.
The publication goes on to assert Vietnam’s drop was instead linked to tight banking liquidity, high margin debt, foreign outflows, and a lack of supportive domestic news.
Ed.’s notes: Vietnam’s market has been moving to its own beat for some time largely linked to its macroeconomic strategy: credit growth targets and its floating currency peg in particular.
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