This week’s Vietnam news roundup covers ASF concealment by pig farmers, motorbike sales trends, airline reform calls, credit red flags, dong weakness, questions around Trump’s tariff deal and more…
In case you missed it…
How Will Trump’s Tariffs Impact Vietnam’s FDI Flows?
In the new trade paradigm coming out of the US, questions have been raised about Vietnam’s FDI-powered growth and whether it can be sustained. With this in mind, this article looks at how tariffs impact FDI flows and what to expect moving forward. Read More »
Big Cars, Tiny Streets: Will Trump’s Tariff Deal Accelerate US SUV Sales in Vietnam?
Donald Trump recently speculated that Vietnam cutting import tariffs would be a big win for American SUV makers. Whereas the contrast between Vietnam’s narrow streets and large US vehicles has raised eyebrows, there is precedent for such a market, and the idea is not as far-fetched as it at first seems. Read More »
Agricultural news
Pig farmers hiding cases of ASF, on limited support, compensation delays
African Swine Fever (ASF) is spreading again in Vietnam as farmers conceal outbreaks due to limited government support and lengthy compensation delays, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Tuoi Tre has reported→view source.
This is facilitating the spread of the disease, which is ravaging the local port industry — 514 outbreaks have been recorded in 27 provinces so far in 2025, with over 30,000 pigs sick, dead or culled.
Of note, past ASF waves have triggered pork shortages, opening the door for increased imports of foreign pork.
A renewed outbreak could once again disrupt domestic supply and shift market share to overseas producers.
See also: How African Swine Fever is Reshaping Vietnam’s Pork Market
Aviation news
Private airlines’ growth hindered by support for state-owned carriers
Vietnam’s private airlines face major disadvantages compared to state-owned carriers, limiting their ability to compete and grow, according to Luong Hoai Nam, CEO of Bamboo Airways, told Tap Chi Hang Khong→view source.
Nam noted that private airlines lack access to airport land, preventing them from building integrated ecosystems, while state-owned airlines have full facilities and land allocations.
This speaks to the challenge the government faces in building Vietnam’s private sector while state-owned enterprises continue to enjoy structural advantages and preferential treatment.
See also: Vietnam’s Private Sector Development Push: Unpacked
Automotive
Motorcycle sales slip in Q2, despite annual growth
Motorcycle consumption in Vietnam has dropped slightly for two consecutive periods, though overall year-on-year growth remains positive, according to a report from the Vietnam Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (VAMM), Zing News has reported→view source.
In Q2, 611,236 units were sold across five VAMM members, up 1.34 percent from Q2 2024 but down from 673,055 units in the first quarter of 2025.
See also: Vietnam Automotive Industry 2025: Growth, Imports & Outlook
Banking and finance news
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→view source.
WiGroup CEO Tran Ngoc Bau told a seminar this week that real estate firms are shifting away from bond financing — previously 60 percent of their debt — and increasingly turning to bank loans, compounding credit concentration risks.
This supports the thesis that Vietnam’s current credit path suggests a misallocation of capital, with real estate overheating while production lags.
This imbalance threatens to inflate asset bubbles, strain household finances, and increase long-term risk in the banking system.
See also: It’s Time to Talk About Vietnam’s Credit Growth Policy…
Vietnam dong continues to fall against greenback
The dong weakened further against the greenback this week, with the central exchange rate reaching a new low of VND 25,176 to the dollar.
This puts the currency down 3.43 percent since the start of the year.
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), however, continued to pump money into the economy.
There were US$4.99 billion worth of reverse repos outstanding as of close of business July 10. This was up slightly from US$4.2 billion at the same time last week.
The SBV has also continued to issue treasury bills, with US$282.9 million now outstanding.
See also: How Low Can the Vietnamese Dong Go? Why It’s Sliding & What Might Happen Next
Economy news
PM looking to increase GDP growth target from 8 to 8.3–8.5 percent
Vietnam aims to achieve economic growth of 8.3–8.5 percent this year, setting the stage for double-digit expansion between 2026 and 2030, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh told a nationwide online conference on Wednesday, The Investor has reported→view source.
The PM said a new resolution will be developed that outlines detailed growth targets and management scenarios.
This comes after Vietnam’s GDP grew 7.52 percent in the first half of 2025, the highest H1 growth since 2011; however, this can largely be linked to risky levels of private credit.
On that note, the PM said the State Bank of Vietnam may adjust the 2025 credit growth target (currently around 16 percent) to finance this new growth target.
See also: Vietnam’s H1:2025 GDP Growth: Key Drivers, Rising Risks
Gambling news
Government weighs extending casino access for locals in Phu Quoc
The Government of Vietnam is considering allowing Vietnamese citizens to continue gambling at casinos in Phu Quoc beyond the current pilot program, as part of broader economic development plans for the island and the Mekong Delta region, VietnamNet has reported→view source.
Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long has tasked the Ministry of Finance with reviewing policies to develop Phu Quoc and evaluating the continuation of casino access for locals.
The possible extension of casino access for locals suggests the casino may be struggling to attract foreign visitors.
This could speak to Phu Quoc’s appeal as a holiday destination for foreign versus domestic tourists.
See also: Gambling in Vietnam 2025: Laws, Casinos & Betting Landscape
Human resources news
Wage council finalises proposal for 7.2 percent minimum wage increase
Vietnam’s National Wage Council has decided to propose a 7.2 percent increase in the regional minimum wage from 1 January 2026, to the Prime Minister for approval, Tuoi Tre has reported→view source.
The Vietnam General Confederation of Labour has proposed a minimum wage increase of 8.3 to 9.2 percent, with business groups pushing for an increase of between 3 and 5 percent.
Proposed Vietnam minimum monthly wage
| Region | VND | US$ | Increase VND | Increase US$ |
| Region I | VND 5.31 million | US$204.23 | VND 350,000 | US$13.46 |
| Region II | VND 4.73 million | US$181.92 | VND 320,000 | US$12.31 |
| Region III | VND 4.14 million | US$159.23 | VND 280,000 | US$10.77 |
| Region IV | VND 3.70 million | US$142.31 | VND 250,000 | US$9.62 |
| Average | VND 4.47 million | US$171.92 | — | — |
The last minimum wage hike was in July of 2024.
Inflation in 2024 reached 3.63 percent and as of June 2025 was sitting at 3.57 percent.
See also: Minimum Wage in Vietnam 2025: Monthly & Hourly
Insurance news
Premium revenues expand 4.81 percent in first half of 2025
Vietnam’s insurance market saw steady growth in the first six months of 2025, with total premium revenue reaching VND 114.8 trillion or US$4.42 billion, up 4.81 percent year-on-year, according to the latest data from Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance→view source.
Key details:
- Investment capital returned: VND 901.6 trillion or US$34.68 billion, up 10.83 percent.
- Benefit payments: VND 41.47 trillion or US$1.60 billion, up 7.99 percent.
- Total assets (by June 2025): VND 1,058.7 trillion or US$40.72 billion, up 10.3 percent.
- Equity: VND 212.7 trillion or US$8.18 billion.
- Total insurance reserves: VND 705.4 trillion or US$27.13 billion, up 11.84 percent.
See also: Insurance in Vietnam 2025: Growth, Key Players & Regulations
Intellectual property news
Fake Gucci retailer in Da Nang fined almost US$4,000 for selling fake luxury goods
A store in Da Nang has been fined VND 100 million (US$4,000) and forced to destroy its counterfeit products after being caught selling fake goods from luxury brands like Gucci, Dior, and Chanel, Tuoi Tre has reported→view source.
The Mega Premium Shopping Mall was found selling 232 counterfeit items, including handbags, wallets, glasses, scarves, and belts, with the total value of these goods estimated at more than VND 183.5 million (about US$7,060).
This is in line with stronger enforcement efforts against counterfeit goods to protect consumers and uphold intellectual property rights to placate concerned trade partners like the United States.
However, repeated violations suggest challenges in deterring retailers and controlling the flow of fake luxury products into the market.
See also: Vietnam’s US Tariff Threat Prompted Counterfeit Crackdown: Unpacked
Pharmaceuticals news
UK strikes pharmaceutical trade deal with Vietnam
Britain and Vietnam have agreed to a new deal that will ease barriers for UK-made medicines entering Vietnam, aiming to boost British pharmaceutical exports under a faster, more targeted post-Brexit trade strategy, Tuoi Tre has reported→view source.
Key details:
- Vietnam will speed up registration for UK medicines and vaccines and recognise British regulatory approvals.
- The deal could add £250 million (US$337 million) to the UK pharmaceutical sector over five years.
- The UK-Vietnam Joint Economic and Trade Committee will also discuss financial services and renewable energy.
For Vietnam, the agreement offers better access to advanced medicines but also poses challenges, including ensuring effective regulatory oversight, managing pricing pressures, and balancing foreign access with the development of its local pharmaceutical industry.
See also: Vietnam Pharmaceuticals Industry 2025: Growth, Imports & Key Players
Stock market news
Foreign traders net-buy US$96.83 million of HoSE stocks
Over the last five trading sessions to the close of business on July 17, foreign investors net-bought US$96.83 million worth of HCMC Stock Exchange (HoSE) stocks.
For the year, foreign investors have now collectively withdrawn US$1.02 billion since January 1.
This is down from a peak of US$1.55 billion on June 6.
Foreign trader activity, last five trading days
| Buy | Sell | Change | ||||
| Date | VND | US$ | VND | US$ | VND | US$ |
| 11/7 | 4,074 | $155.73 | 2,858 | $109.25 | 1,216 | $46.48 |
| 14/7 | 3,220 | $123.09 | 3,093 | $118.23 | 127 | $4.85 |
| 15/7 | 3,845 | $146.98 | 2,738 | $104.66 | 1,107 | $42.32 |
| 16/7 | 6,205 | $237.19 | 5,969 | $228.17 | 236 | $9.02 |
| 17/7 | 3,679 | $140.63 | 3,832 | $146.48 | -153 | -$5.85 |
| Total | 21,023 | $803.63 | 18,490 | $706.80 | 2,533 | $96.83 |
VND = billions; US$ = millions; source: HSX
Technology news
Vietnam has Asia Pacific’s second-highest data centre yields: report
Vietnam has emerged as one of Asia Pacific’s most attractive new data centre markets, recording a yield on cost of 17.5 to 18.8 percent — second only to Singapore — according to Cushman & Wakefield’s latest Asia Pacific Data Centre Investment Landscape report→view source.
The report found an average development cost per MW in Vietnam of US$7.1 million, far below the regional average of US$10.1 million and nearly half that of Japan.
See also: How to Open a Data Centre in Vietnam 2025: Ownership, Location & Regulations
Trade news
Politico raises doubts over Vietnam-US trade deal
Vietnam expected a lower US tariff rate than the 20 percent President Trump announced July 2, according to four people familiar with the discussions, per a report from Politico→view source.
As such, Trump’s announcement surprised and angered Vietnamese officials, who felt blindsided after private negotiations, the publication has said.
Specifically, Vietnam expected a tariff of around 11 percent, but Trump announced 20 percent, or 40 percent for goods from third countries.
See also: Trump’s Vietnam Trade Deal Announcement: Sectors to Watch
PM calls on US businesses to urge government dialogue on tariffs amid deal uncertainty
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has urged the US business community to play a stronger role in pushing the US Government to reach an agreement on tariffs, state media has reported→view source.
This is significant in that a deal between the US and Vietnam was announced by US President Donald Trump on July 2.
It was then questioned last week as reports surfaced that the deal announced was not what had been agreed to (see above).
The Vietnamese government, however, had been mum on the matter.
This statement from the Vietnamese Prime Minister would suggest that negotiations, from Vietnam’s perspective, are still open.
See also: What’s Next for Vietnam if Trump’s 46 Percent Tariff is Here to Stay?
US launches anti-circumvention probe into Vietnam’s aluminium containers
The US Department of Commerce (DOC) has initiated an anti-circumvention investigation into disposable aluminium containers, pans, trays, and lids imported from Vietnam and Thailand, citing possible evasion of duties on Chinese aluminium products, Vietnam News has reported→view source.
The Aluminium Foil Container Manufacturers Association has alleged that Vietnamese and Thai manufacturers used aluminium foil from China, processed it locally, and then exported finished goods to the US to avoid antidumping and countervailing duties on Chinese containers.
This fits with growing US scrutiny of supply chain routes involving Vietnam, highlighting challenges for exporters that rely on Chinese inputs.
See also: Trans shipping: To What Extent is Vietnam China’s backdoor to the U.S.?
Trump announces trade deal with Indonesia – 19 percent tariff, open market access
US President Donald Trump has announced a new trade agreement with Indonesia that he claims will open Indonesia’s entire market to the United States for the first time, while committing Indonesia to significant purchases of American goods, according to a post from the president on Truth Social→view source.
Specifically, there will be a 19 percent tariff on all goods the US imports from Indonesia, with Indonesia to also spend US$15 billion on US energy products, US$4.5 billion on American agricultural products, and 50 Boeing jets.
This significantly whittles away at any regional advantage Vietnam may have had with respect to its own trade deal made with the US.
The week ahead
There are a handful of events coming up this week. For more information, see: Doing Business in Vietnam: Events Directory 2025.