Vietnam News Roundup: July 25 to July 31

In case you missed it…

ASEAN Supply Chain Integration: Key Takeaways from the Thailand-Cambodia Border Dispute

The Thai-Cambodian border dispute has made clear that ASEAN member states are not beyond armed conflict with each other. This, however, disrupts trade and integrated supply chains, highlighting risks baked into ASEAN frameworks that could prove problematic for the bloc moving forward. Read More »

Automotive news

Vietnam motorbike manufacturers urge delay to 2026 Hanoi petrol bike ban

The government’s proposed mid-2026 ban on petrol bikes in Hanoi’s inner city is too rushed and could harm low-income consumers and manufacturers alike, the Vietnam Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (VAMM) has said in a petition sent to the government, VN Express has reported→view source.

Despite the ambitious government policy, implementation gaps—especially in charging infrastructure and equitable access—remain major hurdles.

That is to say,these disruptions to manufacturing are just another in a long line of grievances from affected parties.

See also: Vietnam’s Petrol Motorbike Ban: Intent Versus Economic Reality

Banking and finance news

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 25,240. 

This puts the currency down 3.69 percent since the start of the year.

The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), however, continued to pump money into the economy. 

There were US$7.1 billion worth of reverse repos outstanding as of close of business July 31. This was about the same as this time last week.

There were no new treasury bills issued, however, there were still US$701.37 million worth outstanding as of last night.

See also: How Low Can the Vietnamese Dong Go? Why It’s Sliding & What Might Happen Next

Beer news

Increased competition, excise tax obligations see Vietnam brewer’s profits fall

Ho Chi Minh City-based brewer Sabeco, majority-owned by Thai Beverage, reported a net profit of VND 2.05 trillion or US$78.41 million in the first half of 2025, down 12.5 percent year-on-year, The Investor has reported→view source.

Key reasons for decline include unfavourable Tet timing, rising market competition, and higher excise tax obligations from acquiring local brewery Sabibeco.

See also: Vietnam’s Beer Industry 2025: Culture, Brands & Regulations

Creative industries news

Short-term thinking, regulations holding back advertising industry

Vietnam’s creative market is evolving fast, but short-termism, regulation, and undervaluing of creativity still present challenges, Happiness Saigon’s managing director Son Nguyen has said in corporate commentary published by LBB Online→view source.

Key points:

• Instant metrics mindset: The market prioritises short-term gains—likes, clicks, and immediate revenue—over long-term brand building. Creativity is often undervalued and seen as non-essential.
• Regulatory constraints: While regulations offer some flexibility, they still limit creative expression, forcing agencies to tone down storytelling.
• Client challenges: Many Vietnamese clients still treat creativity as a luxury, leading to hesitancy in adopting bold ideas. Agencies must continually justify the business value of creativity.
• Digital-only bias: Brands often focus solely on digital, missing opportunities for experiential and offline marketing—especially significant with tourism recovery and evolving retail.
• Cultural advantage: Vietnam’s “clever, united, and naturally resourceful” spirit is seen as fertile ground for brave ideas with global potential. The market is shifting from “Made in Vietnam” to “Dreamed up in Vietnam.”
• Gen Z expectations: Young consumers demand authenticity and emotionally resonant storytelling, which AI alone cannot deliver.
• Local ambition rising: Vietnamese brands—especially in fashion, tech, and lifestyle—are becoming more confident, aiming not just for market share but global impact.

See also: Vietnam’s Advertising Industry 2025: Censorship, Trends, and Key Players

E-commerce news

TikTok Shop narrows gap with Shopee as market share hits 39%

TikTok Shop expanded its market presence in Vietnam in the first half of 2025, increasing its share to 39 percent—up from 29 percent a year earlier—according to data from Metric, and reported by VN Express→view source.

The combined gross merchandise value (GMV) of the four leading multi-category platforms, including Shopee, TikTok Shop, Lazada, and Tiki, reached VND 202.3 trillion, marking a 41.5 percent year-on-year increase. 

See also: Vietnam Online Shopping 2025: Key Players & Growth Projections

Energy news

Vietnam’s top petroleum distributors to pilot E10 biofuel ahead of 2026 mandate

Petrovietnam Oil Corporation (PVOIL) and Petrolimex, Vietnam’s two largest fuel distributors, will begin piloting the sale of E10 bio-gasoline from August 1, ahead of a nationwide rollout scheduled for January 1, 2026, The Investor has reported→view source.

Key details:

• PVOIL pilot: E10 RON95 will be sold in Hanoi and Hai Phong; full rollout planned across its 900 stations from 2026.
• Infrastructure prep: PVOIL is upgrading E5 blending facilities and coordinating with BSR and Nghi Son for a stable ethanol and fuel supply.
• Petrolimex pilot: 36 stations in Ho Chi Minh City will trial E10; the company owns over 5,500 of Vietnam’s 17,000+ fuel stations.
• Government roadmap: The Ministry of Industry and Trade aims to implement the national E10 mandate by January 2026.
• Environmental goals: E10, containing 9–10 percent ethanol, is expected to lower CO and HC emissions and support Vietnam’s 2050 net-zero commitment.

See also: Vietnam Petroleum Industry 2025: Consumption, Trade & Key Players

Vietnam Electricity records profit in 2024 but accumulated losses over US$1 billion

Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) reported a profit of over VND 8.2 trillion (US$315.4 million) in 2024, rebounding from a VND 26.77 trillion (US$1.03 billion) loss in 2023, Dan Tri has reported→view source.

Despite the turnaround, accumulated losses still total more than VND 38.6 trillion (US$1.48 billion).

See also: Electricity in Vietnam 2025: Pricing, Supply & Sources

Real estate news

Vietnam apartment prices continue to rise in Q2 despite cooling sentiment

Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction has found that apartment prices continued to increase in the second quarter of 2025, though growth has moderated, Tuoi Tre has reported→view source.

Average prices reached VND 80 million/m² or US$3,077/m² in Hanoi and VND 89 million/m² or US$3,423/m² in Ho Chi Minh City.

See also: Real Estate in Vietnam 2025: Trends, Challenges & Outlook

Retail news

PunkVerse opens immersive XR toy store in Vietnam

PunkCode has launched its first overseas PunkVerse — a new kind of toy store that combines physical toys with digital experiences — with a flagship store in Ho Chi Minh City, according to a press release from the company–view source.

The company said HCMC was chosen as the first international location due to:

• Young, growing consumer base: Over 50 percent of Vietnam’s 100 million people are under 35, with the middle class projected to reach 56 million by 2030 — ideal for cultural and experiential products.
• Strong digital payment adoption: Mobile payments exceed 60 percent penetration, enabling seamless customer participation and loyalty integration.
• Low competition: Vietnam’s collectible toy market remains underdeveloped, with few scaled local brands and limited foreign presence.
• Strategic testbed: The Ho Chi Minh City store serves as a pilot for PunkVerse’s immersive, participatory retail model in a high-growth emerging market.

See also: Vietnam’s Retail Industry 2025: Market Trends and Key Insights 

Stock market news

Foreign traders net-sell US$96 million of HoSE stocks

Over the last five trading sessions to the close of business on July 31, foreign investors net-sold US$96.38 million worth of HCMC Stock Exchange (HoSE) stocks. 

This brings the total net-sold by foreign traders for the year-to-date to US$1.18 billion.

Foreign trader activity, last five trading days

VND = billions; US$ = millions; source: HSX

See also: Explainer: What’s Driving Vietnam’s Stock Market Rally?

The week ahead

There are a handful of events coming up this week. For more information, see: Doing Business in Vietnam: Events Directory 2025.