This is a brief rundown of what is being reported today in Vietnam and about Vietnam in the international press.
It endeavours to highlight the narratives currently shaping the country’s economic, financial, and business news landscape.
Ed’s note: I’m always looking for new sources with unique insights. If you have anything to share, reach out: mark.barnes@the-shiv.com
California Fitness closes more gyms
Dan Tri is reporting that California Fitness & Yoga temporarily closed five more gyms across Vietnam last week, citing operational issues amid an ongoing restructuring.
The chain’s network has contracted from 35 locations in 2025 to 16 operating facilities as of October 18, according to its website. View source→
SBV orders deposit rates cut
Tuoi Tre is reporting that the State Bank of Vietnam has ordered banks to reduce deposit rates by at least 0.5 percentage points for terms of six months or longer, and to stop competing aggressively for deposits.
Non-compliant banks could face reduced credit growth quotas for the remainder of 2026, lower quotas in 2027 and stricter prudential requirements, the article says. View source→
Supply chain simplification to cut costs
VnExpress is reporting that Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has announced plans to reduce intermediaries in fuel supply chains.
The government will revise petroleum trading regulations, potentially reducing the number of major traders to 14–15, the article says. View source→
IPO changes
VnExpress is reporting that the government has submitted amendments to the Securities Law that would ease initial public offering (IPO) requirements and simplify administrative procedures.
The draft removes requirements to sell at least 15 percent of voting shares to 100 investors, or 10 percent for larger companies. View source→
Philippines plan to compete VN manufacturing
FN News is reporting that the Philippines is looking to attract manufacturers affected by Vietnam’s changing investment incentives, particularly the introduction of the global minimum tax.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration is offering corporate tax reductions, extended investment incentives and electricity cost deductions under its CREATE MORE Act, targeting manufacturing, semiconductors, shipbuilding and advanced technologies. View source→
New FTA
DW is reporting that the Government of Vietnam has signed a free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
The agreement covers Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein, and includes goods, services, intellectual property and sustainable development. View source→
Garment exports ex-headline data
Fibre2Fashion is reporting that Vietnam’s textile and garment exports reached nearly US$31.7 billion in the first eight months of 2026, up 2.9 percent year-on-year, though manufacturers face shrinking profit margins as buyers place smaller orders, demand faster deliveries and resist price increases despite rising production costs.
Order uncertainty is also increasing, with some manufacturers reporting substantial gaps in November and December production schedules as buyers delay commitments, the article says. View source→
Exchange rates
As of 8.30am this morning, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 25,900, and the sell rate was VND 26,000, for a mid-market rate of VND 25,950, according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD.
Meanwhile, the State Bank of Vietnam’s central exchange rate was set at VND 25,633, while the Google Finance mid-market rate stood at VND 25,895.
The spread between the SBV’s central exchange rate and black-market mid-market rates was VND 317 or 1.24 percent.
Stock market Friday
The VN-Index closed at 1,705.91, up 7.56 points or 0.45 percent, with a total trading value of VND 10,996.28 billion or US$417.32 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$20.27 million worth of equities, Monday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.