This is a brief rundown of what is being reported today in Vietnam’s state-approved media and some others.
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.
Vietnam-flagged LPG tanker passes Hormuz Strait
The Investor is reporting that the Vietnam-flagged LPG carrier NV Sunshine successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz to load cargo in the United Arab Emirates, marking a rare passage amid disruptions.
Ed.’s notes: Noted because this article has now been deleted (original URL: https://theinvestor.vn/a-vietnam-flagged-vessel-transits-strait-of-hormuz-vietnamese-shipping-firms-seek-support-from-authorities-d18852.html). Not clear why, but it does appear to be true – reported by Bloomberg two days ago.
Not clear if it had permission from Iran to transit the strait, or if it did, how it got it.
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To Lam in China
Vietnam Plus is reporting that General Secretary and President of Vietnam To Lam has held talks with Chinese Communist Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People following the highest-level reception protocol for a visiting head of state. View source→
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Coffee concerns dry weather in VN
Bloomberg is reporting that robusta coffee rose to a near two-week high in London as concerns over dry weather in Vietnam and shrinking exchange stockpiles supported prices.
Carlos Mera, head of agricultural commodity market research at Rabobank, cited potential El Nino-driven dryness in Vietnam and Indonesia as a key risk, the article says. View source→
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Coal mining output increase proposed
Tuoi Tre is reporting that the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has proposed the government allow licensed coal mines to increase output by up to 15 percent without revising permits.
Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group had requested approval for four mines, but the ministry proposed applying the mechanism nationwide to ensure fairness and competition. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Vietnam imported coal to the tune of US$601 million in March, up from US$539 million in February, a change of 11.65 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
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Foreign investors buy Vingroup but sell VinHomes
Dan Tri is reporting that on April 15, foreign investors net-bought shares of Vingroup (VIC) worth VND 373 billion (US$14.2 million), but net-sold shares of Vinhomes (VHM) worth VND 3,374 billion (US$128.0 million), the former company parent to the latter.
It also notes that both stocks finished the day up. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Adds to unusual trading activity around Vingroup-related stocks. #monitoring
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Fuel tax cuts
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that the Ministry of Industry and Trade announced that several fuel taxes will be reduced to zero from April 16 under National Assembly Resolution 19.
The measures set the environmental protection tax, value-added tax, and special consumption tax on gasoline, diesel, kerosene, mazut, and aviation fuel at zero until June 30. View source→
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Local web search data
Tuoi Tre is reporting that in Q1 2026, Vietnamese search engine Coc Coc reported that market prices and tax-related queries dominated Vietnamese search trends.
Searches for “US dollar price today” rose 232 percent and “personal income tax 2026” increased 569 percent.
The report also showed rising interest in entertainment, with searches linked to BTS increasing 700 percent and strong engagement around solo concerts by artists including Hoa Minzy. View source→
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Government spending cuts
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that on April 15, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has ordered ministries and localities to cut at least 10 percent of recurrent spending in 2026, equivalent to VND 170,000–180,000 billion (US$6.45–6.83 billion).
He said savings must be measurable and substantive, with tighter control over public procurement, conferences, travel, and energy intended to improve budget efficiency. View source→
Ed.’s notes: = negative impact on GDP growth.
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Fuel price cuts
Vietnamnet is reporting that the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Finance have cut diesel prices by nearly VND 2,000 per litre, capping prices at VND 31,041 (US$1.18).
Mazut prices were reduced by more than VND 2,200 per kilogram to a maximum of VND 20,332 (US$0.77), while no withdrawals were made from the price stabilisation fund.
Instead, authorities required contributions of VND 400 per litre for diesel and VND 800 per kilogram for mazut into the fund.
The ministries said supply remains stable after imports of over 3.2 million cubic metres in March and existing inventories covering demand through April and May. View source→
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Chemical imports scrutiny complaints
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that the US-ASEAN Business Council has raised concerns that some customs units are imposing full disclosure requirements, including CAS codes and concentration levels on chemical imports.
Businesses have said full disclosure risks exposing trade secrets and increases costs and delays, calling for clear, consistent rules across the system.
The Customs Department is currently reviewing the complaints. View source→
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EV registration fee exemption proposal
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that the Ministry of Finance has proposed extending a zero percent registration fee for battery electric vehicles until December 31, 2030.
The proposal is under consultation and applies to battery electric vehicles meeting technical standards set by the Ministry of Construction.
View source→
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Government bond auction Wednesday
Vietnam’s State Treasury raised VND 9,280 billion (US$352 million) in its April 15 government bond auction, with demand concentrated in the 10-year tenor, according to a release from the Vietnam Bond Market Association. Read the full article →
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Stock market Wednesday
The VN-Index closed at 1,800.65, up 25.00 points or 1.41 percent, with a total trading value of VND 28,266.99 billion or US$1072.75 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$132.98 million worth of equities, Wednesday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
Exchange rates Wednesday
On April 15, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,860, and the sell rate was VND 26,910, a change of 0, and 0, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,885 (down 0.00 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Iron and steel imports March
Vietnam imported iron and steel to the tune of US$891 million in March, up from US$680 million in February, a change of 31 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
the-shiv Business and Economy Editorial Internship Program – May intake open
the-shiv’s Business Editorial Internship Program is for fresh grads or final year university students looking to develop their business writing skills. Read the full article →
Phone exports March
Vietnam exported phones to the tune of US$5,601 million in March, up from US$5,485 million in February, a change of 2.13 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Vietnam news roundup yesterday
In today’s Vietnam news: SBV ready to intervene in Forex market, US firm approved for wind power site survey, SBV to push for lower interest rates, Airports corporation preparing relief package, SBV considers credit growth target cut, 11 applications to import gold, Secured lending jumps at payday loan maker, New petrol price calculation proposal, Credit growth Q1, 36 customs procedures abolished, Stock market Tuesday, Exchange rates Tuesday, Garment and textile exports March, Yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup, and more. Read the full article →