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.
Rights groups EU action on Vietnam civic space crackdown
A coalition of international organisations has urged the European Commission to prioritise human rights in its upgraded partnership with Vietnam, warning of deteriorating civic space amid expanding cooperation.
In a letter dated April 15 to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the Vietnam Climate Defenders Coalition said the January 2026 elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership must be anchored in human rights and a just energy transition. View source→
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Ready-to-drink tea market report
Ken Research has valued Vietnam’s ready-to-drink tea market at US$350 million, based on a five-year historical analysis.
It identifies Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City as dominant markets due to larger urban populations, stronger purchasing power, and established distribution networks. View source→
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Taxi company 2,000 Vinfast cars MoU
Electrive is reporting that Lavi Taxi has said that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with VinFast and GSM to deploy 2,000 electric vehicles and replace its internal combustion fleet.
The Vietnamese operator will invest in the vehicles, while GSM will provide consultancy and support for the technology platform and jointly develop charging and workshop systems. View source→
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Vietnam Holdings monthly investor report
Investment fund Vietnam Holding has published its April monthly investor report in which it says Vietnam’s market fundamentals remain intact despite short-term volatility driven by global geopolitical risks. View source→
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Techombank international fundraising
The Asia Business Law Journal is reporting that Baker McKenzie advised lenders on a US$488 million unsecured syndicated loan to Techcom Securities Joint Stock Company, the largest such facility for a securities firm in Vietnam.
The financing was provided by 26 institutions across Asia and Europe, including China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, Malaysia and Taiwan. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Noted for tracking US dollar debt.
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Tungsten mine sale
Bloomberg is reporting that soaring tungsten prices are driving renewed interest in Vietnam’s Nui Phao mine, as owner Masan High-Tech Materials looks to bring in a strategic investor.
Masan is seeking partners from Japan, Australia, Europe, and the US, with any deal likely shaped not only by financial terms but also alignment with Vietnam’s industrial policy goals, the article says. View source→
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China offers loan support for VN rail projects
Reuters is reporting that China has offered Vietnam loans, technology, and training support for railway development, positioning rail infrastructure as a key area of deepening bilateral ties.
The proposal came during President Xi Jinping’s meetings with To Lam, where both sides highlighted transport and logistics connectivity as a priority. View source→
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HCMC remittances fall
VnExpress is reporting that Remittances to Ho Chi Minh City fell to about US$2 billion in the first quarter, down nearly 17 percent year on year.
The decline follows a slowdown from late 2025, when inflows dropped 13 percent quarter on quarter to about US$2.4 billion before easing further at the start of 2026.
Officials at the State Bank of Vietnam said weaker global growth, high inflation, and prolonged monetary tightening in major economies have reduced overseas Vietnamese incomes and remittance flows. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Less US$ coming in = devaluation pressure on the dong.
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Gas / oil import tax cut extension
VnExpress is reporting that the Ministry of Finance has proposed extending the zero percent most-favoured nation import tariff on petrol and oil products until June 30.
The policy, introduced in early March, cut tariffs from 7–10 percent to zero to help firms secure alternative supplies as disruptions hit traditional sources such as South Korea and ASEAN.
Authorities estimate the extension would reduce state revenue by about VND 997 billion (US$37.8 million), bringing the total fiscal impact to roughly VND 2,021 billion (US$76.7 million). View source→
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Bamboo Airways asset seizure unpaid debt
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that Vietnam Maritime Bank (MSB) has said it will seize 387 land use rights and attached assets linked to Bamboo Airways after the airline breached its repayment obligations.
This comes after Sacombank issued a similar notice requiring the handover of collateral, including 355 land use certificates covering 86,308.9 square metres in Gia Lai, with enforcement set between April 22 and June 22. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Death by a thousand cuts continues.
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Fuel distributors fined over reserve requirement breaches
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Vietnam’s market regulator fined three fuel distributors, including PVOIL, for failing to maintain mandated minimum petroleum reserves during inspections conducted between March 11 and March 31.
Each company, including Hai Duong Petroleum Materials and Vinh Long Petro, was fined VND130 million (US$4,935) for non-compliance with supply and reserve requirements. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Fines = extra costs = higher fuel prices.
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Soybean imports March
Vietnam imported soybeans to the tune of US$150 million in March, up from US$133 million in February, a change of 12.38 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
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Fabric imports March
Vietnam imported fabric to the tune of US$1,083 million in March, up from US$1,022 million in February, a change of 5.99 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Car imports March
Vietnam imported cars to the tune of US$590 million in March, up from US$359 million in February, a change of 64.33 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Camera exports March
Vietnam exported cameras, camcorders, and accessories to the tune of US$739 million in March, up from US$ million in February, a change of 29.26 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Seafood exports March
Vietnam exported seafood to the tune of US$927 million in March, up from US$707 million in February, a change of 31.16 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Wood and wood products imports March
Vietnam exported wood and wood products to the tune of US$1,394 million in March, up from US$969 million in February, a change of 43.79 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Exchange rates Friday
On April 17, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,610, and the sell rate was VND 26,660, a change of 10 and 30, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,635 (up 0.08 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Stock market Friday
The VN-Index closed at 1,817.17, down 2.66 points or 0.15 percent, with a total trading value of VND 23,406.13 billion or US$888.28 million, and foreign traders net-buying US$3.95 million worth of equities, Friday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
Machine and tool exports March
Vietnam exported machines and tools to the tune of US$5,700 million in March, up from US$3,839 million in February, a change of 48.48 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Friday’s Vietnam news roundup
In yesterday’s Vietnam news: South Korea – Vietnam leaders meeting, Vietjet COMAC lease agreement, EVN FiT eligibility problems proposed resolution, FDI firms fined over paperwork, VCCI comments on US 301 investigations, Local economist growth forecast, 300 pending trade investigations, EC fishing yellow card remains in place, State Audit public project delays, Bank shift to non-interest income, Vietnam Economic Growth Outlook April 2026: External Factors vs Government Targets, Stock market Thursday, Exchange rates Thursday, Footwear exports March, Yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup, and more. Read the full article →