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.
HCMC petrochemical complex to shutdown from mid-May
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Thailand’s Siam Cement Group (SCG) has said it will suspend operations at its Long Son Petrochemicals complex in Vietnam from mid-May 2026 due to prolonged Middle East instability disrupting feedstock supplies and raising costs.
The suspension is expected to cost around THB 250 million per month, equivalent to roughly VND 200 billion (US$7.6 million).
SCG will use the downtime for maintenance and to accelerate its US$500 million ethane-based upgrade project. View source→
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Fuel price cuts
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that fuel prices have been cut again, with E5 RON92 falling by VND 100 per litre (US$0.0038) and RON95-III by VND 162 per litre (US$0.0061), while diesel decreased by VND 1,159 per litre (US$0.0440) and mazut by VND 820 per kg (US$0.0311).
Retail caps were set at VND 21,834 per litre (US$0.83) for E5 RON92, VND 22,880 per litre (US$0.87) for RON95-III, VND 26,697 per litre (US$1.01) for diesel, and VND 18,811 per kg (US$0.71) for mazut.
Authorities did not draw on the fuel price stabilisation fund in this adjustment cycle, instead continuing contributions for diesel and mazut. View source→
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Electronics firm to produce lubricant
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that electronics retailer Digiworld has said it will enter the lubricants distribution market.
The company said it intends to expand further into auto-related products such as tyres, batteries, and motorbike parts, while holding off on electric vehicle distribution due to high prices and limited charging infrastructure. View source→
Ed.’s notes: This is a big shift – not clear there are many synergies with existing business. Also noted for perspective on EV market.
DGW closed at VND 44,600 on Thursday, down 2.19 percent, with 16,377,000 shares traded, worth VND 73,006 million (US$2.77 million).
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Drop in revenue for small business survey results
Thanh Nien is reporting that the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry has said more than 81 percent of surveyed household businesses reported declining revenue in 2025, with most now focused on survival rather than growth.
The survey, covering over 1,000 businesses across 34 provinces, found 73.7 percent recorded only marginal profits, while just 1.9 percent met expectations and 75 percent saw customer numbers fall. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Contrasts with 8 percent GDP growth.
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Vinamilk expands into beer
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Vinamilk has said adding beer to its product line is part of long-term capacity building rather than a shift away from its core dairy focus.
Vinamilk previously exited beer production after a short-lived joint venture with SABMiller in the mid-2000s, citing underperformance of its Zorok brand in the domestic market, the article notes. View source→
Ed.’s notes: VNM closed at VND 62,000 on Tuesday, up 0.32 percent with 42,341,000 shares traded, worth VND 261,773 million.
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FedEx Viettel post partnership
In a press release, FedEx and Viettel Post have announced a strategic logistics partnership, with Viettel Post set to become FedEx’s National Network Provider in Vietnam from April 26.
The agreement covers nationwide pickup and delivery, warehouse operations, and customs coordination, aimed at improving network efficiency and cross-border connectivity as FedEx expands its Asia Pacific footprint. View source→
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South Korea train deal HCMC metro
The Korea Herald is reporting that Hyundai Rotem has signed a 491 billion won (US$360 million) deal with Vietnam’s THACO Group to supply driverless trains for Ho Chi Minh City’s Metro Line 2.
The project, scheduled for completion by 2030, spans 64 kilometres with 36 stations. View source→
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Nuclear power financing
The Korea Herald is reporting that the Export-Import Bank of Korea has signed a four-party memorandum, with Korea Trade Insurance Corporation, Korea Electric Power Corporation, and Petrovietnam, to explore financing for nuclear power projects in Vietnam. View source→
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Bank account before IRC approval proposal
VIR is reporting that the State Bank of Vietnam has proposed a draft circular allowing foreign investors to transfer capital into Vietnam before their Investment Registration Certificate is issued.
The proposal allows investors to open investment capital accounts during project preparation to fund expenses, receive contributions, and process refunds if projects are not approved, which they currently cannot do. View source→
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Hanoi petrol bike ban rolled back
Bloomberg is reporting that Hanoi authorities have proposed scaling back a gasoline motorbike ban to 11 central streets from July 1, citing infrastructure gaps.
The revised plan limits restrictions to a 0.5 square kilometre area, replacing an earlier proposal covering 26 square kilometres within Ring Road 1. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Hanoi report / draft resolution — A lot of time and resources have clearly gone into the linked report. This policy has also created a lot of anxiety for the public — There is a return on investment discussion to be had here.
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Vinfast criticism in local press
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that users have said VinFast’s VF Connect service improves vehicle control but delivers uneven performance.
The article says users highlighted several key benefits, but also notes reports of software errors and unstable infotainment systems, with some VF 8 reviews reporting that repeated service support has been needed. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Noted because it’s unusual to see any criticism of any Vingroup product in the local press, particularly VinFast vehicles.
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MoF forecasts inflation 5.5 percent
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance projected inflation could reach 5.5 percent in 2026 amid rising global energy and logistics costs. View source→
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Bank repossess Vinfast cars from local taxi firm
Vietnamnet is reporting that Nam A Bank plans to seize five VinFast electric vehicles from taxi company Mai Linh Lao Cai over unpaid debts.
The vehicles were registered in March and April 2025. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Noted for possible ride-hailing market health status.
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Stock market Thursday
The VN-Index closed at 1,870.36, up 13.06 points or 0.70 percent, with a total trading value of VND 29,277.90 billion or US$1111.12 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$63.00 million worth of equities, Thursday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
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Exchange rates Thursday
On April 23, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,570, and the sell rate was VND 26,600, a change of 0 and 0, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,585 (unchanged), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Chemicals imports March
Vietnam imported chemicals to the tune of US$892 million in March, up from US$569 million in February, a change of 56.75 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Coal exports March
Vietnam exported coal to the tune of US$16 million in March, down from US$21 million in February, a change of -21.74 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Cement and clinker exports March
Vietnam exported cement and clinker to the tune of US$128 million in March, up from US$100 million in February, a change of 27.98 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Fruit and vegetables exports March
Vietnam exported fruits and vegetables to the tune of US$532 million in March, up from US$351 million in February, a change of 51.56 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup
In today’s Vietnam news: VN Mercantile Exchange international integration agreement, Nuclear power village relocation concerns, SK + VN leaders meeting outcomes, Vinfast car deliveries jump, Singapore firm buy out local partner Cai Mep LNG terminal, Japanese flour factory HCMC, VP Bank chasing high-risk, high-reward, Sacombank passes on crypto exchange, HCMC-Hanoi flight fuel surcharge, DPPA expansion proposed, Government bond auction Wednesday, Stock market Wednesday, Exchange rates Wednesday, and more. Read the full article →