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.
Starlink routers made in Vietnam US router ban
PC Mag is reporting that SpaceX manufactures some Starlink routers in Vietnam, potentially exposing them to a United States router ban.
The restriction applies only to new foreign-made routers, allowing SpaceX to continue selling existing Vietnamese-made products already available in the United States, the article notes. View source→
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New restrictions on lawyers
Human Rights Watch has raised concerns in a press release that Decree 109/2026 undermines lawyer independence by empowering local authorities and police to sanction legal professionals.
The decree allows officials to revoke licences and impose fines up to VND 40 million (US$1,520) for broadly defined violations, the press release says. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Ambiguity in rule-of-law raises risk premiums, increasing the cost of capital. #justsaying
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New motor plant southern Vietnam
The Korea Herald is reporting that Hyosung Heavy Industries is expanding in Vietnam through grid cooperation and a new motor plant.
The company signed a memorandum with Vietnam Electricity covering power asset management, grid stabilisation technologies, and training support at a Hanoi business forum. View source→
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Vietnam considering Russian fighter jet upgrade
Air Data News is reporting that Vietnam is evaluating Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 as a potential option to modernise its fighter fleet.
The outlet said Hanoi could seek between 12 and 24 aircraft in the early 2030s to replace part of its ageing Sukhoi Su-27 and Su-22 fleet.
Neither Vietnam nor Russia has confirmed any negotiations. View source→
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VN EU steel quota Q2 almost filled
Euro Metal is reporting that EU hot-rolled sheet tariff-rate quota utilisation for Q2 shows Vietnam’s allocation nearly exhausted as of April 22.
Vietnam had just 2,466 tonnes remaining, leaving only 2 percent of its quota available. View source→
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Construction sector outlook: Vinaconex
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that construction firm Vinaconex has warned that surging construction costs could force it to halt some projects, with leadership saying they would consider breaking even in 2026 as “fortunate”.
The firm said its backlog stands at around VND 16,700 billion (US$634 million), largely tied to public investment projects, but expects a difficult year as material costs rise and price adjustments lag.
Executives noted that input shortages, including sand and gravel, and ongoing site and equipment costs are squeezing margins, while new contract wins in Q1 were limited to two smaller projects. View source→
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Techombank real estate exposure
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Techcombank’s loan book remains heavily exposed to real estate, with more than 50 percent of total credit linked to the sector.
Asset quality remains stable, with non-performing loans in real estate below 1 percent and full principal recovery typically achieved within two to three years, the article says. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Reports indicated a significant share of Techombank’s loan portfolio concentrated in Vingroup, Masan, Vietnam Airlines.
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Asia-Pacific hotel trends report
Business Today is reporting that CBRE Group has reported rising investor appetite for Asia Pacific hotels, strongest in Vietnam and India, driven by improving performance metrics and liquidity.
Vietnam’s hotel sector is supported by record tourist arrivals and limited supply, with Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi recording strong revenue per available room growth, the article says. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Source report.
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Shrimp and crab deaths heatwave
VnExpress is reporting that a prolonged heatwave caused mass shrimp and crab deaths in Ca Mau Province, Vietnam, as pond water evaporated and salinity levels rose.
Authorities said more than 1,300 hectares of aquaculture have been affected, over 70 percent losses in many areas, and requested 50 tons of chlorine for disease control. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Climate change impacts – seafood exports reached about US$11.3 billion last year.
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Sungroup forest land to urban area development
The Investor is reporting that Quang Ngai authorities approved converting nearly 83 hectares of production forest for a VND6.7 trillion (US$254.17 million) urban project backed by Sun Group. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Back in 2020, Ho Chi Minh City Women’s Newspaper was fined VND55 million (US$2,087) and had its online edition suspended for one month over articles it published critical of the Sungroup’s environmental impact.
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Petrolimex takes US$37.9m hit over rising oil prices
Znews is reporting that Petrolimex General Director Luu Van Tuyen has said the group expects to record a loss of over VND1,000 billion (US$37.9 million) from its petroleum business in Q1.
He said losses stem from global oil price volatility linked to Middle East geopolitical changes, with crude prices surging sharply and import costs rising significantly. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Government-mandated fuel price caps = Petrolimex subsidising lower fuel prices = less income for business development = greater dependence on imported fuel at market prices.
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HCMC gold seizures
VnExpress is reporting that Ho Chi Minh City market authorities have fined gold shops VND700 million (US$26,572) and confiscated jewellery lacking a clear origin.
In multiple districts, inspectors penalised 12 organisations and three businesses for selling untraceable goods, seizing items worth over VND735 million (US$27,892). View source→
Ed.’s notes: Be interesting to know what is happening to all of this gold.
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Airfare price hikes on Gulf tensions
VnExpress is reporting that in its 2025 annual report, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam has said domestic airfares have risen 15–20 percent due to jet fuel supply disruptions.
ACV said higher fares have reduced travel demand, especially for leisure, as airlines close lower-priced ticket classes amid rising operating costs. View source→
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Pharmaceutical imports March
Vietnam imported pharmaceuticals to the tune of US$376 million in March, up from US$212.75 million in February, a change of 76.60 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Cashew nut exports March
Vietnam exported cashew nuts to the tune of US$346 million in March, up from US$166 million in February, a change of 108.81 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Seafood imports March
Vietnam imported seafood to the tune of US$287 million in March, up from US$169 million in February, a change of 70.26 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Fibre and yarn exports March
Vietnam exported fibre and yarn to the tune of US$438 million in March, up from US$257 million in February, a change of 70.58 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Wheat imports March
Vietnam imported wheat to the tune of US$288 million in March, up from US$270 million in February, a change of 6.82 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Non-wood furniture exports March
Vietnam exported non-wood furniture to the tune of US$367 million in March, up from US$ million in February, a change of 41.12 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. 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 →
Rice exports March
Vietnam exported rice to the tune of US$479 million in March, up from US$285 million in February, a change of 68.35 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Stock market Friday
The VN-Index closed at 1,853.29, down 17.07 points or 0.91 percent, with a total trading value of VND 19,347.92 billion or US$734.27 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$73.55 million worth of equities, Friday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
Exchange rates Friday
On April 24, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,670, and the sell rate was VND 26,700, a change of 100 and 100, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,685 (up 0.38 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Car production March
Vietnam produced 44.81 thousand motor vehicles in March, up 43.55 percent from 31.21 thousand units in February 2026, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office. Read the full article →
Fresh milk production March
Vietnam produced 149.85 million litres of fresh milk in March, up 17.84 percent from 127.16 million litres in February 2026, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office. Read the full article →
Plastic products imports March
Vietnam imported plastic products to the tune of US$940 million in March, up from US$702 million in February, a change of 33.85 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Fertiliser exports March
Vietnam exported fertiliser to the tune of US$173 million in March, up from US$85.43 million in February, a change of 102.04 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Friday’s Vietnam news roundup
In Friday’s Vietnam news: HCMC petrochemical complex to shutdown from mid-May, Fuel price cuts, Electronics firm to produce lubricant, Drop in revenue for small business survey results, Vinamilk expands into beer, FedEx Viettel post partnership, South Korea train deal HCMC metro, Nuclear power financing, Bank account before IRC approval proposal, Hanoi petrol bike ban rolled back, Alcohol maker performance Q1, Vinfast criticism in local press, MoF forecasts inflation 5.5 percent, and more. Read the full article →