This is a brief rundown of what is being reported today in Vietnam’s state-approved media 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’re operating a business or working in Vietnam and want to talk about it, reach out: mark.barnes@the-shiv.com
PMI increases
S&P Global’s Vietnam Purchasing Managers’ Index rose to 52.9 in July from 51.8 in June, signalling the strongest improvement in business conditions since February.
The report said output, new orders, exports and purchasing activity accelerated, while manufacturing employment increased for the first time in five months. View source→
Seafood export concerns US tariffs
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers said the impact of the United States’ 12.5 percent Section 301 tariff on Vietnamese seafood is expected to become apparent from August with shipping and contract delays delaying its effect.
The association said the tariff is likely to trigger contract renegotiations with United States buyers and increase pricing pressure on Vietnamese exporters. View source→
SBV preferential loans for SMEs program
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that the State Bank of Vietnam has said it will launch a VND 220 trillion (US$8.35 billion) preferential credit package for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The bank’s Deputy Governor, Pham Thanh Ha, said four state-owned commercial banks have registered to participate in the program. View source→
Credit growth reaches 8.38 percent
Dan Tri is reporting that outstanding credit reached more than VND 20.15 quadrillion (US$764.7 billion) as of July 29, up 8.38 percent from the end of 2025. View source→
PM pushes tax cut for SMEs
VnExpress is reporting that Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has instructed the Ministry of Finance to develop a plan for corporate income tax cuts for small and medium-sized enterprises for implementation from 2026.
The Ministry of Finance was also directed to study extending support to individuals and household businesses and encourage their conversion into enterprises through amendments to the Law on Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Development. View source→
Commercial radio frequency access changes
Tech Times is reporting that Vietnam’s National Assembly is considering amendments to the Law on Radio Frequencies that would remove 33 of 41 licensing conditions, reducing regulatory requirements for commercial spectrum users by about 80 percent.
The draft law would also replace some pre-approval licensing requirements for telecommunications operators with post-inspection oversight. View source→
Trade deficit widens
Reuters is reporting that Vietnam’s trade deficit widened to US$3.59 billion in July from US$2.64 billion in June as imports continued to outpace exports.
Imports rose 41 percent year on year to US$56.67 billion, while exports increased 25 percent to US$53 billion.
The January-July trade deficit reached US$20.5 billion, exceeding Vietnam’s previous full-year record deficit of about US$18 billion in 2008.
The National Statistics Office said higher fuel costs contributed to the wider deficit, with refined fuel import values rising 67.6 percent and crude oil import values increasing 18 percent despite lower import volumes. View source→
Government concerns fuel supply
Dan Tri is reporting that Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc has directed ministries and local governments to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies, with particular attention to diesel, and prevent shortages in the domestic market. View source→
Ed.’s notes: That action is being taken might suggest the government is concerned that fuel shortages might be a problem, which fits with wider reports of shortages earlier this month.
Court ruling VN’s Wolfoo vs Peppa Pig
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that the High Court in London has ordered all Wolfoo videos removed from online video platforms by August 3 after finding Vietnam’s Sconnect had copied copyrighted audio from Peppa Pig.
The ruling found Sconnect had unlawfully used audio clips from the British children’s programme, including character sound effects, on a large scale over an extended period. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Full ruling here.
Exchange rates Monday
On August 4, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,260, and the sell rate was VND 26,280, a change of 10 and 0, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,270 (up 0.02 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD.
Stock market Monday
The VN-Index closed at 1,762.84, up 27.06 points or 1.56 percent, with a total trading value of VND 19,274.56 billion or US$731.48 million, and foreign traders net-buying US$40.04 million worth of equities, Monday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
Yesterday’s news roundup
In yesterday’s Vietnam news: State to buy some commercial housing projects, Apartment ownership term limits, Bamboo Airways struggles, New vice chairman FLC aviation, Free wi-fi plans HCMC, Single national food safety authority proposal, Fines for delayed wages, Chicken imports, Stock market Friday, Exchange rates Friday, Friday’s news roundup, and more. Read the full article →