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
Labour shortages and migrant workers
The South China Morning Post is carrying an article that argues that Vietnam’s labour export strategy is creating shortages in some domestic industries.
The article says seafood and garment groups have reported recruitment difficulties despite higher wages, with many workers in low-income areas, particularly in central Vietnam, choosing to relocate overseas where wages are higher instead of to Vietnam’s key industrial hubs. View source→
Carbon market challenges
VN Economy is reporting that experts have identified complex governance, reporting requirements, project costs and harmonising domestic rules with international mechanisms as key obstacles to implementing carbon trading. View source→
Vingroup shopping mall Ben Thanh proposal
VnExpress is reporting that Ho Chi Minh City is seeking public feedback on a plan by VinSpeed, a Vingroup subsidiary, to build a four-level underground shopping and parking complex beneath September 23 Park linked to Ben Thanh metro station.
The proposal covers more than 9.3 hectares and includes retail, parking and station facilities, while the park would remain a public green space with only single-storey structures above ground. View source→
Prosecution pirate anime website
Advanced-Television is reporting that Hanoi police have opened criminal proceedings against three Vietnamese men accused of operating the Phim Nè pirate website and app, marking Vietnam’s first criminal intellectual property case involving Japanese content.
The article says the website and app distributed Japanese, Vietnamese and US films, anime and television dramas without authorisation and generated about VND415 million (US$15,750) in illicit profits. View source→
EU antidumping duties VN steel
Eurometal is reporting that the European Commission has proposed definitive antidumping duties on cold rolled flat steel imports from five countries, including a 16.0 percent duty on Vietnamese exporters led by POSCO Vietnam. View source→
Japan’s Misumi expansion
VIR is reporting that Japan’s MISUMI Group has announced it will invest about JPY4.6 billion (US$31.3 million) to expand manufacturing capacity in Vietnam and other countries for high-precision industrial components. View source→
German cable maker market entry
VIR is reporting that German cable and connectivity technology company LAPP has launched its Vietnam operations. View source→
Malaysia antidumping investigation VN steel
Steel Radar is reporting that Malaysia has launched an anti-dumping investigation into aluminium-zinc coated flat steel imports from Vietnam, China and Taiwan following a complaint from domestic producer NS BlueScope Malaysia.
The article says Vietnamese exporters are among the companies required to participate in the investigation, with the Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam urging affected producers to cooperate fully. View source→
China’s Shein scales back manufacturing in VN
Reuters is reporting that China’s Shein is scaling back its Vietnam operations after its plan to make the country a major export base was undermined by United States trade policy changes and operational challenges.
The article says Shein has reduced its leased warehouse space near Ho Chi Minh City, cut jobs and shifted investment back to China after the end of United States duty exemptions weakened Vietnam’s advantage. View source→
Gold price investigation outcomes
Znews is reporting that Vietnam’s Government Inspectorate has completed an investigation into Vietnam’s gold market, finding that limited domestic gold supply, strong demand and shortcomings in market management contributed to domestic gold prices trading well above global prices during 2023-2025.
The report notes the State Bank of Vietnam did not allow gold imports for jewellery manufacturers or intervene through gold imports or bullion production during the inspection period, noting it was deterred by concerns this might impact exchange rates. View source→
Stock market Friday
The VN-Index closed at 1,768.06, up 3.28 points or 0.19 percent, with a total trading value of VND 18,141.49 billion or US$688.48 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$2.81 million worth of equities, Friday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Exchange rates Friday
On August 7, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,070, and the sell rate was VND 26,100, a change of 10 and 10, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,085 (down 0.04 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Friday’s news roundup
In Friday’s Vietnam news: MB Bank expanding lending to Novaland, MB Bank Sungroup lending, Bond reform proposed, Net-zero financing needs, Fuel price changes, Black market dong rates below official rates, Vietnamese like smaller beers, Fitch Ratings’ concerns bank funding pressure, Keppel to sell project at centre of legal dispute, Murphy Oil development update, Biofuel mandate market impacts, TL to visit Australia + NZ, Stock market Thursday, and more. Read the full article →