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.
See yesterday’s news headlines →
New US seafood certification requirements
Thanh Nien is reporting that the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has notified Vietnam that strict certificates of origin for aquatic products will apply from 1 January 2026.
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) has said imported raw materials worth US$300-320 million a year may be impacted and has asked the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to work with NOAA and exporting countries to secure necessary documentation for imported inputs.
EVN cost recovery
Dan Tri is reporting that the Ministry of Finance has proposed allowing state-owned power operator Vietnam Electricity (EVN), to allocate exchange rate costs over up to five years.
It has also suggested spreading repair costs for power lines, substations and plants, including those from natural disasters, fires or epidemics, over up to three years.
Ed.’s notes: Not clear why costs can’t be counted as they are incurred. Risky proposition – if another significant cost is incurred before the last lot is cleared debts can rack up quickly. Monitoring.
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Public company equity revision
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Vietnam will require public companies to have minimum equity of VND 30 billion (US$1.14 million) from 1 January 2026.
The rule adds to existing criteria of paid-up capital and minimum public shareholding under securities laws.
Real estate price management
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that the Ministry of Construction has said identifying property price manipulation requires controlling primary market prices and cost structures.
Officials at a real estate forum said supply shortages, not land-price volatility, have been the main driver of housing price increases, arguing regulating primary market pricing and using tax and credit tools to manage secondary market behaviour are needed to curb speculation.
Ed.’s notes: Not exactly calling for price controls, but it feels like this line of thinking leads in that direction. Monitoring.
Hong Kong-Taiwan EV factory nth VN
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that a delegation from Hong Kong and Taiwan, with representatives from Chengling Automobile and Zhaoling Electric Vehicle, has proposed an investment of about 500 million USD (VND 13.2 trillion) in a factory in Thai Nguyen.
The plant would produce electric motorbikes, scooters, trucks, dump trucks, trailers and specialised vehicles.
Ed.’s notes: Noted for line: “Hồng Kông và Đài Loan (Trung Quốc)” = “Hong Kong and Taiwan (China)”.
Gas-bike ban pushback
VnExpress is reporting that representatives of Grab and electric vehicle maker Selex Motors say Hanoi’s plan to ban petrol motorbikes in the Ring Road 1 area from July 2026 is too soon.
They state charging infrastructure remains limited, with only 50 of Selex Motors’ 120 battery-swap stations located in Hanoi.
Grab says 62 percent of its drivers are not ready to switch because charging takes much longer than refuelling and reduces earning time.
Ed.’s notes: Adds to lack of support for ban.
VinFast expansion India
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that VinFast has signed a memorandum of understanding with Tamil Nadu to acquire another 200 hectares of land at SIPCOT Industrial Park for factory expansion.
The company plans to invest an additional 500 million USD (VND 13.2 trillion) to build facilities for electric buses and two-wheelers as part of its previously announced 2 billion USD plan.
Ed.’s notes: VinFast reportedly sold just 131 units in India in October 2025.
EV parking ban rejected
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that a Hanoi ward authority has ordered the HH Linh Dam apartment complex to stop refusing electric vehicles in its parking areas.
The ward also directed stronger fire-safety measures as electric-vehicle numbers are expected to rise under Hanoi’s low-emission zone policy.
The move follows a notice from the building management that it would stop accepting new electric vehicles from 1 December due to overload and fire-risk concerns.
Ed.’s notes: Conflict warming up: public safety versus policy objectives. Monitoring.
Rural impacts migrant workers
Tuoi Tre is reporting that National Assembly delegate Trinh Thi Thu Phuoc has warned that labour outflows from rural areas to big-city industrial zones, are leaving rural communities with only elderly people and children, creating security concerns.
Phuoc has proposed special incentives and land-use reforms to attract factories to rural and border areas so workers can earn income without leaving home, the publication says.
Ed.’s notes: Beyond security concerns: culture, community, social cohesion – not unique to Vietnam – monitoring for policy response, if any.
Coffee harvest expectations
International Comunicaffe is reporting that Vietnam’s coffee harvest for marketing year 2025/26 is forecast by the United States Department of Agriculture to reach 30.8 million bags, up 6.2 percent from the previous year.
Robusta output is expected at 29.6 million bags and Arabica at 1.2 million bags, supported by favourable rainfall and increased farmer investment.
Food labelling import violations
Business World is reporting that Gold Coin Feed Mill Ha Nam Co. Ltd., a unit of Aboitiz Equity Ventures, has been fined 27.5 million VND (US$1,044) for labelling violations on imported goods in Vietnam.
Customs authorities at Dinh Vu Port ordered the non-compliant products to be re-exported within 10 days.
The company says it has paid the penalty and is proceeding with re-export, adding that no safety or quality issues were found.
OECD Outlook
Vietnam News is reporting that the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development forecasts Viet Nam’s GDP to grow 6.2 percent in 2026 and 5.8 percent in 2027.
It notes that softer external demand could weigh on exports in 2026, while domestic spending may be affected by a VAT increase planned for 2027.
Public investment, resilient exports and steady foreign direct investment are expected to support growth.
Ed.’s notes: Contrasts with ‘double digits’ GDP growth targets. Source OECD report.
Italian brand supply chain investigation
Vietnamplus is reporting that Italian prosecutors in Milan have launched an investigation into 13 luxury fashion brands over labour conditions in their overseas supply chains.
Brands ordered to hand over documents include Versace, Gucci, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Missoni, Ferragamo, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Pinko, Coccinelle, Adidas, Alexander McQueen Italia and Off-White Operating.
Ed.’s notes: This article from Reuters suggests it stems from an investigation into subcontractors in China, though many of these brands manufacture in Vietnam too.
Bamboo Airways’ debts
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Bamboo Airways has returned to FLC Group carrying about VND 9,000 billion (US$342 million) in debts to suppliers, according to an audited report on 31 July 2025.
The largest obligations include VND 2,600 billion (US$99 million) owed to Airports Corporation of Vietnam, nearly VND 1,000 billion (US$38 million) for fuel, and VND 3,900 billion (US$148 million) to Saigon Thuong Tin Commercial Joint Stock Bank, plus almost VND 3,000 billion (US$114 million) to other lenders.
Shareholder Le Thai Sam says he and Duong Cong Minh will honour all debts incurred during the unsuccessful restructuring period.
Ed.’s notes: This whole thing is confusing. Shareholders took over operations from FLC, racked up approx US$350 million in debts, gave up, handed airline back to FLC but now say they will cover said debts but with what? Logically the debts should go with the collateral which presumably FLC now owns. Again, confusing.
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VAT collected on low-value imports
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that Vietnam Customs has said the end of VAT exemptions for low-value express imports had generated more than VND 1,035 billion (US$39.3 million) in revenue by September 15.
The policy took effect on February 18, removing tax-free treatment for small imported parcels,
Ed.’s notes: Situates Vietnam within broader global changes to de minimis exemptions.
Home loan lending halt
VnExpress is reporting that major banks have halted low-interest home loans for young buyers as new credit becomes more expensive.
State lenders have ended their 5.5 percent offers and now apply 6–7.5 percent rates for shorter periods.
Banks cite fast credit growth, rising deposit rates and tighter liquidity as driving up costs.
Japan stationary firm acquisition
VnExpress is reporting that Japanese stationery group Kokuyo is looking to acquire a controlling stake of Thien Long Group, Vietnam’s leading pen and office-supply company.
It wants to buy 46.82 percent of the company’s shares from major shareholder TLAT and launch a public offer for a further 18.19 percent, valuing the deal at about VND 4,700 billion (US$179 million), the publication says.
Exports to Mexico
the-shiv is reporting that in October, Vietnam exported US$666 million worth of goods to Mexico, up 7.51 percent over September, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
So far this year, Vietnam has exported US$5,792 million worth of goods to Mexico.
Stock market Thursday
the-shiv is reporting that the VN-Index closed at 1,737.24, up 5.47 points or 0.32 percent, with a total trading value of VND 26,537.32 billion or US$1007.11 million, and foreign traders net-buying US$39.58 million worth of equities, Thursday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Exchange rates Thursday
the-shiv is reporting that on December 4, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 27,150 and the sell rate was VND 27,200, a change of 300 and 320, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 27,175 (down 1.13 percent), according to Ty Gia USD.
Meanwhile, the State Bank of Vietnam’s central exchange rate was set at VND 25,152, while the Google Finance mid-market rate stood at VND 26,373.
Cosmetics imports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam imported essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations to the tune of US$141 million in October, up from US$137 million in September, a change of 3.10 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Year to date, Vietnam had imported US$1,270 million worth of cosmetics by the end of October.
Exports to Canada
the-shiv is reporting that in October, Vietnam exported US$676 million worth of goods to Canada, up 2.39 percent over September, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
So far this year, Vietnam has exported US$6,235 million worth of goods to Canada.
