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.
Garment sector results analysis
Tuoi Tre is carrying analysis that shows an uneven recovery across Vietnam’s textile and garment sector, with strong performance at some firms alongside ongoing distress at others.
It notes Vinatex and TNG as delivering strong results, supported by steady order flow.
For contrast, it notes Garmex Saigon remains under severe strain, with no garment orders, relying instead on non-core rental income.
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Vingroup 2025 results
The Investor is reporting that Vingroup has reported a 2025 net profit of nearly VND 11.15 trillion (US$423 million), up 111 percent year on year, exceeding its shareholder-approved target.
The results were supported by higher real estate sales and manufacturing expansion, including increased electric vehicle deliveries and overseas factory investment, the article says.
Ed.’s notes: Beyond revenue and profit, Vingroup’s fundamentals in its Q4 financial statements show a significant uptick in liabilities. See: Vingroup’s Q4 2025 Financial Report: Higher Revenue, Higher Leverage
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China windfarm Ben Tre
TGS 4C is reporting that China’s Envision Energy has signed a contract to supply nearshore wind turbines for a 128 megawatt project in Vietnam.
The Ben Tre project in Vinh Long province is being developed with REE Group, with grid connection expected to be completed by October.
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Tainted coffee
VnExpress is reporting that Vietnamese police have launched a criminal investigation after seizing 4.1 tons of fake coffee and three tons of raw materials from a warehouse in Lam Dong province.
Authorities said the products were made by mixing soybeans and flavourings with coffee beans for sale on the domestic market.
Ed.’s notes: Speaks to barriers to doing more processing in Vietnam for Vietnamese brands.
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Local furniture brands development
VnExpress is reporting that Vietnam’s furniture industry is shifting away from contract manufacturing as companies develop their own designs, brands, and sales channels to raise margins and reduce reliance on foreign buyers.
Industry data show wood and wood product exports reached US$17.2 billion in 2025, but most furniture remains produced under original equipment manufacturer arrangements despite rising original design manufacturer activity, the article notes.
Ed.’s notes: Expanding beyond producing goods for other brands often talked about, but few Vietnam brands manage to crack international market. #monitoring
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Labour challenges JETRO survey
The Investor is reporting that a survey by the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) has found nearly half of Japanese firms in Vietnam have faced greater difficulty recruiting workers over the past two years.
The survey showed 48.2 percent of respondents reported tougher recruitment, with shortages most acute in manufacturing in northern Vietnam.
Ed.’s notes: Abundant, low-cost labour is only useful if it is accessible; upward wage pressure.
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Gold / silver price drop triggers buying
VnExpress is reporting that a fall in gold and silver prices in Vietnam triggered heavy buying in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on January 31.
Major gold shops reported long queues, purchase limits, and stock shortages, with demand far exceeding supply during the morning.
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India vs Vietnam textiles / garments
Times Now News is reporting that the India–European Union free trade agreement is expected to put India on an equal footing with Vietnam and Bangladesh in the European textile market by eliminating import duties, India’s commerce minister has said.
India previously faced tariffs of up to 12 percent on textile exports to Europe, while Vietnam and Bangladesh enjoyed zero duty under preferential trade arrangements.
Ed.’s notes: READ: a lot of labour at a comparable cost to Vietnam about to enter the market.
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Fake Rolex bust
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that customs authorities in Vietnam have seized nearly 900 counterfeit luxury watches during an inspection of a transit shipment from China to Laos.
The shipment contained 874 watches bearing brands including Patek Philippe, Rolex, Hublot and Cartier, none supported by intellectual property documents.
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European consultants Vietnam HSR
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction has hired the EVRC – Europe Vietnam Railway Consortium, led by Artelia, to support development of Vietnam’s North–South high-speed railway project.
The contract, signed on January 9, 2026, covers advisory services during preparation, including tender documents and management of consultancy packages for the feasibility study.
The consortium will also advise on technology selection, technical standards, and support explanations to competent authorities during the feasibility study stage, the article says.
Ed.’s notes: A lot of local firms putting forward HSR development plans – this news suggests process may be slower than they were expecting / hoping (talk of breaking ground end-2026).
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Appliance factory expansion
The Investor is reporting that Aqua Vietnam has extended the operation of its factories in Dong Nai province through 2045, committing about US$75 million in additional investment.
The expansion targets production of washing machines and refrigerators for domestic consumption and export to Asian and European markets.
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Goods stuck border regulation delays
Tuoi Tre is reporting that new food safety rules, effective January 26, have caused widespread delays for imported food at border gates due to missing inspection guidance.
Vietnam Customs said more than 1,300 vehicles carrying agricultural and food products were stuck awaiting food safety inspection results.
Authorities said the lack of transitional procedures left inspection agencies and customs unable to act, prompting urgent coordination to unblock clearance.
Importers reported mounting losses from storage, refrigeration, penalties for late delivery, and quality deterioration, especially for fresh and frozen goods.
Ed.’s notes: Similar to what happened with chemicals and construction materials back in January, new rules came into force, but without instructions customs were unable to process goods. Repeated cases = structural issue in policy-making?
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Stock market Friday
the-shiv is reporting that the VN-Index closed at 1,829.04, up 14.06 points or 0.77 percent, with a total trading value of VND 29,057.03 billion or US$1,102.73 million, and foreign traders net-buying US$26.11 million worth of equities, Friday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Exchange rates Friday
the-shiv is reporting that on January 30, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,450, and the sell rate was VND 26,500, a change of 250 and 250, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,475 (up 0.95 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD.
Meanwhile, the State Bank of Vietnam’s central exchange rate was set at VND 25,074, while the Google Finance mid-market rate stood at VND 25,916.
Imports from Mexico
the-shiv is reporting that in December, Vietnam imported US$108.95 million worth of goods from Mexico, up from US$107.32 million in November, a change of 1.51 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
So far this year, Vietnam has imported US$1,142 million worth of goods from Mexico.
Exports to the UAE
the-shiv is reporting that in December, Vietnam exported US$525 million worth of goods to the UAE, up 8.53 percent over November, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
So far this year, Vietnam has exported US$5,913 million worth of goods to the UAE.
Imports fishery products
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam imported fishery products to the tune of US$356 million in December, up from US$293 million in November, a change of 21.51 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Year to date, Vietnam had imported US$3,381 million worth of fishery products by the end of December.
Animal feed exports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam exported animal feed and animal fodder materials to the tune of US$149 million in December, up from US$133 million in November, a change of 11.95 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Year to date, Vietnam had exported US$1,438 million worth of animal fodders and animal fodder materials by the end of December.
Imports from UAE
the-shiv is reporting that in December, Vietnam imported US$105.23 million worth of goods from the UAE, up from US$46.43 million in November, a change of 126.65 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
So far this year, Vietnam has imported US$633 million worth of goods from the UAE.
Exports to Mexico
the-shiv is reporting that in December, Vietnam exported US$655 million worth of goods to Mexico, up 13.08 percent over November, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
So far this year, Vietnam has exported US$7,032 million worth of goods to Mexico.
Cashew nut imports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam imported cashew nut to the tune of US$242 million in December, down from US$264 million in November, a change of -8.43 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Year to date, Vietnam had imported US$4,492 million worth of cashew nut by the end of December.
Non-wood furniture exports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam exported non-wood furniture to the tune of US$443 million in December, up from US$356 million in November, a change of 24.63 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Year to date, Vietnam had exported US$3,829 million worth of non-wood furniture by the end of December.
Imports from Cambodia
the-shiv is reporting that in December, Vietnam imported US$501.37 million worth of goods from Cambodia, up from US$369.53 million in November, a change of 35.68 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
So far this year, Vietnam has imported US$5,662 million worth of goods from Cambodia.
Exports to Hong Kong
the-shiv is reporting in December, Vietnam exported US$1,828 million worth of goods to Hong Kong, up 32.08 percent over November, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
So far this year, Vietnam has exported US$17,557 million worth of goods to Hong Kong.
Electricity production December
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam produced 25.68 billion kwh of electricity in December, down 7.45 percent from 27.75 billion kwh in November, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office.
Year-to-date output reached 329.31 billion kwh by the end of December.
Cosmetics imports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam imported essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations to the tune of US$190 million in December, up from US$143 million in November, a change of 32.80 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Year to date, Vietnam had imported US$1,607 million worth of essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations by the end of December.
Crude oil exports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam exported crude oil to the tune of US$131 million in December, up from US$125 million in November, a change of 4.84 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Year-to-date, Vietnam had exported US$1,394 million worth of crude oil by the end of December.
Friday’s Vietnam news roundup
In Friday’s Vietnam news roundup: Round 6 trade negotiations USA, Gold demand, Vinatex bumper year, Electric car power supply, Paying for 10 percent growth, Online travel revenue forecast, Bank capital raising Resolution 79, VN credit-to-GDP 3X peers, Local messaging app lost trust, LSEG VN equities assessment, Mandatory retirement gender gap, UK consultancy VN golf development, Video game industry development, Rule change importing used equipment, Imports from Canada, Exports to Brazil, Stock market Thursday, and more. Read the full roundup→