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.
Cashless payments data
Dan Tri is reporting that the State Bank of Vietnam said that compared with 2024, non-cash transactions rose 42.21 percent by volume and 22.65 percent by value, in 2025, led by internet, mobile, and quick response code payments.
Conversely, during 2025, transactions via automated teller machines declined 17.30 percent in volume and 6.02 percent in value from 2024.
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Vietnam’s silver market
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Nguyen Trung Anh, chairman of Ancarat Precious Metals Joint Stock Company, has said silver in Vietnam is not scarce and delivery delays reflect limited production capacity, not supply shortages.
He said Vietnamese companies can import silver freely, the domestic market is linked to global markets, and raw material supply fully meets demand.
Ed.’s notes: This is in contrast to the gold market, which is heavily regulated.
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LNG demand study
The Investor is reporting that a study by the Hamm Institute for American Energy and Wood Mackenzie projects Vietnam’s electricity demand rising from 330 terawatt hours in 2025 to 1,100 terawatt hours by 2050.
Gas-fired power generation is forecast to rise from 33 terawatt hours in 2025 to 200 terawatt hours by 2050, with southern Vietnam accounting for about 65 percent of liquefied natural gas demand.
The study said policy and regulatory reforms are needed to attract investment in liquefied natural gas to power infrastructure, including dispatch guarantees, fuel-cost pass-through, and currency protections.
Ed.’s notes: Hamm Institute created through a grant from Harold Hamm and Continental Resources. Harold Hamm “…a national leader and staunch advocate of America’s domestic oil and natural gas industry”, according to a press release from Oklahoma State University.
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VN owned semiconductor testing / packaging facility
EE Times Asia is reporting that FPT Corp announced on January 28 that it would be establishing a semiconductor testing and packaging plant in Hanoi, fully owned and operated by Vietnamese entities.
FPT said the plant will complement Viettel’s planned semiconductor fabrication project and help build a more integrated domestic semiconductor ecosystem covering design, testing, packaging, and commercialisation.
Ed.’s notes: Viettel will make the chips, FPT will test and package them, not clear who will buy them – cart before horse maybe?
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Japan firms competition China
Nation Thailand is reporting that a 2025 survey by Japan External Trade Organization showed 30.8 percent of Japanese industrial firms in Vietnam identify Chinese companies as their main competitors, up from 24.6 percent in 2024.
The survey questioned 906 Japanese companies in Vietnam and found rising competition for labour, with 48.2 percent saying recruitment has become more difficult.
Ed.’s notes: Full report
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Retail foot traffic report
The Investor is reporting that a report by Asia Plus Inc and Palexy has found that retail foot traffic in Vietnam rose an average 7.71 percent in 2025 after a 6.37 percent decline in 2024.
Shopping mall footfall increased 9.81 percent in 2025, outperforming street stores, which recorded 8.60 percent growth after extended declines in 2024.
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Defence procurement Israel tech
C Tech is reporting that Vietnam’s Ministry of Defence has signed a deal worth about US$250 million with Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defence Systems to locally manufacture Spike anti-tank missiles.
The agreement includes establishing a factory in Vietnam operated by a local company under a production licence from Rafael.
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Trade remedies Indonesian / Malaysian glass
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that the Ministry of Industry and Trade has imposed provisional anti-dumping duties on certain clear float glass imported from Indonesia and Malaysia.
The provisional duties range from 15.17 percent to 63.39 percent depending on the producer and exporter, following a complaint filed in May 2025 by domestic manufacturers.
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Mortgage interest rates reach 13.9 percent
Dan Tri is reporting that mortgage lending rates in Vietnam have risen to as high as 13.9 percent per year, including at state-owned banks.
Vietcombank and BIDV now offer initial preferential rates around 9.6 to 9.7 percent, with fixed-term loans rising to 13.5 to 13.9 percent after the incentive period.
The rise in lending rates follows higher deposit rates and has increased repayment pressure on existing borrowers while deterring some prospective homebuyers, the publication says.
Imports from Hong Kong
the-shiv is reporting in December, Vietnam imported US$68.66 million worth of goods from Hong Kong, up from US$46.59 million in November, a change of 47.38 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
So far this year, Vietnam has imported US$853 million worth of goods from Hong Kong.
Exports to Cambodia
the-shiv is reporting in December, Vietnam exported US$508 million worth of goods to Cambodia, up 11.38 percent over November, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
So far this year, Vietnam has exported US$5,667 million worth of goods to Cambodia.
Stock market Monday
the-shiv is reporting the VN-Index closed at 2,004.31, down 25.50 points or 1.26 percent, with a total trading value of VND 18,602.22 billion or US$705.97 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$93.81 million worth of equities, Monday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Exchange rates Monday
the-shiv is reporting that on February 2, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,450, and the sell rate was VND 26,500, a change of 0 and 0, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,475, according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD.
Meanwhile, the State Bank of Vietnam’s central exchange rate was set at VND 25,064, while the Google Finance mid-market rate stood at VND 26,031.
Rubber imports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam imported rubber to the tune of US$332 million in December, up from US$284 million in November, a change of 16.81 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Year to date, Vietnam had imported US$3,081 million worth of rubber by the end of December.
Petrol product exports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam exported petroleum products to the tune of US$94 million in December, up from US$75 million in November, a change of 24.60 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Year to date, Vietnam had exported US$942 million worth of petroleum products by the end of December.
Yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup
In yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup: Garment sector results analysis, Vingroup 2025 results, China windfarm Ben Tre, Tainted coffee, Labour challenges JETRO survey, Gold / silver price drop triggers buying, India vs Vietnam textiles / garments, Fake rolex bust, European consultants Vietnam HSR, Appliance factory expansion, Local furniture brands development, Goods stuck border regulation delays, Imports from Mexico, Exports to the UAE, Imports fishery products, Animal feed exports, Imports from UAE, and more. Read more→