Vietnam News Today, February 19 2026, Business & Economy

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.

Texas lawsuit ‘Made in Vietnam’ claims

The Register is reporting that the state of Texas is suing TP-Link Systems, alleging it misled consumers by labelling products as made in Vietnam despite China-dominated manufacturing and supply chains.

Attorney General Ken Paxton claims most components are sourced from China, with Vietnam facilities performing only final assembly and contributing less than one percent of parts.

Texas is seeking a jury trial, an injunction to stop “Made in Vietnam” claims, disclosure of China ties, and limits on consumer data collection without informed consent.

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Ed.’s notes: Noted for the transhipment angle / external means of clamping down on the practice.

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Finnish hydropower tech

Machinery-Market is reporting that Finland’s Valmet will supply automation systems for the Daklo 1 and Daklo 3 hydropower plants under construction in Quang Ngai Province.

Daklo 1 and Daklo 3 have capacities of 12 megawatts and 22 megawatts and are designed as run-of-river plants supplying electricity to the national grid.

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Indian software maker market entry

Scanx is reporting that India’s Nucleus Software Exports Limited incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary, Nucleus Software Vietnam Company Limited, on February 5, 2026.

The entity will act as a regional business development and sales hub while providing software development services to local customers in Vietnam.

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New airline new CEO

Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that It reports on the appointment of Mert Olgun as chief executive officer of Crystal Bay Vietnam.

The Turkish national previously served on the executive board of Crystal Bay Tour, overseeing international travel programmes and strategic partnerships.

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Ed.’s notes: No experience running an airline noted.

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Regulations AI customer service banking

VnExpress is reporting that the State Bank of Vietnam has drafted a circular requiring banks and e-wallet providers to inform customers before using artificial intelligence systems that interact directly with them.

The rules apply to virtual assistants, automated call centres and chatbots, and require disclosure when artificial intelligence is used for emotion recognition or biometric classification.

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SOE growth driver analysis

Vietnamnet is reporting that declining state investment growth and lower capital efficiency compared with private and foreign-invested sectors are key challenges facing state-owned enterprise development in Vietnam.

Experts cited attribute weak performance to governance constraints, overlapping ownership oversight, administrative intervention and unclear risk-handling frameworks that discourage decision-making.

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Ed.’s notes: These issues have been known for a long time and explain why there was a push to drive development through the private sector. This, however, was tempered when Resolution 79 was issued earlier this year, reaffirming that SOEs are expected to also be key to Vietnam’s development moving forward.

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Labour market performance

Dan Tri is reporting that Vietnam’s labour market improved in late 2025, with employment rising and incomes increasing, but joblessness remains concentrated among low-skilled workers, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

It notes that about 1.07 million people remain unemployed, while more than 784,000 are underemployed, with most unemployment claims coming from workers without formal qualifications.

After Tet, demand is expected to increase in sectors such as food processing and transport equipment manufacturing, with a rise in demand for digital, data and artificial intelligence-related skills, alongside growth in freelance and project-based work.

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Ed.’s notes: Vietnam casts a wide net as to what qualifies as employed – double-edged sword, high employment signals strong economic development at home, but possible labour shortages for potential manufacturing sector entrants.

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Exports to Taiwan

the-shiv is reporting that In January, Vietnam exported US$535 million worth of goods to Taiwan, down 12.19 percent over December, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.  Read more→

Bar chart of Vietnam's main exports to Taiwan in January

Car imports

the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam imported motor vehicles to the tune of US$385 million in January, down from US$406 million in December, a change of -5.21 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read more→

Pie chart of Vietnam motor vehicles imports, January 2026 by country.

Plastic products exports

the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam exported plastic products to the tune of US$701 million in January, down from US$702 million in December, a change of -0.15 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read more→

Pie chart Vietnam plastic products exports by destination January

Updated: Vietnam’s Mining Industry 2026

the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s mining industry is a key sector, rich in resources such as coal, bauxite, and rare earths, contributing significantly to the economy. The government encourages foreign investment through joint ventures, focusing on modernising the sector while enforcing strict regulations to promote sustainability and environmental protection. Read more→

Updated: Vietnam’s Health and Fitness Industry 2026

the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s health and fitness industry is growing rapidly, driven by rising income levels, increasing health awareness, and urbanisation. Gyms and fitness centres, both large international chains and local establishments, are expanding to meet this demand. Read more→

Updated: Vietnam Clothing Manufacturers Directory (2026)

the-shiv is reporting that Explore verified clothing & garment manufacturers in Vietnam. Browse services and locations and find the right clothing manufacturer for you. Read more→

Yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup

the-shiv is reporting that In today’s Vietnam news: GS USA visit confirmed, Vietnam on EU tax blacklist, Startup development obstacles, Changes to Law on Construction, Direct flights Tel Aviv-Hanoi, MoC on real estate drivers 2026, Gasoline and oil production, Imports from India, Exports to Thailand, Updated: Vietnam’s Personal Data Protection Decree for Foreign Firms 2026, Updated: Vietnam Land Ports for Foreign Firms 2026, Updated: Electricity in Vietnam 2026, Yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup, and more. Read the full roundup→

Direct your comments / queries to mark.barnes@the-shiv.com

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