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.
TikTok fined data collection violations
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that TikTok has been fined VND 880 million (US$33,400) by the National Competition Commission for failing to provide a way for users to opt in or out of data use for advertising, unlawful standard contract terms, and providing incomplete information that could mislead consumers.
Authorities also found the company failed to establish appropriate complaint and dispute-resolution procedures for vulnerable consumers, as required by law.
Ed.’s notes: Seems to stem from broader concerns earlier this month around data collection and use that stem from social messaging app Zalo. It updated its terms of use and then required user to agree or said they would lose access to their account after 45 days. See below (Zalo has been fined too).
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M&A market forum
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Vietnam’s current M&A cycle has been described as a shift from short-term liquidity fixes toward deeper balance-sheet, governance and ownership restructuring, at the Spring 2026 M&A Forum.
Industry representatives also noted persistent constraints, including overlapping regulations, uneven post-deal management capacity and continued caution from foreign investors amid global uncertainty.
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AMRO GDP forecast 7.6 percent
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office forecast Vietnam’s 2026 gross domestic product growth at 7.6 percent, the fastest among ASEAN+3 economies.
AMRO attributed Vietnam’s outlook to a recovery in foreign direct investment inflows and high-technology exports, alongside support for the private sector and strategic infrastructure investment, the article says.
Ed.’s notes: Note that the actual report talks about the region broadly whereas the article has applied the reports findings to Vietnam specifically. Full report is here.
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Zalo fined privacy breaches
Nha Dau Tu is reporting that Zalo was fined VND 810 million (US$30,700) by the National Competition Commission for failing to provide clear opt-in and opt-out options for data collection, advertising use, and commercial activities. It also used non-compliant standard contract terms.
The platform was also cited for not publicly disclosing complaint-handling procedures or specific protections for vulnerable consumers, as required by law.
Ed.’s notes: Basically the same as TikTok above. Of note, that Zalo was the result of a concerted effort to build a local social media outlet modelled on China’s Wechat (Tencent is one of Zalo parent VNG’s biggest investors) presumably so that online speech could be better policed by the authorities. There is something in this re: protecting privacy versus policing speech.
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Ore shortage steel plant Lao Cai
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that after a three-year shutdown, the Lao Cai iron and steel plant restarted in April 2025 using stockpiled iron ore from the Quy Xa mine, however, it has now run out.
The plant now faces potential suspension, with licensing procedures to resume mining at the Quy Xa mine pending, and emergency approval to use alternative Deluvi ore not yet granted.
This is further compounded by past operating losses, governance constraints in the Vietnam China joint venture (some of the ore mined seems to have been exported as opposed to processed locally), and ongoing investigations into regulatory violations, the article notes.
Ed.’s notes: This is a story about short-term thinking and Band-aid fixes as opposed to taking a long term, holistic approach to problem solving.
Also noted for what is says about challenges facing Vietnam’s mining industry.
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Imported construction materials customs delays
Thanh Nien is reporting that the revised Product and Goods Quality Law has taken effect, but the Government has not yet issued implementing decrees or circulars, causing delays in processing imported construction materials.
As a result, local construction departments are applying inspection rules inconsistently, causing customs clearance delays and uncertainty for importers.
Ed.’s notes: Similar story with the revised Law on Chemicals – lack of guiding decrees / circulars = imported chemicals stranded at ports.
This might be indicative of reform moving to quickly whereby lower-level decree/circular policy makers cannot keep up with their higher-level law making counterparts. Noteworthy amid talks of rapid reform coming.
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Fireworks prices
Dan Tri is reporting that prices of legal non explosive fireworks have risen sharply ahead of Lunar New Year 2026, with some items selling at up to three times official listed prices due to high demand and limited supply.
Authorities have pointed out that Z121 is the sole legal producer of fireworks, warning of counterfeit products sold online, and advising consumers to buy only from authorised outlets, as well as verify products by packaging and QR codes.
Ed.’s notes: Raises this interesting problem whereby product tracing process and procedures can be world-class, but really there is a big dependence on consumers choosing to use them for them to be effective. There is an authenticity versus price calculation to be made here, too.
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Energy efficiency labelling regulations
VN Economy is reporting that the government has issued a new decree, detailing implementation of the Law on Economical and Efficient Energy Use for vehicles, equipment, and construction materials.
The decree defines energy labels, and dictates that vehicles, equipment, and materials that fail safety standards or fall below minimum energy efficiency levels must be removed from the market.
The article also notes producers and importers must report annually on labeled products sold.
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Vinpearl joins VN30
Dan Tri is reporting that Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange announced January index changes, adding Vinpearl JSC shares to the VN30 index and removing Becamex IDC shares.
Index tracking exchange traded funds are projected to buy more than 600,000 Vinpearl shares in the upcoming rebalance, equal to about 0.7 percent portfolio weight, the article says.
Ed.’s notes: This latest news fits within a broader narrative around how Vingroup’s stock price is challenging market norms – index tracking ETFs may be expected to buy Vinpearl shares, however, given Vingroup’s precarious finances there is significant risk in making this move; Similarly, it has been reported that ETFs are struggling to out perform the index because they are reluctant to hold Vingroup stocks. #Monitoring.
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Fake Nike / Lacoste seizure
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that local market surveillance officers in Gia Lai temporarily seized 994 clothing items during an inspection of a garment shop in An Nhon ward.
The goods included underwear, towels, and socks bearing signs of infringing the protected trademarks of Lacoste and Nike, without invoices or proof of origin.
Ed.’s notes: There was a Gucci / Hermes bust a few days ago. With the streets of Hanoi / HCMC counterfeit goods everywhere, these raids seem to be targeted.
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Vietnam Airlines looking for aircraft in local press
VIR is reporting that Vietnam Airlines has issued a procurement notice seeking used Airbus A320 or A321 aircraft under dry lease to support its operational plan.
Preferred lease terms are up to three years for A320 or A321 aircraft, or six to eight years for A321 aircraft, with priority given to shorter durations.
Ed.’s notes: Interesting this has been placed in local news outlet.
All aircraft listed are Airbus as opposed to Boeing amid recent reports the airline was looking for financing to buy Boeing jets. #monitoring
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VN ag. group issued bonds in Cambodia
The Asset is reporting that Daun Penh Agrico, a Cambodian unit of Vietnam’s Truong Hai Group, has raised US$49 million through an eight-year bond on the Cambodia Securities Exchange.
The bond carries a 5.25 percent coupon and will fund banana, pineapple, and mango production and processing, as part of a planned US$100 million investment program.
Ed.’s notes: Capital raising outside Vietnam in US dollars = currency risk exposure.
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UFC FPT rights deal
The UFC and FPT Play have signed a multi-year media rights agreement covering Vietnam, according to a UFC press release.
Under the agreement, FPT Play becomes the exclusive distributor of UFC content in Vietnam, including all numbered events and Fight Nights, starting with UFC 324 on January 25, 2026.
Ed.’s notes: Illegal broadcasts of major sporting events common – will be interesting to see if this legitimate deal with a major local company impacts local pirated broadcasts.
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Credit rating long-term sec. debt upgrade
Fitch Ratings has upgraded Vietnam’s long-term senior secured debt instruments to BBB- from BB+ after applying new sovereign criteria and removing Under Criteria Observation, the firm has said in a press release.
The rating applies to Vietnam’s 30-year Brady Bonds issued in 1998, which are partially or fully collateralised by United States Treasury zero-coupon bonds and rolling interest collateral.
The upgrade reflects higher expected recovery prospects on secured debt, while Vietnam’s long-term foreign currency issuer default rating remains unchanged at BB+ with a stable outlook, the release says.
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Bond recall issuance violations
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Vietnam’s State Securities Commission has ordered MBBank to recall six outstanding bond series and refund the principal or deposits plus interest to investors after the regulator found the bank used the proceeds for lending instead of their approved purpose of Tier 2 capital and related investments.
The recall applies to six of 11 bond codes still circulating, with investors given up to 60 days to submit refund requests after the decision takes effect.
Ed.’s notes: Noted for the outcome – refunds to investors as opposed to fines as has generally been the case in the past.
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HCMC remittances US$10 billion +
Vietnamnet is reporting that remittances to Ho Chi Minh City reached more than US$10.34 billion in 2025, up 8.3 percent from about US$9.55 billion in 2024.
Asia remained the largest source at nearly US$5.06 billion, followed by the Americas at over US$3.3 billion, Europe at US$921.46 million, and Oceania at US$893.62 million.
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Techombank real estate loan exposure
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Techcombank has said it has reduced its exposure to property lending, with real estate loans now accounting for about 56 percent of corporate credit and 31 percent of total outstanding loans.
The bank reported personal credit growth of 31 percent in 2025, led by home loans, which rose 25 percent year on year.
Ed.’s notes: Noted for Techombank’s exposure to the real estate sector.
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Battery swapping regulations HCMC
Thanh Nien is reporting that the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction has issued new rules governing the installation and operation of electric motorbike battery swap cabinets on public sidewalks.
The city requires operators to fully self-fund installation and operation, meet strict fire and electrical safety standards, and carry public liability insurance.
Battery cabinets must also support batteries used by multiple vehicle brands or firms must commit to open connection protocols, the article says.
Ed.’s notes: This seems technically challenging.
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Export to Italy
the-shiv is reporting that in December, Vietnam exported US$455 million worth of goods to Italy, up 15.03 percent over November, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
So far this year, Vietnam has exported US$5,298 million worth of goods to Italy.
Imports from Netherlands
the-shiv is reporting that in December, Vietnam imported US$99.80 million worth of goods from Netherlands, up from US$60.83 million in November, a change of 64.08 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
So far this year, Vietnam has imported US$825 million worth of goods from Netherlands.
Stock market Thursday
the-shiv is reporting that the VN-Index closed at 1,882.73, down 2.71 points or 0.14 percent, with a total trading value of VND 33,602.98 billion or US$1275.26 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$55.56 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 January 22, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,650 and the sell rate was VND 26,700, a change of 50 and 50, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,675 (up 0.19 percent), according to Ty Gia USD.
Meanwhile, the State Bank of Vietnam’s central exchange rate was set at VND 25,125, while the Google Finance mid-market rate stood at VND 26,270.
Milk imports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam imported milk and milk products to the tune of US$164 million in December, up from US$106 million in November, a change of 55.51 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Year to date, Vietnam had imported US$1,437 million worth of milk and milk products by the end of December.
Textile, leather and footwear materials exports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam exported textile, leather and footwear materials and auxiliaries to the tune of US$237 million in December, up from US$188 million in November, a change of 26.19 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Year to date, Vietnam had exported US$2,433 million worth of textile, leather and footwear materials and auxiliaries by the end of December.
Yesterday’s Vietnam news headlines
In yesterday’s headlines: Current state real estate market: VARs, Bank cash withdrawals falling, MoC on HSR prep, Mercedes distributor profits fall, Science / tech spending development, Vingroup and VN carbon market, Queues to buy silver, Supermarket chain ownership change, Plastic producer expansion, Mitsubishi sales jump, Record seafood sales, New sports complexes major events opportunity, Trump golf course local government inspection, Imports from UK, Exports to Singapore, Stock market Wednesday, Exchange rates Wednesday, and more. Read more→