This is a brief rundown of what is being reported today in Vietnam’s state-approved media and about Vietnam in the international press.
It endeavours to highlight the narratives currently shaping the country’s economic, financial, and business news landscape.
Ed’s note: I’m always looking for new sources with unique insights. If you’re operating a business or working in Vietnam and want to talk about it, reach out: mark.barnes@the-shiv.com
Accor-Sun Group agreement
Costar is reporting that Accor and Sun Group have signed an agreement to add 5,300 hotel rooms in Vietnam.
Sun Hospitality & Entertainment will operate the hotels and manage the expansion of Accor’s brands under the partnership. View source→
US largest ethanol supplier
Agwired is reporting that Vietnam’s nationwide E10 petrol mandate has boosted ethanol demand, with the United States the country’s largest ethanol supplier.
The report said the United States supplied US$4.3 million of ethanol to Vietnam last year, accounting for 58 percent of imports. View source→
Demographic dividend to end 3 years early
Vietnamnet is reporting that Vietnam’s General Statistics Office projects the country’s demographic dividend will end in 2036, three years earlier than previously forecast.
The projections show people aged 65 and above will reach 15% of the population in 2036, while older adults are expected to outnumber children from 2034. View source→
Maritime economy development
Vietnam News is reporting that Party General Secretary and State President To Lam has directed the Government to develop a national maritime industry programme through 2035 to strengthen Vietnam’s marine economy, defence and strategic autonomy.
Lam said Vietnam should build an integrated maritime industrial ecosystem linking shipbuilding, repair, ports, logistics, supporting industries and lifecycle services, with businesses leading investment and the State providing policy support. View source→
ACV looking to live test HCMC airport
Thanh Nien is reporting that the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) has asked the Ministry of Construction and the Prime Minister to approve opening Long Thanh Airport while continuing testing and fixing technical defects during initial commercial operations.
The company said operating under live conditions would allow engineers to identify and rectify technical issues across complex systems, including baggage handling and passenger identification.
ACV said the phased rollout reflects commissioning practices used at major international airports, where systems are refined during early commercial operations. View source→
Shipping costs to USA spike
Dan Tri is reporting that shipping costs on Vietnam’s main export routes to the United States have risen sharply, with the Ho Chi Minh City-US East Coast route exceeding US$9,000 per 40-foot container, according to logistics platform Phaata.
Phaata attributed the increase to stronger US import demand ahead of tariff changes, continued Red Sea disruptions forcing longer shipping routes, and higher fuel and operating costs. View source→
Remittances from Japan
Japan Times is reporting that Japan’s overseas remittances exceeded ¥1 trillion (US$6.8 billion) for the first time in fiscal 2025, with Vietnam receiving the largest share as the number of Vietnamese workers in Japan continued to grow.
Finance Ministry data showed remittances rose 11.5 percent year-on-year to ¥1.004 trillion (US$6.8 billion), with Vietnam receiving ¥288.8 billion (US$2.0 billion), ahead of Indonesia and the Philippines. View source→
Inflation warning
Vietnam News is reporting that the government has directed ministries and local authorities to strengthen inflation monitoring and prepare response plans, warning that room to absorb price shocks is narrowing.
The Ministry of Finance said inflationary pressures are expected to increase from higher wages, stronger electricity demand, public investment, energy costs and scheduled increases in state-managed prices, moving forward. View source→
Adding VN to Portugal tax haven list
The Portugal News is reporting that Portugal’s government has asked parliament to approve changes that would automatically add European Union-listed non-cooperative tax jurisdictions, including Vietnam, to Portugal’s national tax haven list.
Vietnam was added to the European Union’s list in February 2026 over tax transparency and information exchange shortcomings.
If approved, entities linked to jurisdictions on Portugal’s tax haven list could face stricter reporting requirements and higher tax rates under Portuguese law. View source→
Stock market Tuesday
The VN-Index closed at 1,806.63, up 6.09 points or 0.34 percent, with a total trading value of VND 14,261.57 billion or US$541.24 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$7.36 million worth of equities, Tuesday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
Exchange rates Tuesday
On July 14, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,400, and the sell rate was VND 26,450, a change of 0 and 0, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,425 (down 0.00 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Yesterday’s news roundup
In yesterday’s Vietnam news: Vietnam Airlines trading restrictions removed, Insurance payouts VSS, Car sales June, 23+ years prison term recommended counterfeit supplements, Counterfeit shoes arrest, Fitch Ratings rates HDBank BB-, New HCMC airport deadline, Iron ore vendor bribery allegations, Gilimex to appeal US court ruling, Real estate developer bond fund raising June, Baby bonus scheme opinion, SK firm to expand circuit board manufacturing, Stock market Monday, and more. Read the full article →