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
Fuel distributors closing down
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Vietnam fuel wholesalers are struggling to secure supplies, citing import difficulties, limited domestic availability, losses and tightening credit as retailers complain of shortages.
Several wholesalers said they had suspended supply to external customers or closed retail outlets, with one company reporting losses of VND 3,000 (US$0.11) per litre.
Companies said diesel imports remain constrained by global supply disruptions, while ethanol imports for biofuel blending are also difficult because of supply and logistics constraints. View source→
Securities cash account balances fall
Tuoi Tre is reporting that cash held at Vietnamese securities companies fell sharply in the second quarter, with total customer deposits dropping 25.9 percent quarter-on-quarter to VND86.6 trillion (US$3.29 billion).
VPS recorded the largest decline, with customer deposits falling by VND8.85 trillion (US$335.9 million) to VND14.45 trillion (US$548.3 million), while Yuanta Securities Vietnam posted the steepest percentage drop. View source→
US-VN fake Nike seizure
BBC is reporting that Vietnamese authorities have seized nearly 50,000 suspected counterfeit Nike and Air Jordan products after information provided by the US Department of Homeland Security led investigators.
The seizure included 25,396 finished pairs of shoes, 20,875 shoe uppers and 10,800 pairs of soles, with authorities estimating the goods were worth more than VND100 billion (US$3.80 million). View source→
Gov’t response US forced labour tariffs
VnExpress is reporting that the government has responded to the United States’ new 12.5 percent tariff on Vietnamese goods under its Section 301 investigation by saying it does not fully reflect Hanoi’s efforts to prevent forced labour.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang cited a new decree, issued two days before the new tariffs were announced, banning imports of goods produced wholly or partly through forced labour. View source→
Proposed U16 social media ban
Reuters is reporting that the government has proposed requiring social media platforms to prevent users under 16 from posting, commenting or reacting to content under a draft decree aimed at strengthening online child safety.
The proposal would require under-16 accounts to be registered through a parent or legal guardian, who would oversee children’s online activity and screen time.
The draft decree would also limit children under 16 to 60 minutes of online gaming per day with the same game provider, although the rules have not yet been finalised. View source→
Green SM Denmark market entry
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Green SM is set to launch in Denmark on July 30, marking its first entry into Europe, with about 600 VinFast VF 6 and VF 8 electric taxis delivered to the Copenhagen area.
Danish media reported Green SM is recruiting drivers ahead of its launch, while Swedish recruitment suggests preparations are also underway for expansion into neighbouring markets. View source→
Non-life insurance sector rating
Financial Content is reporting that AM Best has maintained a stable outlook for Vietnam’s non-life insurance sector, citing strong demand, technology adoption and favourable macroeconomic conditions.
The ratings agency said robust exports, foreign direct investment and government spending are supporting commercial insurance demand despite intensifying competition from new and existing insurers. View source→
Online retail sales
VnExpress is reporting that Vietnam’s online retail sales rose more than 40 percent in the first half of 2026, reaching VND291.6 trillion (US$11.07 billion) across Shopee, TikTok Shop, Lazada and Tiki.
The four platforms sold more than 2.18 billion products, with online retail growing about three times faster than Vietnam’s overall retail sector and accounting for nearly 10 percent of total retail sales. View source→
Chinese FDI project expansion
The Investor is reporting that Chinese manufacturer Solex plans to invest an additional US$97 million in its Quang Ninh subsidiary, increasing its registered charter capital from US$80 million to US$177 million.
The investment will support manufacturing expansion at Solex Vietnam, which produces kitchenware, bathroom products, healthcare equipment and beauty products. View source→
Stock market Friday
The VN-Index closed at 1,686.11, down 13.27 points or 0.78 percent, with a total trading value of VND 13,898.27 billion or US$527.45 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$50.40 million worth of equities, Friday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
Friday’s news roundup
In Friday’s Vietnam news: Forced labour US tariffs, Steel industry first half growth, Nghi Son crude supply, Deregulating petrol pricing proposal, Fuel price hike, VN-US trade talks, Excess baggage bribe charges Vietnam Airlines, Nuclear sector worker needs, Exchange rates Thursday, Stock market Thursday, Yesterday’s news roundup, and more. Read the full article →