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 supply status
Thanh Nien is reporting that Vietnam’s fuel supply remains sufficient overall despite reports of localised shortages.
Officials and major suppliers said domestic refineries and imports continue to meet national demand, although industry representatives have said some retailers have struggled to secure fuel because prolonged low commissions and unprofitable sales have reduced incentives to maintain supply. View source→
Critical minerals industry commentary
Investor News is carrying commentary from Jack Lifton, Co-Chair of the Critical Minerals Institute (CMI), arguing that Vietnam’s rare earth sector faces supply chain and governance risks because many projects remain dependent on Chinese technology, equipment, chemicals and technical expertise.
He notes Vietnam is seeking to expand domestic rare earth processing and reduce exports of unprocessed material, but building independent separation capacity remains challenging. View source→
Sotheby’s opens HCMC office
In a press release, Sotheby’s International Realty has said it has opened its first office in Vietnam
Headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Sotheby’s International Realty will market luxury residential properties nationwide. View source→
Fairmont International School market entry
Kyodo News is reporting that Fairmont International School Vietnam has officially launched in Hanoi ahead of the 2026-2027 academic year.
The school will offer United States Common Core Standards programmes from primary through high school, with Advanced Placement courses planned and options aligned with Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training. View source→
China response US customs inspections VN
China’s The Global Times is carrying commentary rejecting the “China squeeze” narrative (that is, that China is pulling manufacturing investment away from other emerging markets), saying development between China and developing economies, like Vietnam, is based on mutual interests rather than zero-sum competition. View source→
Ed.’s notes: The headline of this article references the US customs inspections reported earlier this week, but the body doesn’t mention it at all.
China-VN counterfeit goods border crossings
Rouse has published an article analysing 486 Chinese customs penalty decisions to map counterfeit goods routes from China into Vietnam between January 2025 and July 2026.
The report found most seizures occurred at border crossings in Lang Son, Quang Ninh and Cao Bang, with footwear, apparel, cosmetics and electronics among the most frequently intercepted products. View source→
US firm nuclear power development support
Technode is reporting that United States-based EXCEL Services Corporation has established EXCEL Services Vietnam, opening offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to support the country’s nuclear power programme.
The company said it has signed memoranda of understanding with the National Innovation Center and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and plans to cooperate with government agencies and corporate partners, according to the article. View source→
Government bond auction yesterday
On July 29, the State Treasury sold VND 6.6 trillion (US$250.5 million) of government bonds after offering VND 13 trillion (US$493.4 million) across five maturities, according to a release from the Vietnam Bond Market Association.
Only five-year and 10-year bonds were allocated, with 3-year, 15-year and 30-year offerings receiving no successful bids.
Winning yields increased to 4.20 percent for five-year bonds and 4.36 percent for 10-year bonds compared with the previous auction.
The Vietnam Bond Market Association said the State Treasury has issued VND 201.165 trillion (US$7.63 billion) of government bonds this year, completing 40.2 percent of its 2026 plan. View source→
Exchange rates Wednesday
On July 30, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,300, and the sell rate was VND 26,320, a change of 20 and 30, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,310 (down 0.09 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Stock market Wednesday
The VN-Index closed at 1,704.68, up 24.06 points or 1.43 percent, with a total trading value of VND 14,388.21 billion or US$546.04 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$3.23 million worth of equities, Wednesday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
Yesterday’s news roundup
In yesterday’s Vietnam news: AMRO growth forecast revised up, New HCMC airport investigation findings, Exchange rate reaches new high, Online electronics sales, National Day holiday schedule, US customs investigating China factories in VN, De Heus new feed mill, Supply chain traceability, Gas power prices, EV insurance, Exchange rates Tuesday, Stock market Tuesday, Yesterday’s news roundup, and more. Read the full article →