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
Counterfeit ice cream store
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Lai Chau Provincial Police have prosecuted the owner of “Mixue Than Uyen” after discovering the business was operating without franchise rights.
Police allege the Mixue name was used along with Mixue’s images and trademarks to sell ice cream and milk tea despite having no agreement with the brand. View source→
Business bank deposits falling
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that State Bank of Vietnam data shows business and economic organisation deposits at credit institutions fell 2.69 percent by the end of March 2026, while household deposits continued to rise.
Total means of payment reached more than VND 19.6 quadrillion (US$743.8 billion) at the end of March, up 0.98 percent from the end of 2025. View source→
SBV interest rates advertised versus reality
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that the State Bank of Vietnam has warned banks against publicly reporting lower deposit rates but actually paying higher interest rates.
State Bank of Vietnam Region 1 said banks must ensure consistency between listed rates, internal policies, and rates actually applied to customers. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Not clear if this is due to a specific incident or if it’s preemptive.
Gold content import regulations
Thanh Nien is reporting that the Ministry of Science and Technology has released a draft circular requiring imported gold bars and raw gold to contain at least 99.5 percent gold.
Gold producers, processors and importers would also be required to publicly disclose applicable standards through labels, packaging, accompanying documents or digital platforms. View source→
Foreign investors buy US$178m Vingroup
VnExpress is reporting that foreign investors posted a record net purchase of more than VND 4.06 trillion (US$154 million) in shares on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange on June 15.
Most of the inflows went into Vingroup shares through block trades, with foreign investors buying around VND 4.7 trillion (US$178 million) despite the stock falling 1.5 percent. View source→
Illegal weapons manufacturing outfit shutdown
VnExpress is reporting that Ha Tinh Provincial Police have charged and detained eight people over allegations of illegally manufacturing, possessing and trading military weapons.
Investigators allege the group has operated since 2023 from a workshop disguised as a civilian mechanical business, producing components for PCP air rifles and selling them through social media.
Authorities seized firearms, assembly kits, ammunition, raw materials and more than 10,000 related parts. View source→
Steel maker largest number outstanding shares
Dan Tri is reporting that Hoa Phat Group has increased its charter capital to VND 84.4 trillion (US$3.20 billion), surpassing Vietcombank and MB to become the listed company with the largest number of outstanding shares. View source→
Construction contract advance payment regulations
Vietnam Plus is reporting that Vietnam will cap advance payments on construction contracts at 30 percent of contract value from July 1, 2026, under new rules governing public investment and public-private partnership projects.
The decree further sets minimum advance payment levels by contract type and requires advances to be fully recovered once cumulative payments reach 80 percent of the contract value. View source→
Petrol stations still running at loss
Tuoi Tre is reporting that fuel retailers in Ho Chi Minh City have urged authorities to review pricing and supply arrangements, saying margins on E10 bioethanol gasoline are too low to cover operating costs.
Businesses said disco margins on E10 range from VND 10-300 (US$0.0004-0.011) per litre, while margins on diesel range from VND 10-100 (US$0.0004-0.004) per litre, despite additional costs associated with tank cleaning and E10 implementation.
Retailers said low margins and difficulties accessing supply have left some stations facing localised shortages or temporary closures while waiting for deliveries. View source→
Powdered milk production May
Vietnam produced 13.90 thousand tonnes of powdered milk in May, up 1.39 percent from 13.71 thousand tonnes in April 2026, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office. Read the full article →
Stock exchange Monday
The VN-Index closed at 1,799.31, up 7.66 points or 0.43 percent, with a total trading value of VND 25,367.59 billion or US$962.72 million, and foreign traders net-buying US$157.69 million worth of equities, Monday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
Exchange rates Monday
On June 15, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,300, and the sell rate was VND 26,320, a change of 60 and 50, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,310 (up 0.21 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Data Security: 20 Million Records Stolen in Vietnam National Immunisation System Hack
This, among other recent cyber incidents, provides an interesting backdrop to plans approved last month to develop a national cloud platform to replace foreign cloud services. Read the full article →
Yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup
In yesterday’s Vietnam news: Garment and textile orders slow, China arbitration liaison office HCMC, Taiwan bike maker VN factory, Nat. immunisation system hacked, Automotive localisation, More news outlets to close, PM to meet Putin, FDI targets, Military personnel join HCMC airport construction effort, National Day public holiday dates, Motor vehicle production May, Fresh milk production May, Stock market Friday, and more. Read the full article →