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.
Fuel disruptions
Dan Tri is reporting that the Ministry of Industry and Trade has ordered tighter inspections of domestic petrol trading amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The Domestic Market Management and Development Agency instructed local authorities to monitor supply, retail prices and signs of hoarding, unjustified price increases and/or sales suspensions.
Inspections will focus on wholesalers, distributors and retail stations, targeting practices such as stockpiling, selling above listed prices or trading smuggled or substandard fuel.
Retailers reported discounts from suppliers falling to VND 0 per litre (US$0.00) at some depots on March 2 and 3, with limited supply affecting RON 95 and diesel orders.
Ed.’s notes: The “discount” is the retailer’s margin before costs, FYI.
Inspections are aimed at making sure retailers sell petrol regardless of the margin.
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Freight costs increase US$4,000 / container
Thanh Nien is reporting that exporters have said that, since March 2, ocean freight rates have increased by US$2,000–4,000 per container, with some routes to the Middle East, Red Sea and eastern Mediterranean suspended.
Business representatives said higher freight costs are particularly burdensome for cost, insurance and freight contracts, affecting rice exports to Africa and coffee shipments to Europe.
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Dung Quat refinery Middle East exposure
Vietnamnet is reporting that Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical said its Dung Quat refinery uses 30–35 percent imported crude, though from West Africa, the Mediterranean region, the US, and only partly from the Middle East (as opposed to the Nghi Son refinery, which uses mostly Kuwaiti crude).
Binh Son has proposed prioritising domestic crude and condensate for Dung Quat and temporarily limiting crude exports through the third quarter of 2026 to ensure energy security.
Ed.’s notes: Noted for the refinery’s exposure to Middle East oil supply disruptions (versus Nghi Son, which uses almost entirely Kuwaiti crude).
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Samsung Vietnam revenues up
Technode is reporting that four Samsung subsidiaries in Vietnam reported a combined net profit of US$3.68 billion in 2025, up 12.2 percent, on revenue of US$62.12 billion, up 8.1 percent.
The units manufacture over half of Samsung’s global phone output, and their revenue equalled 13 percent of Vietnam’s US$475 billion export turnover.
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Thai meat firm revenue down
The Investor is reporting that Thailand’s Charoen Pokphand Foods, a key meat producer, has reported Vietnam revenue of US$3.22 billion in 2025, down 17 percent year on year, the lowest level since 2020.
The company attributed the weaker Vietnam results mainly to Thai baht appreciation.
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South Korean firm supplements market exit
The Investor is reporting that South Korea’s Kyowon The Orm Vietnam, which sells functional foods and dietary supplements through a multi-level marketing model, completed procedures to terminate its operations effective July 28, 2025.
The Danang Department of Industry and Trade confirmed receipt of the company’s termination dossier in November 2025, following voluntary initiation by the firm.
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Rare earths Australia-VN cooperation suggestion
East Asia Forum is carrying commentary that argues Australia should deepen rare earth cooperation with Vietnam to diversify supply chains after China’s 2025 export controls exposed vulnerabilities in the existing system.
It says Australia’s domestic processing ambitions face environmental, social and governance constraints, with the authors proposing reallocating parts of its light rare earth mining and refining to Vietnam.
Ed.’s notes: They seem to be arguing for exporting environmental concerns / pollution from the refining process to Vietnam.
Also, Aus. firm Blackstone Minerals was in talks in 2023 about partnering with a local rare earth firm. This seems to have come to a halt when the Vietnam firm was raided and subsequently shut down over tax issues.
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Middle East trade disruption seafood
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers warned escalating conflict in the Middle East is disrupting Vietnam’s seafood exports through higher freight, insurance and cold-chain risks.
The association said prolonged instability around the Strait of Hormuz could sustain high logistics costs and disrupt supply chains for shrimp, salmon and tuna.
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Murphy Oil update
Trading View is reporting that in a status update, Murphy Oil management has said Vietnam oil discoveries dubbed Lac Da Vang (Golden Camel) and Hai Su Vang (Golden Sea Lion) support an estimated 30,000–50,000 barrels per day net production.
It said the first oil is targeted around 2030–2031, with Golden Camel expected in 2029 and a likely phased Golden Sea Lion development in the early 2030s.
Murphy said it can develop Vietnam within a US$1.1–1.3 billion annual capital programme, while planning an exploration campaign in Vietnam in 2027–2029 and continuing appraisal work.
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Copper pipe antidumping EU
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that the Ministry of Industry and Trade said on March 2 that the European Commission has confirmed receipt of a valid complaint seeking an anti-dumping investigation into copper pipe imports from Vietnam.
The Trade Remedies Authority urged exporters to submit company details and export volumes and values in United States dollars for 2023, 2024 and 2025 to support the process.
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SBV operations
Thanh Nien is reporting that the State Bank of Vietnam injected over VND60,178 billion (US$2.28 billion) into the open market on March 3 as interbank interest rates rose.
Funds were offered across seven to 56-day tenors at 4.5 percent per year, with 7–11 members winning bids, following a prior injection of VND82,641 billion (US$3.14 billion).
The central bank also conducted a seven-day United States dollar and Vietnam dong swap, buying spot dollars at VND23,837 and selling forward at VND23,843, with a maximum size of US$1 billion.
Ed.’s notes: These are big numbers.
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Vietnam’s Persian Gulf Trade Exposure 2026: Unpacked
From the-shiv: With the conflict in the Middle East raging, trade disruptions are inevitable, particularly for goods traversing the Strait of Hormuz. Here’s what that trade looks like for Vietnam. Read the full article →
Stock market Tuesday
the-shiv is reporting that the VN-Index closed at 1,813.14, down 32.96 points or 1.79 percent, with a total trading value of VND 43,741.23 billion or US$1,660.01 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$29.94 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
the-shiv is reporting that on March 3, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,730, and the sell rate was VND 26,780, a change of 50 and 60, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,755 (up 0.21 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Imports from Saudi Arabia
the-shiv is reporting that in January, Vietnam imported US$103.50 million worth of goods from Saudi Arabia, down from US$116.68 million in December, a change of -11.30 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Exports to the UAE
the-shiv is reporting that in January, Vietnam exported US$581 million worth of goods to the United Arab Emirates, up 10.62 percent over December, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Updated: Vietnam Seafood Processing 2026
Vietnam is a major exporter of seafood products, with the US, China, Japan, and South Korea as primary markets.
The industry offers a vast array of seafood, from shrimp and catfish to tuna and squid. Aquaculture has grown in importance, substantially contributing to overall seafood production.
Employing millions, primarily women, the industry significantly impacts the socioeconomic landscape. Read the full article →
Updated: Vietnam Special Consumption Tax (SCT) 2026
There are a number of taxes that foreign business owners in Vietnam should be aware of.
One of these taxes is Vietnam’s special consumption tax, which is particularly important for foreign proprietors of businesses like bars and nightclubs, hotels, and retail businesses broadly.
With this in mind, this article runs through what this tax is, what it applies to, and the key elements that apply to foreign business persons. Read the full article →
Updated: Vietnam Foreign Ownership Limits (2026 Update)
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam has foreign ownership limits in a number of sectors.
These sectors are outlined in Decree 31/2021/ND-CP, which clarifies and adds detail to guidelines on foreign investment in Vietnam outlined in the Law on Investment 2020.
All up there are 25 business lines in which no foreign investment is permitted and 59 business lines in which foreign investment is restricted. Read the full article →
Updated: Vietnam’s News Media Industry 2026
The Vietnamese news media industry in 2025 continues to evolve rapidly, influenced by technological advancements, economic growth, and changing consumer preferences.
While state-owned media still dominate the landscape, independent outlets and digital platforms have gained significant traction, offering a more diverse range of perspectives and news coverage. Read the full article →
Updated: How to Open a Hotel in Vietnam
Opening a hotel or resort in Vietnam for foreign firms or individuals, however, is not always easy.
Not only are there several technical and licensing requirements that need to be met, but Vietnam also has its own unique travel culture.
This guide runs through the ins and outs of opening a hotel in Vietnam. Read the full article →
Yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup
the-shiv is reporting that In today’s Vietnam news: Japan exits LNG project in Hai Phong, MoIT business advice re: Middle East conflict, LPG supply disruptions, Real estate stocks analysis, Gold demand steady, US antidumping tariffs wood products, Singapore firm hotel acquisition, Middle East conflict local analysis, GS TL on new growth model resolution, Oil price shock analysis, Vietnam PMI January, Stock market Monday, Exchange rates Monday, Imports from France, Chemical products imports, Cashew nut exports, Updated: Vietnam Aquaculture Industry 2026, and more. Read the full article →