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.
Vietnam video games market report
Pocket Gamer is reporting that Vietnam’s mobile games market generated US$825 million in revenue in 2025, with about 54 million gamers, placing the country among the world’s top seven markets by downloads.
A report by Gamota said market revenue grew 9.16 percent year on year, though only 7 percent to 10 percent of players spend money on mobile games.
Ed.’s notes: The original report.
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Legal action threat renewables
Reuters is reporting that foreign investors have warned Vietnam they may pursue legal action over reduced electricity tariffs for wind and solar projects, according to a joint letter from five chambers of commerce.
The dispute follows Vietnam’s retroactive reduction of feed-in tariffs for renewable energy projects after authorities cited irregularities in the subsidy scheme.
Investors operating projects with a combined capacity of about 12 gigawatts said unpaid tariff obligations could lead to defaults and losses on multibillion-dollar investments.
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South Korean cable factory groundbreaking
Offshore-Energy is reporting that South Korea’s Taihan Cable & Solution has begun construction of Vietnam’s first 400 kilovolt extra high voltage cable manufacturing plant in Dong Nai province.
The project is being developed by its subsidiary Taihan Cable Vina at the Long Thanh Industrial Zone on a 56,200 square metre site.
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Chinese commentary investment risks Vietnam
36kr is carrying commentary highlighting tighter trade enforcement as reducing Vietnam’s role as a transhipment hub for Chinese exports to the United States, and, by extension, its attractiveness as an investment destination.
It says Vietnam has introduced monitoring systems to detect rerouted Chinese goods, requiring at least 30 percent local content or substantial processing to qualify for origin rules.
United States customs now require full supply chain traceability, meaning products assembled in Vietnam using undeclared Chinese components risk penalties or tariffs.
Businesses cited report rising land prices, labour shortages, stricter customs inspections and higher compliance costs are making manufacturing investment in Vietnam more difficult.
Ed.’s notes: This is in Chinese >> framing feels almost like it is discouraging investors.
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Another petrol price hike
Vietnamnet is reporting that Vietnam used 4,000–5,000 VND per litre (about US$0.15–US$0.19) from the fuel Price Stabilisation Fund during the March 12 price adjustment to limit domestic fuel increases.
Despite the subsidy, retail prices still rose for several products, with RON95 petrol capped at 25,575 VND per litre (US$0.97) and diesel at 27,025 VND per litre (US$1.03).
Ed.’s notes: See also>> Vietnam Fuel Prices and Trade Disruption Tracker: Iran Conflict 2026
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Man fined for fuel price speculation
Thanh Nien is reporting that Hanoi police have fined a 23-year-old electric vehicle salesman VND 7.5 million (US$284) for posting false information claiming petrol prices would rise to VND 40,000 per litre.
Authorities said the post was intended to attract online engagement and increase followers to help sell electric vehicles.
Police determined the information about petrol price increases circulating on social media was fabricated.
The individual removed the post and was warned to comply with regulations when sharing information on social media.
Ed.’s notes: In other parts of the world, this would generally be protected speech – opinion, speculation, or exaggeration.
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Biofuel switch push
Petro Times is reporting that the Vietnam Ministry of Industry and Trade is promoting expanded use of biofuels, including E5 and E10 gasoline, to diversify energy supply and strengthen national energy security.
The policy push was discussed at a March 11 conference on implementing biofuel blending with traditional fuels under new regulations issued in 2025.
Ed.’s notes: On again, off again relationship with biofuels – rollout has been repeatedly delayed, with early mandates dating back to 2012; E5 was introduced nationwide in 2018, E10 blending is now scheduled for June 2026. ME conflict new impetus?
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Teacher overtime pay 5 years overdue
Dan Tri is reporting that authorities in Dak Lak province are reviewing unpaid overtime teaching payments owed to teachers totalling more than VND 38 billion (US$1.44 million).
The debt covers additional teaching hours from the 2020-2021 to 2024-2025 school years across 33 communes and wards.
Officials said the arrears arose because schools operated two daily sessions without sufficient teaching staff, while local education budgets lacked funds to cover overtime payments.
Ed.’s notes: For education as driver of economic development / actual government expenses versus reported – as in where does this overtime sit in the State’s balance sheet?
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Pho prices rising
Kien Thuc is reporting that many pho and noodle shops in Hanoi have raised prices by about VND 5,000 (US$0.19) per bowl as food, energy and labour costs increase.
Restaurant owners have said higher prices for beef, bones, spices, electricity, gas, rent, and wages have forced small adjustments to maintain profitability.
Ed.’s notes: Underlines pho’s place as a key grassroots economic indicator in Vietnam.
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Explainer: What is Vietnam’s Price Stabilisation Fund?
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has announced that it will be reducing retail fuel prices in Vietnam by dipping into the country’s Price Stabilisation Fund. So what is it? And how does it work? Read the full article →
Petroleum imports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam imported US$721 million in petroleum products and US$246 million in other petroleum products in February, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Stock market Thursday
The VN-Index closed at 1,709.61, down 18.73 points or 1.08 percent, with a total trading value of VND 27,179.84 billion or US$1031.49 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$7.86 million worth of equities, Thursday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
Exchange rates Thursday
the-shiv is reporting that on March 12, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 27,150, and the sell rate was VND 27,190, a change of 40 and 50, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 27,170 (down 0.17 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Corporate bond issuance February
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s corporate bond issuance remained subdued in February, while a large volume of debt is still set to mature later this year, according to data compiled by the Vietnam Bond Market Association. Read the full article →
Government bond auction outcomes
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s State Treasury sold VND 560 billion (US$21.3 million) worth of government bonds at an auction held on March 11, 2026, far below the VND 13,500 billion (US$512.3 million) offered, according to a release from the Vietnam Bond Market Association. Read the full article →
Updated: Vietnam’s Coffee Industry in 2026
Vietnam continues to be a formidable force in the global coffee industry, maintaining its status as the second-largest coffee exporter in the world, just behind Brazil.
Vietnam is particularly renowned for its robusta coffee, which plays a pivotal role in the global market.
The country’s robusta production, primarily centred in the Central Highlands, accounts for a significant portion of the global supply, making Vietnam an essential contributor to the international coffee trade. Read the full article →
Updated: Vietnam Securities Industry 2026
The Vietnam securities industry is the financial market system in Vietnam that facilitates the trading of securities such as stocks, bonds, and derivatives.
It is regulated by the State Securities Commission (SSC), a government body responsible for overseeing market activities, ensuring transparency, and protecting investor interests. Read the full article →
Updated: Vietnam Gas Power Industry 2026
Vietnam’s gas power industry is poised for significant growth as the country seeks to diversify its energy mix and reduce its reliance on coal.
With increasing energy demand driven by rapid economic development and industrialisation, natural gas is seen as a cleaner and more flexible alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Read the full article →
Updated: How to Open a Factory in Vietnam
Opening a factory in Vietnam for foreign firms or individuals, however, is not always easy.
Not only are there several technical requirements that need to be met, but there are also a broad number of considerations that need to be made–choosing the right location, the right business structure, and finding the right workers, for example. Read the full article →
Updated: Banking in Vietnam Overview
Banking in Vietnam is evolving and, in many ways, putting banking in Vietnam at the forefront of consumer banking product development. That said, the banking industry in Vietnam is among the most heavily regulated sectors.
Not only that, but the core tenets of international banking often do not apply in this rapidly developing nation.
With this in mind, it is fairly safe to say that, when it comes to banking in Vietnam, the country is carving out a unique path of its own. Read the full article →
Yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup
In yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup: LNG shipment received, UK renewables VN acquisition, Growth companies survey, Cinema spending, Antidumping duties steel, Fuel prices cut, Ride-hailing driver fuel price support, Bac Ninh worker shortage, Debtors auction petrol company, Agriculture impacts fuel price rises, US trade investigations, Car sales February, Exports to USA February, Textile and garment exports, Stock market Wednesday, Exchange rates Wednesday, Updated: Recruitment Companies in Vietnam 2026, and more. Read the full article →