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.
Gov’t projections crude oil production
Reuters is reporting that Vietnam’s domestic crude oil production is projected to decline to 5.8 to 8.0 million tonnes annually in 2026–2030, down from an average of 8.6 million tonnes in the past five years.
The forecast was released in a government document, citing maturing offshore fields and rising risks to global supply from geopolitical tensions, the publication says.
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MUFG VND forecast Iran conflict context
MUFG Research analysis has found that a prolonged Strait of Hormuz disruption could push USD/VND above 27,000 if oil prices remain elevated, compared with baseline forecasts of 26,300 by March and 26,600 by the end of 2026.
Higher oil prices are expected to raise inflation and reduce growth, with each US$10 per barrel increase cutting gross domestic product growth by 0.2 percentage points and raising inflation by 0.3–0.4 percentage points.
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Solar vs energy imports
Eco-Business is reporting that Solar power could help Vietnam avoid US$594 million in coal and gas imports if current energy prices persist, according to a Zero Carbon Analytics report.
The estimate is based on 25.9 terawatt hours of solar generation, including US$545 million in avoided coal imports and US$49 million in avoided gas imports.
Ed.’s notes: Source report > missing a few key details, including curtailments on power infrastructure deficiencies and ongoing feed-in tariff dispute.
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Pandora direct power purchase
VIR is reporting that Pandora Production Vietnam has signed a memorandum of understanding with Vietnam Singapore Smart Energy Solutions to source electricity from a solar farm for its manufacturing facility.
The agreement enables direct supply of solar power to Pandora’s crafting facility located in the Vietnam Singapore Industrial Park III.
Ed.’s notes: Interesting to know if recent changes to DPPA policy had an impact.
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UK-listed energy developer gas field development approved
The Government of Vietnam has approved UK-listed Jadestone Energy’s Field Development Plan for the Nam Du and U Minh offshore gas fields, the company has said in a press release.
The project includes initial 2P reserves of 32 million barrels of oil equivalent and will establish a new production hub in southwest Vietnam.
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US Rosen Partners meets with MPS
The Investor is reporting that Vietnam’s Public Security Minister Luong Tam Quang has met with executives from US investment firms Rosen Partners and R.MOR to discuss expanding cooperation in technology and the digital economy.
The talks highlighted science, technology and cybersecurity as key pillars in the Vietnam United States Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Ed.’s notes: Article notes the minister also met with Amazon a couple of weeks ago. Interesting because it’s the MPS as opposed to more traditional development-focused ministries / departments – the Ministry of Industry and Trade or the Department of Planning and Investment, for example.
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Pacific / Vietnam Airlines to sponsor Hue Festival
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Vietnam Airlines and Pacific Airlines have signed an agreement to sponsor Hue Festival 2026 as official carriers, with support valued at over VND1.1 billion (US$41,740).
The sponsorship includes providing flights for international artists and experts, as well as transport support for equipment and official delegations.
Ed.’s notes: It was reported earlier this week that Pacific Airlines had an outstanding debt with HCMC worth about US$27.1 million. Interested to know where it found the money.
Also, as of March 2024, it didn’t have any aircraft, and as of today has no flights scheduled between Hanoi and HCMC on its website for the foreseeable future.
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VN thriller set for international release
Variety is reporting that the Vietnamese film “Bunny!!” has been acquired for international theatrical distribution by 3388 Films and will be released across more than a dozen countries.
The rollout begins in Europe on March 26, followed by the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom on March 27, with additional markets including France and Taiwan.
Ed.’s notes: It was reported yesterday that another VN film was slated for an international release, too. Emerging trend?
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Japan carbon capture project
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that PVN and Japanese partners have proposed a carbon capture and storage project in Nghi Son with an estimated investment of VND50,000 billion (US$1.90 billion).
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Fuel imports first 2 weeks March
Vietnamnet is reporting that in the first 15 days of March alone, petroleum product imports reached over 533,000 tonnes worth nearly US$492 million, up 41.4 percent in volume and 89.2 percent in value year on year.
From the start of the year to March 15, petroleum product imports totalled 2.71 million tonnes worth US$1.94 billion, while crude oil imports reached 2.79 million tonnes valued at US$1.44 billion.
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Raw materials / logistics costs jump
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that logistics costs in Vietnam have risen about 15 percent, with raw material prices up to 30–40 percent, and shipping times extended by 14 to 20 days due to route changes, amid the Middle East conflict.
Sectors such as textiles and footwear remain heavily dependent on imported inputs, with about 70 percent of materials sourced from abroad, limiting pricing flexibility, with some firms holding only two to three months of inventory, the article notes.
Ed.’s notes: There were reports a few days ago that shipping times could reach an extra 7 – 14 days, with costs expected to rise 25 – 35 percent. This latest data might suggest the overall outlook is deteriorating.
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Mercedes distributor branches into VinFast
Vietstock is reporting that Vietnam’s MG and Mercedes distributor Haxaco intends to acquire 65 percent of Viet Future Group, a VinFast dealership operator, through the purchase of 9.75 million shares by March 20.
Viet Future Group operates nine dealerships nationwide, with three under construction and four approved, offering immediate market access for HAX.
The investment comes as HAX seeks to diversify beyond its core segments, after reporting 2025 pre-tax profit of VND56 billion (US$2.12 million).
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HSR tender documents March-end deadline
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that tender documents for Vietnam’s North–South high–speed railway are set to be completed in March, with a feasibility study consultant to be selected in the second quarter of 2026.
The directive was issued by the prime minister as part of efforts to accelerate the implementation of the US$67 billion project.
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Vietnam Fuel Prices and Trade Disruption Tracker: Iran Conflict 2026 *UPDATED
This article tracks developments in Vietnam’s energy sector in the context of the emerging conflict in Iran and its impact on energy resources moving through the Strait of Hormuz. Read the full article →
Stock market Wednesday
The VN-Index closed at 1,713.83, up 3.54 points or 0.21 percent, with a total trading value of VND 26,224.12 billion or US$995.22 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$96.89 million worth of equities, Wednesday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange Read the full article →
Exchange rates Wednesday
On March 18, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 27,400, and the sell rate was VND 27,450, a change of 60 and 60, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 27,425 (up 0.22 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Car imports
Vietnam imported motor vehicles to the tune of US$359 million in February, down from US$385 million in January, a change of -6.84 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Coffee exports
Vietnam exported coffee to the tune of US$672 million in February, down from US$1,081 million in January, a change of -37.89 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Updated: Vietnam’s Economy 2026
Vietnam’s economy has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing and most dynamic markets, attracting significant global attention. Read the full article →
Updated: Tax in Vietnam 2026
There are a number of taxes that foreign business owners in Vietnam should be aware of. Read the full article →
Updated: Personal Income Tax in Vietnam 2026
There are a number of taxes that foreign business owners in Vietnam should be aware of. Read the full article →
Yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup
In yesterday’s Vietnam news: Indo fintech buys VN bank, VN horror flick goes regional, Denmark-VN pork cooperation, Fertiliser prices, Loan interest rates, Fruit and veg price drop, Crypto exchange update, Drone disruptions airport costs, Fibre factory repossessed, HSBC takes possession of 49 million Vingroup shares, Coffee / tea chain market report, LPG terminal Hai Phong approved, Low emissions zone plan Hoan Kiem, PM asks Japan for oil, PM asks Angola for oil / gas supply support, Exchange rates Tuesday, Stock market Tuesday, and more. Read the full article →