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.
Biofuel mandate moved forward
Reuters is reporting that Vietnam will begin nationwide use of E10 gasoline, containing 10 percent bioethanol, from April, advancing a previous June 1 target under a directive signed March 19.
The directive also calls for electric vehicle incentives, expanded renewable energy use, and the elimination of 20 to 60-watt incandescent bulbs from the third quarter of 2026.
Add your thoughts: Send a letter to the editor→
State to subsidise petrol if PSF runs out
Vietnam News is reporting that Vietnam’s Prime Minister has approved advancing state budget funds to the fuel price stabilisation fund (PSF) to address potential shortfalls.
The Ministry of Finance will finalise the proposal for implementation by April 15, with possible extension, and the fund will later reimburse the State budget after the crisis subsides.
Add your thoughts: Send a letter to the editor→
Official response to USTR investigation
VOV World is reporting that Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to a United States Section 301 investigation into alleged overcapacity and forced labour in Vietnamese imports by saying the economy operates under market principles and complies with World Trade Organisation regulations.
It has also pointed out that many countries recognise Vietnam as a market economy.
Ed.’s notes: USTR press release, MOFA statement – Doesn’t really address the grievances the United States is raising.
Add your thoughts: Send a letter to the editor→
Denmark firm buys into Hai Phong port
Denmark’s APM Terminals has acquired a 49 percent stake in the Hateco Hai Phong International Container Terminal, becoming a minority shareholder and operating partner with Hateco Group, the company has said in a press release.
The terminal, located in Lach Huyen, Hai Phong, includes two deep-water berths and can handle vessels of up to 18,000 twenty-foot equivalent units.
Ed.’s notes: APM is also developing the Lien Chieu Port in Danang FYI.
Add your thoughts: Send a letter to the editor→
Fuel price adjustments delay narrowed
Dan Tri is reporting that, from March 20, immediate fuel price adjustments will be allowed if base prices rise at least 15 percent or fall at least 10 percent, replacing an earlier 7 percent threshold, and allowing for price adjustments outside the regular Thursday review cycle.
If price movements remain below these thresholds, fuel prices will continue to be adjusted weekly under existing regulations.
Add your thoughts: Send a letter to the editor→
Phu Quoc APEC 2027 delays persist – fuel shortage
Thanh Nien is reporting that contractors on major infrastructure projects for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation 2027 in Phu Quoc are receiving only a fraction of the diesel they need, slowing construction and increasing costs.
The article also notes that land clearance issues are persisting across key sites, with many projects delayed 40–60 days as authorities face disputes, absent landowners, and incomplete compensation processes.
Add your thoughts: Send a letter to the editor→
Gas cylinder price increase
VnExpress is reporting that Liquefied petroleum gas prices in Ho Chi Minh City rose from March 20–21, with 12 kg cylinders increasing by VND50,000–70,000 (about US$1.90–US$2.70).
Retail prices reached VND452,000–565,000 per 12 kg cylinder (about US$17.15–US$21.45), as companies adjusted rates despite differing pricing cycles.
Add your thoughts: Send a letter to the editor→
Transport project delays on construction materials shortages
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that the Vietnam Association of Road Transport Infrastructure Investors (VARSI) has said rising construction materials prices are partly being caused by intermediaries inflating material prices by 1.3–1.5 times.
The association has requested government action to stabilise prices, update cost indices, control market manipulation, and consider deadline extensions and risk sharing for affected projects, the article says.
Add your thoughts: Send a letter to the editor→
Italian bank meets with Deputy PM
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Vietnam Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung has met with Italy’s largest bank Intesa Sanpaolo, to discuss expanding its operations in Vietnam.
Intesa Sanpaolo noted major projects, including infrastructure, energy, and green transition initiatives, as areas of interest.
Add your thoughts: Send a letter to the editor→
Food safety decree delayed
Thanh Nien is reporting that the suspension of Decree 46 and Resolution 66 on food safety has been extended until a revised Food Safety Law and implementing regulations take effect.
The decision follows reported implementation issues, including delays in food imports and thousands of containers being held at ports and border gates.
Ed.’s notes: At one point, there were estimates of up to 1,300 trucks stuck at the border because of these regulations / their implementation.
Add your thoughts: Send a letter to the editor→
PM visits Russia
RFI is reporting that the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh, is visiting Russia to sign agreements on oil, gas, and nuclear energy cooperation.
Agreements will cover exploration, extraction, trade, and energy workforce development, alongside potential Russian involvement in nuclear power plant projects.
Ed.’s notes: Imports from Russia were up 11.69 percent last year.
Add your thoughts: Send a letter to the editor→
Vietnam Fuel Prices Tracker: March 21, Update
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 →
Imports from Thailand February
In February, Vietnam imported US$991.35 million worth of goods from Thailand, down from US$1,162.76 million in December, a change of -14.74 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Cotton imports February
Vietnam imported cotton to the tune of US$162 million in February, down from US$243 million in January, a change of -33.40 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Phone exports February
Vietnam exported phones to the tune of US$5,485 million in February, down from US$5,662 million in January, a change of -3.13 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Exports to Malaysia February
In February, Vietnam exported US$413 million worth of goods to Malaysia, down 23.40 percent over January, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Exports to Thailand February
In February, Vietnam exported US$793 million worth of goods to Thailand, down 2.83 percent over January, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Clinker and cement exports February
Vietnam exported clinker and cement to the tune of US$100 million in February, down from US$130 million in January, a change of -22.82 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Car production February
Vietnam produced 51.70 thousand motor vehicles in February, up 49.18 percent from 34.66 thousand units in January, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office. Read the full article →
Stock market Friday
The VN-Index closed at 1,647.81, down 51.32 points or 3.02 percent, with a total trading value of VND 31,093.41 billion or US$1180.02 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$71.76 million worth of equities, Friday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
Exchange rates Friday
On March 20, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 27,700, and the sell rate was VND 27,750, a change of 300, and 300, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 27,725 (up 1.09 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Dairy imports February
Vietnam imported milk and milk products to the tune of US$133 million in February, down from US$133 million in January, a change of -0.18 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Computer exports February
Vietnam exported computers to the tune of US$8,105 million in February, down from US$9,560 million in January, a change of -15.22 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Friday’s Vietnam news roundup
In today’s Vietnam news: Singapore firm acquires VN hotel chain, Parking space sale dispute HCMC, Foreign investor dispute resolution policy move, MoF crypto market application rejections, HCMC fuel supplies, Silver on commodity market proposal, Google Maps provincial merger update, Binh Son Refinery doesn’t meet HSX listing requirements, AI replacing freelance coders, Logistics association survey fuel disruptions, Fuel price increases again, Vietnam Fuel Prices and Trade Disruption Tracker: Iran Conflict 2026 *UPDATED, Can Vietnam’s Biofuel Mandate Deliver Energy Security?, Beer production February, Stock Market Thursday, Exchange rates Thursday, Iron and steel exports February, and more. Read the full article →