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.
VN universities global rankings
VnExpress is reporting that seven Vietnamese universities, including Duy Tan University and Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, were listed in the 2026 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings by Subject.
Thirteen Vietnamese institutions appeared across 23 disciplines, with Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, British University Vietnam, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, and Foreign Trade University entering for the first time.
Ed.’s notes: Grain of salt – expose in 2020 found universities were paying unrelated researchers to list the universities on their papers to boost their credentials.
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Resin shortages
The Investor is reporting that rising polyethylene and polypropylene resin prices, up around 40–50 percent since late 2025, are squeezing Vietnam’s packaging firms and disrupting supply chains.
Businesses report packaging cost increases of 40–50 percent, with plastic bag prices rising from VND40,000 to VND55,000 (US$2.1) per kilogram, compressing margins.
Ed.’s notes: Mentions crude price rises but only in passing – also says price rises have been since the end of 2025, so before the war in Iran – causes of shortage not made clear.
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State media reorganisation
Tuoi Tre is reporting that the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee has agreed to transfer Vietnam Television, Voice of Vietnam, Vietnam News Agency, and two academies from government to Party control.
The move converts the institutions into public service units directly under the Central Committee.
Ed.’s notes: Not particularly significant – the party and the government are practically one and the same. Noted for the fact that it happened, not so much what happened.
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Thai aquaculture development in VN
Seafood Source is reporting that Thai Pacific Aquaculture, PC Farm, and Unity Agro Intertrade are expanding into Vietnam’s aquaculture sector.
The companies identified growth opportunities in shrimp genetics, tilapia broodstock, and water treatment, citing Vietnam’s rapid industry development and openness to new technologies.
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HCMC court finds against cinema chain over labour dispute
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Court has ruled that cinema chain CJ CGV Vietnam must pay more than VND3.8 billion (US$144,200) to former executive Benedict Daniel Sullivan.
The court found the company had unlawfully reassigned Sullivan from his agreed role and improperly terminated his employment contract.
Ed.’s notes: This has been going on for years. May speak to what to expect from labour disputes.
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PM orders strategic petroleum reserve
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has ordered the immediate construction of a strategic petroleum reserve at Nghi Son to strengthen Vietnam’s energy security.
Ed.’s notes: Strategic petrol reserves tie up a lot of funds – best use of limited resources?
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Pick up trucks (utes) market collapses on vehicle redesignation
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that new regulations classifying most pickup trucks (utes) as cargo vehicles have triggered a sharp drop in Vietnam’s pickup market, as owners face urban traffic restrictions.
Under Hanoi rules, pickup trucks are now banned from inner city roads during daytime hours from 6 am to 9 pm.
Dealers in the article link this to a near freeze in transactions, with some cutting prices by tens of millions of dong but still unable to attract buyers.
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Novaland woes continue
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Novaland faces significant financial pressure as auditors raise concerns about its ability to continue operations amid weak cash flow and high debt.
The company reported negative operating cash flow of VND6,145 billion (US$233.2 million) in 2025, with total debt reaching VND67,390 billion (US$2.56 billion).
Although Novaland posted a profit of VND1,861 billion (US$70.6 million), this was largely driven by one-off accounting reversals rather than core business recovery.
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Fuel tax cuts to go ahead
Vietnam’s environmental protection tax, value-added tax, and special consumption tax on gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel have been cut to zero to April 15, 2026, according to a statement on the website of the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
The policy is expected to reduce state budget revenue by about VND7,200 billion (US$273.3 million) per month during the period.
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Airfare surcharge proposed
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority has proposed a fuel surcharge on domestic flights from April 1 to June 30, 2026, to offset rising jet fuel costs.
The surcharge could add up to VND680,000 (US$25.8) per ticket on long-haul domestic routes, with lower increases on shorter routes.
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Corruption arrests hamstring chemical company operations
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Phosphorus Apatit Vietnam, which produces yellow phosphorus, has said its board of directors cannot operate after four of five members were prosecuted and detained amid allegations of corruption.
The company stated that the board no longer meets legal requirements and cannot convene a shareholder meeting under normal procedures.
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Electricity shortage concerns HCMC
VnExpress is reporting that Ho Chi Minh City has raised concerns of electricity shortages, amid rising demand linked to a 10 percent growth target, energy disruptions, and weather conditions.
Authorities warn of potential shortfalls of 354 MW during evening peaks, rising to 723–1,226 MW under extreme conditions.
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Vietnam Fuel Prices Tracker: March 27, 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 →
Stock market Thursday
The VN-Index closed at 1,644.63, down 13.56 points or 0.82 percent, with a total trading value of VND 21,673.68 billion or US$822.53 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$28.12 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
On March 26, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 27,820, and the sell rate was VND 27,870, a change of 130, and 130, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 27,845 (down 0.46 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Coal production February
Vietnam produced 4,142.45 thousand tons of coal in February, up 42.27 percent from 2,911.74 thousand tons in January, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office. Read the full article →
Computer imports February
Vietnam imported computers to the tune of US$13,043 million in February, down from US$16,627 million in January, a change of -21.55 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Iron and steel production exports
Vietnam exported iron and steel products to the tune of US$353 million in February, down from US$475 million in January, a change of -25.83 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup
In today’s Vietnam news: Coal phase-out plans, Fuel price cut, Construction materials price rises HCMC, Crypto trading limited to existing traders only, Vietnam derivatives exchange, US 301 investigations expectations, Nghi Son refinery announcement, Aus. + SK rare earth development VN, China battery project VN, Putin visit VN 2026, Government bond auction March 25, Vietnam Fuel Prices Tracker: March 26, Update, Imports from Malaysia February, Exports to India February, Stock market Wednesday, Exchange rates Wednesday, Wood exports February, and more. Read the full article →