Vietnam News Today, March 30 2026, Business & Economy

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.

SBV governor to step down

Reuters is reporting that the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam, Nguyen Thi Hong, is expected to step down at the end of her term, with a successor likely appointed in April.

Sources indicate the leadership change is unlikely to significantly alter monetary policy, the article says.

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Coca-Cola distributor revenues

The Investor is reporting that Swire Pacific, Coca-Cola Vietnam’s parent company, reported 2025 revenue of HKD3.87 billion (US$494.21 million) and operating profit of HKD132 million (US$16.86 million) from its Vietnam-Cambodia segment.

Vietnam accounted for most of the consumption at 143 million unit cases, though per capita intake remained low at 34 servings compared with other regional markets.

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Home Credit acquisition falls through

The Investor is reporting that Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited terminated its planned acquisition of Home Credit Vietnam after failing to meet conditions under the share purchase agreement within the agreed timeline.

The deal, approved in 2024, involved acquiring 100 percent of Home Credit Vietnam for VND20.97 trillion (US$796.21 million) through a subsidiary.

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Minimum localisation policy for FDI projects proposed

Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Nguyen Van Than of the Vietnam Association of Small and Medium Enterprises has proposed requiring foreign direct investment firms to commit to at least 30 percent localisation and technology transfer.

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MoC calls for reduction in pilotage fees

Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction has called on Vietnamese pilotage firms to reduce pilotage fees for Vietnamese-flagged vessels amid rising logistics costs linked to Middle East tensions.

The policy applies from April 1 to May 1 and prioritises vessels transporting fuel to help stabilise domestic energy markets.

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Ed.’s notes: It doesn’t say anything about how that 10 percent reduction will be covered – sounds like private companies are expected to bear costs.

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Government tops up PSF

The Ministry of Industry and Trade is reporting that an advance of VND8,000 billion (US$303.61 million) from the central budget has been committed to the petrol price stabilisation fund (PSF).

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Ed.’s notes: Spreads cost relief broadly rather than targeting specific groups = What does equal mean in Vietnam?

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19 Vietnamese ships caught in Hormuz dramas

VnExpress is reporting that Vietnam’s Maritime and Inland Waterways Administration has said there are 19 vessels owned by Vietnamese firms operating in the Middle East, including four flying the Vietnamese flag and 15 under foreign flags.

The organisation has urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to work with Iran to ensure safe passage for these vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

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Ed.’s notes: Noted for the data points.

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Poker machines regulations update

Vietnam News is reporting that stricter regulations for prize-winning electronic games reserved for foreign players will take effect from mid-May.

The rules require venue managers to hold a university degree, have at least three years’ experience, and meet legal standards, including a clean criminal record.

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Water management price pressure

Vietstock is reporting that Nguyen Van Thien, Chairman of Biwase, a water utility firm, has said rising input costs, especially electricity at around 30 percent of total costs, are putting increasing pressure on operations because retail prices remain unchanged.

He has highlighted prolonged delays and regulatory uncertainty, noting the company has spent two years pursuing price adjustments without success due to policy changes.

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Petrol tax-break extension proposed

Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance has proposed extending tax exemptions on petrol, diesel, and jet fuel to 0 percent until June 30, 2026.

Authorities estimate the extension would reduce state budget revenue by about VND7,200 billion (US$273.16 million).

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Customs corruption

Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that prosecutors have charged two former customs officials for allegedly accepting bribes to facilitate illegal imports.

Authorities say the officials accepted bribes to allow the import and clearance of four shipments of raw materials that did not meet regulatory requirements.

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Fuel capacity expanded – Phu My condensate plant

Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical expanded gasoline supply by outsourcing processing to the Phu My Condensate Plant, adding about 38,500 cubic metres to the market.

The company also increased output by purchasing high-octane components, adding additives, and maintaining high operating rates at the Dung Quat refinery.

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FLC US$1 billion MoU

Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that FLC Group has signed memorandums of understanding to invest in two projects in Thanh Hoa worth over US$1 billion.

The projects include a logistics and supporting services hub valued at VND19,000 billion (US$721.82 million) and an R&D centre valued at VND8,750 billion (US$332.07 million).

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Ed.’s notes: FLC hasn’t published a financial statement since Q3 and had debts of at least US$2.62 million from unpaid employee insurances as of the end of February. 

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Electronics manufacturers struggling to find workers

VnExpress is reporting that foreign manufacturers, including Foxconn, Luxshare, and Goertek, are struggling to recruit workers in northern Vietnam despite sharply higher sign-on bonuses.

Companies have raised bonuses from VND7 million (US$266) last year to as much as VND18 million (US$683), with recruiters travelling long distances and firms warning that rising hiring costs are unsustainable.

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Ed.’s notes: VND 18 million is about double the average monthly wage.

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SSC issues round of disclosure failure fines

Dan Tri is reporting that Vietnam’s State Securities Commission (SSC) fined multiple companies on March 26–27 for violating disclosure regulations.

PetroVietnam Insurance Finance Investment (PFH) was fined VND157.5 million (US$5,975) for failing to disclose and fully report required financial and audit information.

Helios Investment and Services (HISC) and Tan Hoan Cau Ben Tre were also penalised for missing or delayed disclosures related to financial statements and bond reports.

Four energy firms linked to Xuan Thien Group and PetroVietnam Construction and Investment (PSG) were fined VND92.5 million (US$3,511) each for disclosure violations.

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HCMC permitted crops

Thanh Nien is reporting that Ho Chi Minh City has approved a list of perennial crops that can be grown on land designated for rice, allowing farmers to shift away from traditional rice cultivation.

Approved crops include cocoa, coffee, cashew, pepper, avocado, citrus fruits, durian, mango, coconut, and various other fruit and ornamental plants.

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Ed.’s notes: Goes to command economy mentality persisting.

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Crypto tax framework issued

Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Vietnam has introduced a tax framework for crypto asset transactions under Circular 32/2026, effective March 27.

Corporate income from crypto transactions is taxed at 20 percent, while individuals pay personal income tax of 0.1 percent per transaction.

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Port fees waived to reduce fuel costs

Vietnamnet is reporting that Hai Phong authorities are considering waiving port infrastructure fees for petroleum businesses to support fuel supply stability.

The proposal would set fees at zero for liquid cargo, including petrol, oil, and gas, for the final nine months of 2026.

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Exports to UAE February

In February, Vietnam exported US$405 million worth of goods to the UAE, down 30.30 percent from January, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →

Bar chart of Vietnam's main exports to UAE in February

Exports to South Korea February

In February, Vietnam imported US$5,534.47 million worth of goods from South Korea, down from US$6,089.06 million in January, a change of -9.11 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →

Pie chart Vietnam's main imports from South Korea in February, 2026.

Aluminium production February

Vietnam produced 129.29 thousand tonnes of aluminum in February, up 6.85 percent from 121.00 thousand tonnes in January, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office. Read the full article →

Bar chart Vietnam aluminum production in 2026

Exports to Japan

In February, Vietnam exported US$1,922 million worth of goods to Japan, down 24.03 percent over January, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →

Bar chart of Vietnam's main exports to Japan in February

Iron and steel imports

Vietnam imported iron and steel to the tune of US$680 million in February, down from US$1,033 million in January, a change of -34.12 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →

Pie chart of Vietnam iron and steel imports, February 2026 by country.

Vietnam Fuel Prices Tracker: March 29, 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 →

Exports to Taiwan

In February, Vietnam exported US$433 million worth of goods to Taiwan, down 19.02 percent over January, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →

Bar chart of Vietnam's main exports to Taiwan in February

Tourist arrivals from Americas

In February, the Americas accounted for 141,828 tourist arrivals, an increase of 3.80 percent from January, according to the latest data from Vietnam’s General Department of Tourism. Read the full article →

Bar chart of Vietnam tourist arrivals from Americas, February 2026

Powdered milk production February

Vietnam produced 12.97 thousand tonnes of powdered milk in February, up 25.85 percent from 10.30 thousand tonnes in January, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office. Read the full article →

Bar chart Vietnam powdered milk production in 2026

Imports from India

In February, Vietnam imported US$475.74 million worth of goods from India, down from US$678.58 million in January, a change of -29.89 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →

Pie chart Vietnam's main imports from India in February, 2026.

Exports to China

In February, Vietnam exported US$4,705 million worth of goods to China, down 25.58 percent over January, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →

Bar chart of Vietnam's main exports to China in February

Plastics imports February

Vietnam imported plastics to the tune of US$758 million in February, down from US$1,110 million in January, a change of -31.72 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →

Pie chart of Vietnam plastics imports, February 2026 by country.

Stock market Friday

The VN-Index closed at 1,672.80, up 28.17 points or 1.71 percent, with a total trading value of VND 23,451.98 billion or US$890.02 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$5.65 million worth of equities, Friday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →

Bar chart most active among foreign traders March 27, 2026.

Exchange rates Friday

On March 27, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 27,920, and the sell rate was VND 27,970, a change of 100, and 100, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 27,945 (up 0.36 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →

Bar chart change in Vietnam dong exchange rates, 27 March 2026

Toy and sporting goods exports

Vietnam exported toys and sporting goods to the tune of US$439 million in February, down from US$723 million in January, a change of -39.24 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →

Pie chart Vietnam toys and sporting goods exports by destination February

Friday’s Vietnam news roundup

In Friday’s Vietnam news roundup: VN universities’ global rankings, Resin shortages, State media reorganisation, Thai aquaculture development in VN, HCMC court finds against cinema chain over labour dispute, PM orders strategic petroleum reserve, Pick up trucks (utes) market collapses on vehicle redesignation, Novaland woes continue, Fuel tax cuts to go ahead, Airfare surcharge proposed, Corruption arrests hamstring chemical company operations, Electricity shortage concerns HCMC, Stock market Thursday, Exchange rates Thursday, Coal production February, Computer imports February, and more. Read the full article →

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