This is a brief rundown of what is being reported today in Vietnam’s state-approved media and about Vietnam in the international press.
It endeavours to highlight the narratives currently shaping the country’s economic, financial, and business news landscape.
Ed’s note: I’m always looking for new sources with unique insights. If you’re operating a business in Vietnam and want to talk about it, reach out: mark.barnes@the-shiv.com
Binh Son Refinery profits
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that in Q1 2026, the Binh Son Refinery (BSR) revenue reached VND 45,920 billion (US$1.74 billion) and net profit hit VND 8,265 billion (US$314 million), more than 20 times higher year on year.
Short-term receivables rose 79 percent to over VND 24,200 billion (US$918 million), while inventory climbed 70 percent to nearly VND 21,600 billion (US$819 million), on stockpiling in the context of the Iran war. View source→
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PV Oil profits
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that in Q1 2026, PV Oil reported a net profit of VND 572 billion (US$21.7 million), up more than 2,100 percent year on year, driven by higher oil prices and volumes.
PV Oil accounted for 22.5 percent of BSR’s revenue, with sales to the firm rising 64 percent. View source→
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Petrolimex Q1 performance
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that in Q1 2026, Petrolimex reported a net loss of VND 662 billion (US$25.1 million), its largest in six years, despite higher revenue.
The article notes inventory surged to VND 29,753 billion (US$1.13 billion), with provisions of VND 6,500 billion (US$246.7 million) for inventory losses. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Contrasts with PV Oil and Binh Son Refinery results noted above. Speaks to the dynamics of the industry in the context of government-regulated retail prices.
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Tuna exports
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that in March 2026, Vietnam’s tuna exports reached nearly US$80 million, up from US$53 million in February but down 11 percent year on year.
Higher raw material, logistics, and compliance costs, alongside market access issues in the U.S. and competition in the EU, continue to weigh on the sector. View source→
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Carbon credit issuance
Vietnam Plus is reporting that the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment aims to complete the issuance of forest carbon credits for 2021–2022 in Q2 of this year, with a proposal for 2023–2025 credits due in Q3.
The plan is to sell 5.15 million forest carbon credits at a minimum of US$10 each under agreements linked to the LEAF Alliance, the article says. View source→
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GS TL to visit Sri Lanka
Vietnamnet is reporting that General Secretary and State President To Lam will visit Sri Lanka from May 7 to 8 at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka.
The visit follows To Lam’s trip to India and comes after Dissanayaka’s May 2025 visit to Vietnam, where he attended Vesak celebrations. View source→
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GS TL to visit India
Vietnamnet is reporting that General Secretary and State President To Lam will visit India from May 5 to 7 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The trip marks To Lam’s first visit to India in his current role and coincides with the 2016–2026 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership anniversary. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Two-way trade worth US$4.86 billion, January to end-March this year.
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Antidumping petition US air compressors
JD Supra is reporting that in a statement, Mat Industries has said it has filed a petition seeking antidumping and countervailing duties on air compressors from Malaysia, China, and Vietnam.
The proposed investigation covers certain stationary and portable reciprocating air compressors, including electric, gas, and battery-powered models with integrated pressure vessels. View source→
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Moody’s upgrade Vietnam outlook
Reuters is reporting that Moody’s has upgraded Vietnam’s outlook to positive from stable while affirming its Ba2 sovereign credit rating.
The agency cited improving governance and institutional quality following reforms implemented since late 2024, alongside reduced risks from United States trade measures. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Unable to locate original source.
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Fertiliser firm profits jump
Vietstock is reporting that in Q1 2026, fertiliser firm, PVFCCo – Phu My (DPM), reached over 60 percent of its full-year profit target after net profit nearly doubled year on year.
The company attributed its results to increased output, export expansion, and higher average selling prices, particularly for technical urea. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Rising fertiliser linked to rising fuel prices. Emerging challenge for VN farmers. See: Vietnamese Coffee and the Iran War: Prices Down, Input Costs Up.
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VNA op-ed IP protection in Vietnam
The Vietnam News Agency has published an “op-ed” (it seems more like an editorial) that argues Vietnam is strengthening intellectual property protection, noting the amended Law on Intellectual Property took effect on April 1, which reduces processing times and introduces fast-track examinations for patents and trademarks.
Officials, including Luu Hoang Long and Daren Tang, are cited in the article as saying rising applications and reforms reflect improving innovation capacity and efforts to commercialise intellectual property assets. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Presumably a response to USTR report from last week that tagged Vietnam a ‘priority foreign country’.
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Vietnam’s USTR “Priority Foreign Country” Designation: Unpacked
The USTR has tagged Vietnam as a “Priority Foreign Country” in its latest Special 301 Report. Here’s what it says about why it made the decision. Read the full article →
Stock market yesterday
The VN-Index closed at 1,854.06, down 0.04 points or 0.00 percent, with a total trading value of VND 21,186.59 billion or US$804.05 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$39.13 million worth of equities, Monday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
Exchange rates yesterday
On May 4, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,670 and the sell rate was VND 26,720, a change of 80 and 80, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,695 (down 0.30 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
April PMI
Vietnam’s manufacturing sector saw growth slow sharply in April 2026, as rising input costs weighed on demand and pushed new orders into contraction, according to S&P Global April Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI). Read the full article →
Yesterday’s news roundup
In yesterday’s Vietnam news: Japan PM speech VNU, VN response to USTR “priority foreign country” designation, Conditional business lines cut proposed, MoC reclassify EREVs for VinFast, Fuel price hike, Peterolimex forecast conflict, Finland embassy on Press Freedom Day, Margin lending, Inflation April, Trade data April, Retail sales April, FDI April, Motorbike production March, and more. Read the full article →