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 or working in Vietnam and want to talk about it, reach out: mark.barnes@the-shiv.com
Petrolimex manager arrested for fuel fraud
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Lai Chau police have arrested a Petrolimex store manager after they sold more than 12,500 litres of contaminated diesel.
Investigators said staff accidentally pumped more than 500 litres of petrol, which they then diluted by adding more diesel and then sold. View source→
Ed.’s notes: When you can’t raise prices you cut costs / corners.
Vietnam US trade talks
Tuoi Tre is reporting that the Prime Minister has met United States Deputy Trade Representative Ambassador Rick Switzer, taking the opportunity to call for an early conclusion to the “reciprocal” Vietnam-United States trade agreement. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Vietnam’s trade surplus with the US is currently sitting at US$47 billion YTD.
Vietnam biofuel tax proposal
Thanh Nien is reporting that the Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed tax adjustments to lower E10 gasoline prices and make biofuel more attractive than mineral gasoline. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Doesn’t make clear exactly what tax changes this would be – most taxes have been temp. removed from most fuels due to the current fuel crisis.
Government-run executive training program proposal
Dan Tri is reporting that the Ministry of Finance has proposed a VND 300 billion (US$11.39 million) programme to train 10,000 CEOs by 2030 through scholarships, direct classes, and online learning.
Training content would include strategic thinking, decision-making, leadership, finance, marketing, operations, human resources, law, and other executive management skills, the article says. View source→
Ed.’s notes: This sounds a lot like an MBA. It’s interesting that the approach is to develop a government program as opposed to providing scholarships to universities already offering similar courses, particularly after such a big deal was made of downsizing the government last year.
Thailand approves aviation fuel exports
Nation Thailand is reporting that Thailand’s National Security Council has approved aviation fuel exports to Vietnam and the Philippines after both governments requested support from Thailand.
Thai officials said the exports would not affect domestic fuel reserves or local consumption and described the move as supporting relations with Vietnam and the Philippines. View source→
US approves new ambassador to Vietnam
Vietnamnet is reporting that the United States Senate has confirmed Jennifer Wicks McNamara as the new United States ambassador to Vietnam.
The confirmation follows the departure of former ambassador Marc Knapper earlier this year. View source→
Vietnam motorcycle sales surge through April
Motorcycles Data is reporting that Vietnam’s motorcycle market grew 23.3 percent year-to-date through April 2026 to 1.28 million units, driven by rapid electric vehicle adoption and rising fuel prices.
Honda remained the market leader with 12.9 percent growth, followed by Vinfast, which grew sales year on year by 2024 percent, while Yamaha came in third, growing 12.4 percent. View source→
Vietnam to adjust domestic fuel prices
Vietnamnet is reporting that the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Finance are scheduled to adjust domestic fuel prices this afternoon, with global oil prices falling after United States President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran were entering their final stage. Read the full article →
Vietnam manufacturing faces rising input costs
Manufacturing in Vietnam is feeling the heat from higher input costs on rising fuel prices. This has led the sector onto rocky ground, with new orders falling and increased costs eating into profit margins. Read the full article →
Vietnam bond yields rise on May 20
Government bond yields in Vietnam continued to edge higher on May 20 as demand remained concentrated in shorter tenors, while appetite for longer-dated debt stayed weak, according to a release from the Vietnam Bond Market Association. Read the full article →
VN-Index closes higher on Wednesday
The VN-Index closed at 1,913.23, up 0.30 points or 0.02 percent, with a total trading value of VND 31,790.07 billion or US$1206.45 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$1.10 million worth of equities, Wednesday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
Vietnam black market USD rates rise
On May 20, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,500, and the sell rate was VND 26,550, a change of 20 and 20, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,525 (up 0.08 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Vietnam cosmetic imports decline in April
Vietnam imported cosmetics to the tune of US$171 million in April, down from US$184 million in March, a change of -7.17 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Vietnam cotton imports rise in April
Vietnam imported cotton to the tune of US$305 million in April, up from US$252 million in March, a change of 21.12 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup
In yesterday’s Vietnam news: BIDV Securities exec on foreign stock selling, Vietnam Airlines racism claims, Viet Ha assets, LG Honda battery swapping project, National brands’ EV analysis, Deputy PM pushes more government tech spending, Pedestrian bridge Saigon financed by Export Finance Australia, 8 visa violators to be exported, Counterfeit goods still being sold after raid, Novaland still struggling to meet bond commitments, Stock market Tuesday, Pharmaceuticals imports April, Exchange rates Tuesday, and more. Read the full article →