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
SBV interest rate inspections commercial banks
Thanh Nien is reporting that the State Bank of Vietnam has said it will inspect commercial banks for compliance with directives to lower deposit and lending interest rates.
The central bank said some commercial banks had recently increased deposit rates despite agreeing during an April 9 meeting to support the economy through lower borrowing costs. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Lower interest rates = more spending = more demand = higher prices.
Gold demand easing
Vietnamnet is reporting that major gold retailers, including Bao Tin Minh Chau, Phu Quy, DOJI, SJC, and PNJ, have reported lighter customer traffic in recent days, with buyers generally able to complete transactions immediately, as opposed to sometimes waiting days for gold to be made available.
The article seems to suggest this may be due to the gap between Vietnamese and global gold prices narrowing to around VND 16-17 million (US$607-645) per tael, compared to nearly VND 30 million (US$1,139) at its peak. View source→
Ed.’s notes: This is about consumer behaviour – gold is seen as a safe haven. It could indicate that other investment channels have become more popular.
Coffee futures up on dry weather in VN
Bar Chart is reporting that Robusta coffee futures are up as dry conditions in Vietnam’s Central Highlands raise concerns over crop development.
Weather forecaster Vaisala said rainfall in Vietnam’s main coffee-growing region had been uneven and that additional rain was needed to support cherry growth. View source→
North Carolina is suing Vinfast
Bloomberg is reporting that US state of North Carolina is suing VinFast, alleging the Vietnamese electric vehicle maker has failed to meet construction and employment commitments linked to incentives for a project originally expected to create 7,500 jobs and involve more than US$3 billion in investment.
North Carolina said VinFast was required to begin operations by July 2026 and create 1,750 jobs by the end of 2026, but the company has since said production is unlikely before 2028. View source→
Ed.’s notes: NC DOJ Statement | Full court filing.
Vingroup head’s investment in VinFast analysis
Bloomberg is carrying analysis of Vietnamese billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong’s US$2.5 billion investment in VinFast during 2025 as the electric vehicle maker continued posting losses.
Vuong contributed US$900 million directly to VinFast and paid another US$1.59 billion to acquire research and development assets linked to the company, the article says. View source→
Power supply concerns
Tuoi Tre is reporting that the National System and Market Operator (NSMO), which manages Vietnam’s power supply, has said May 23-27 heatwaves could push northern electricity demand above recent records, straining the national power system.
The NSMO warned that coal-fired generators face output risks after prolonged high utilisation, while imported liquefied natural gas, coal, and oil supplies remain exposed to geopolitical disruptions. View source→
Journalism to promote tourism
VN Economy is reporting that Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho An Phong has argued that media organisations should help promote Vietnam’s tourism industry.
Speaking at a tourism forum in Quang Tri province, Phong described the media as a “soft bridge” connecting destinations, cultural values, markets, and international audiences. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Noted for the government giving directions to the media and the media supporting Vietnam government objectives.
First fully-Vinfast fleet province
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that VinFast has said it delivered 103 Limo Green electric vehicles to An Giang province for use by communes, wards, and special administrative zones.
The company said An Giang has become Vietnam’s first locality to convert all commune-level official vehicles to electric vehicles. View source→
Ed.’s notes: What percentage of Vinfast sales are fleet sales? Might speak to actual consumer demand + brand value.
Higher fines for undeclared gold / foreign currency
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that there will be stricter fines from July 1 for undeclared or falsely declared cash, gold, and gemstones crossing Vietnam’s borders on one’s person.
Passengers leaving Vietnam carrying undeclared cash or gold worth more than VND 100 million (US$3,795) may face fines of VND 30-50 million (US$1,139-1,897).
Likewise, travellers carrying prohibited foreign currencies, gemstones, and precious metals into Vietnam without proper declarations may also face fines of up to VND 50 million (US$1,897). View source→
Ed.’s notes: Tightening control of cross-border capital flows.
New airport passenger terminal at 63 percent
Thanh Nien is reporting that Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc has said that Vietnam’s Long Thanh International Airport must enter commercial operation in 2026 despite delays in key construction packages.
Airport Corporation of Vietnam said the passenger terminal package was only 63 percent complete despite completion scheduled for June 2026, citing labour shortages, rising construction material costs, weather conditions, and payment difficulties as causing the delay. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Insisting that something gets done and reinforcing a deadline, but without addressing the fundamental challenges causing the delays.
Vinhomes gold-for-real-estate program
Vietnamnet is reporting that Vinhomes has launched a five-year program that will allow customers to use their gold holdings to buy property.
Vinhomes said customers who participate can either continue holding the property after five years or receive cash equal to 110 percent of the original gold value. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Put another way, Vinhomes will borrow gold using apartments as collateral — if it sounds like a gold loan, and it looks like a gold loan, then… (gold loans have caused a lot of problems in the past and were heavily restricted amid a slew of reforms to the sector in 2011 / 2012.)
Analysis: Amazon Considering Entering Market
Amazon’s move into Vietnam’s satellite internet services market might suggest that the government is becoming increasingly willing to accept reduced control over parts of its telecommunications sector where the economic and geopolitical benefits are judged to outweigh the political risks. Read the full article →
Analysis: Fines For Fake News to Increase from July 1
This adds to an emerging narrative that the Government of Vietnam is shifting back toward a more interventionist and authoritarian approach to social and economic management. Read the full article →
Phone exports April
Vietnam exported phones to the tune of US$4,552 million in April, down from US$5,601 million in March, a change of -18.73 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Footwear exports April
Vietnam exported footwear to the tune of US$2,216 million in April, up from US$1,951 million in March, a change of 13.59 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Stock market Friday
The VN-Index closed at 1,877.13, down 19.76 points or 1.04 percent, with a total trading value of VND 22,315.59 billion or US$846.89 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$120.42 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 May 22, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,480, and the sell rate was VND 26,520, a change of 20 and 30, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,500 (down 0.09 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Textile and garment exports April
Vietnam exported textiles and garments to the tune of US$3,081 million in April, down from US$3,156 million in March, a change of -2.35 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Seafood exports April
Vietnam exported seafood to the tune of US$1,011 million in April, up from US$927 million in March, a change of 9.11 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Friday’s Vietnam news roundup
In yesterday’s Vietnam news: Retail fuel prices go up, Fines for “false information” set at VND 50m, Malaysian flour mill expands VN operations, Some bondholders repaid Truong My Lan scandal, Another SBV economy risk warning, Conflicting transport infrastructure plans, US$13m debt up for auction for 11th time, Vinpearl exchanges foreign bonds for Vingroup shares, Vingroup foreign selling yesterday, Inter-bank funding, 1 in 10 vehicles in VN incompatible with E10 biofuel, VN enters top 50 startup ecosystems, Exports to USA April, and more. Read the full article →