Vietnam Industry and Trade News Bulletin for November 07, 2025

A. POSITIVE NEWS

1. Vietnam – Laos Trade Ministers Visit Thanh Cong Auto Plant On the morning of November 7, within the framework of the 13th Vietnam – Laos Border Trade Development Cooperation Conference in Quang Ninh, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien and Lao Minister of Industry and Commerce Malaythong Kommasith visited the Thanh Cong Viet Hung Automobile Manufacturing Plant (TC Group).

• Cooperation: Economic and trade relations between the two countries are flourishing. The two governments consistently aim for an annual trade growth of 10-15%.
• Significance: The visit highlights the potential for industrial cooperation and the development of border trade infrastructure between Vietnam and Laos.

2. Cross-Border E-commerce: New Growth Driver Cross-border e-commerce is identified as one of three key drivers for future growth, alongside FDI and global supply chain shifts.

• Support: The Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (MoIT) is coordinating with major platforms like Alibaba, Amazon, and TikTok to deploy “National Pavilions” to support direct exports.
• Results: Preliminary results show that over 50% of participating businesses have secured orders, with an average value of tens of thousands of USD.
• Challenges: Businesses are urged to invest in digital capacity, logistics, and compliance with strict environmental and labor standards rather than relying solely on low prices.

B. GENERAL ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS

1. Standard Chartered Raises Vietnam’s 2025 GDP Forecast to 6.7% Standard Chartered Bank has raised its GDP growth forecast for Vietnam in 2025 to 6.7% (previously 6.0%), citing better-than-expected economic performance in Q3 (7.52%).

• Drivers: Growth is supported by retail sales, industrial production, and exports (electronics, textiles).
• Inflation: Inflation is forecast to remain stable at 3.2% year-on-year.

2. Domestic Market Strategy to 2030 The government aims to develop a modern, sustainable domestic market integrated with global markets.

• Targets: By 2030, the domestic market is expected to reach substantial scale, with retail sales of goods and services growing sustainably. The strategy emphasizes green consumption and digital transformation in distribution channels.

C. EXPORT – IMPORT

1. Rice Export Prices Under Pressure Vietnam’s 5% broken rice price dropped to $524/ton last week, down from $537/ton.

• Reason: Competition from India (increasing supply of non-basmati rice) and Thailand ($490/ton).
• Domestic: Paddy prices in the Mekong Delta also decreased slightly due to harvest pressure and quality concerns in some areas due to rain.

2. Fruit & Vegetable Exports: Quality is Key With exports reaching over $7 billion in 10 months, the fruit and vegetable sector is a bright spot. However, to maintain growth, experts emphasize the need for “green standards,” traceability, and processing technology to meet requirements from high-end markets like the EU and US.

D. MARKET MANAGEMENT

1. Celebrities Promoting Fake Goods Authorities and experts are raising concerns about celebrities and influencers promoting counterfeit or low-quality goods on social media and livestreams.

• Impact: This practice erodes consumer trust and harms genuine businesses.
• Action: Market surveillance agencies are stepping up monitoring and handling violations in the digital space to protect consumers.

E. ENERGY

1. Draft Law on Electricity (Amended): Focus on Renewable Energy The National Assembly discussed the draft amended Law on Electricity. Key points include:

• Renewables: Mechanisms to encourage self-produced, self-consumed rooftop solar and offshore wind power.
• Nuclear Power: Considering the inclusion of nuclear power development to ensure energy security and Net Zero goals.
• Price: Moving towards a transparent, market-based electricity pricing mechanism.