Vietnam Industry and Trade News Bulletin for November 25, 2025

A. POSITIVE NEWS

1. Import-Export with CPTPP Markets Surges According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), trade turnover between Vietnam and CPTPP markets in 2024 reached $102.1 billion (up 6.8%). In the first 10 months of 2025, trade with CPTPP members (including the UK) reached $102.8 billion, a 20.6% year-on-year increase. Exports reached $58.3 billion (up 26%) while imports reached $44.5 billion (up 14.47%). Australia is a standout market, with bilateral trade reaching $11.5 billion in 10 months .

2. Expectations for New Trade Milestones As of November 15, Vietnam’s total import-export turnover hit over $801 billion (up 17.2%), with a trade surplus of $19.54 billion. With double-digit growth in key sectors like electronics, machinery, textiles, and agriculture, Vietnam is poised for a breakout in exports in the final months of 2025, contributing significantly to the annual GDP growth target .

B. GENERAL ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS

1. Developing UAV Industry: Focus on Breakthroughs Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung chaired a meeting on developing the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) industry. The goal is to master core technologies and form a UAV industry serving both civil and defense purposes. Vietnam aims to become a regional hub for UAV innovation and manufacturing. The Ministry of Science and Technology is tasked with finalizing specific, breakthrough solutions .

2. Public Investment as a Growth Pillar in 2025 Public investment has become a key growth driver amidst slower domestic consumption and credit recovery. By October 2025, nearly 1.06 quadrillion VND was allocated (97.7%), with disbursement reaching 495.5 trillion VND (up 17.6%). Major projects like the North-South Expressway and Long Thanh Airport are boosting demand for construction materials by 18-22%. Public investment also helps reduce logistics costs (6-12%), attracting FDI into high-tech sectors .

3. Tax Policy Debate: Fair and Reasonable The draft amendment to the Personal Income Tax Law proposes raising the revenue threshold for taxation for business households from 100 million to over 200 million VND/year. However, experts argue this is still too low compared to wage earners and regional peers. Suggestions include raising the threshold to 400-500 million VND or even 1 billion VND to ensure fairness and support millions of small household businesses .

C. ENERGY

1. Completing Wind Power Policy for Net Zero 2050 Wind power (onshore and offshore) is key to Vietnam’s Net Zero goal, with emissions far lower than coal. Experts urge a clear roadmap to realize Power Plan VIII’s target of 70,000–90,000 MW wind power by 2050. The Direct Power Purchase Agreement (DPPA) mechanism is eagerly awaited to unlock investment. Resolving grid bottlenecks and transitional projects is also critical .

2. E10 Biofuel: Towards Sustainable Development A seminar on “Using E10 Biofuel – Sustainable Development” highlighted the strategic shift to green transport. From June 1, 2026, all unleaded gasoline must be blended as E10. Pilot programs show positive consumer reception. E10 helps reduce CO2 emissions by 3-7% and boosts the domestic ethanol industry. Experts call for responsible, transparent implementation .

3. Revised Electricity Pricing Framework The MoIT issued Circular 54/2025 amending electricity pricing regulations. It expands the scope for generation price frames, updates formulas for “flexible power plants” (fast startup), and energy storage (pumped hydro). This aims to align pricing with market realities and ensuring system stability with high renewable penetration .

D. EXPORT – IMPORT

1. Import Quotas for Cambodia MoIT is drafting a circular on import quotas for rice and dried tobacco leaves from Cambodia for 2025-2026. The proposed annual quota is 300,000 tons for rice and 3,000 tons for tobacco leaves, enjoying 0% preferential tax rates. This implements bilateral trade agreements .

2. EU Tightens Seafood Traceability From January 10, 2026, the EU will enforce Regulation 2023/2842 requiring digital traceability for seafood imports. This poses a major challenge for Vietnam’s seafood sector, which must transition from paper-based to digital systems (CATCH on TRACES) to ensure transparency from catch to export .

3. Electronics Exports Hit Record By mid-November 2025, electronics exports reached nearly $143 billion (up over $32 billion year-on-year). Computers and components surged 48.3%. This confirms Vietnam’s shift from simple assembly to a smart manufacturing hub. However, ESG compliance is now mandatory for suppliers to global brands like Apple and Samsung .

4. Cooperatives in Exports While 65% of agricultural cooperatives have quality certifications, less than 5% participate directly in exports. A new “Provincial Cooperative Business Environment Index” (PCGI) is being developed to measure local support and boost cooperative participation in global value chains .

5. Imported Car Market Cools In October 2025, Vietnam imported 16,343 cars (down 5.5%), but value rose, indicating a shift to higher-value models. Thailand overtook Indonesia as the top supplier. For 10 months, CBU imports reached 171,364 units (up 20%), while parts imports also rebounded .

6. Textile Exports Target $46 Billion The textile industry estimates 2025 exports at $46 billion (up 5.6%). For the 2025-2030 term, VITAS targets $64.5 billion by 2030, focusing on “Greening – Digitalization” and increasing localization to over 60% .

E. DOMESTIC MARKET

1. Da Nang Year-End Promotions Da Nang launched a year-end promotion season (Dec 1, 2025 – Jan 18, 2026) with discounts up to 100%. Events include “Mega Sale Holiday” and various trade fairs to stimulate consumption for Tet 2026 .

2. Vietnamese Consumer Trends 2025 A UOB study shows Vietnamese consumer sentiment is positive, with 70% expecting better finances. Spending is shifting towards experiences, health, and education. Environmental concerns are rising, with 1 in 3 willing to pay more for eco-friendly products .

3. Ha Tinh Trade Fair Success The North Central Region – Ha Tinh Industry and Trade Fair 2025 attracted 12,000 visitors and generated nearly 6 billion VND in revenue over 5 days, showcasing the appeal of regional specialties and OCOP products .

4. Retail Market Acceleration Retail sales in the first 10 months rose 9.3%. E-commerce is a key driver, forecast to hit 105 trillion VND in Q4 2025. Retailers are ramping up omnichannel promotions for the year-end season to meet the 12% annual growth target .

5. Off-Season Durian Profits Farmers in Vinh Long are adapting to climate change by producing off-season durian to avoid salinity intrusion. This strategy has doubled profits, with prices currently reaching 110,000 – 130,000 VND/kg .

6. Gold Market Management Market surveillance agencies will focus on inspecting fake jewelry and unclear origins. Proposals include establishing concentrated gold trading zones with strict traceability and quality testing to protect consumers and build national brand prestige .

F. TRADE REMEDIES

1. Fisheries Sector Adaptation Workshop A workshop on November 28 will discuss how the Vietnamese fisheries sector can adapt to volatility and trade defense regulations, aiming to boost competitiveness .

2. Wood Industry Challenges Despite export recovery ($16.5 billion in 11 months), the wood industry faces risks from trade investigations (AD/CVD) and “dual” probes. Firms are urged to monitor early warnings and ensure traceability .

3. US Lowers Anti-Dumping Duty on Honey The US DOC’s preliminary results for the 2nd administrative review on Vietnamese honey show reduced anti-dumping margins (6.72% – 21.55% for mandatory respondents). Stakeholders have time to submit rebuttals before the final decision .

G. E-COMMERCE

1. International Lessons on Consumer Protection The National Competition Commission highlighted lessons from the EU (GDPR, Digital Services Act), US (FTC oversight), and Japan (strict product info). Recommendations for Vietnam include enhancing platform responsibility, transparency, and developing Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) mechanisms .

2. Avoiding Multi-Level Marketing Scams Authorities warn of sophisticated online multi-level marketing scams involving cryptocurrencies and apps. Consumers are advised to check the list of licensed MLMs on the MoIT website and be wary of high-return promises or requirements to deposit money to join .