Vietnam Industry and Trade News Bulletin for December 15, 2026

A. POSITIVE NEWS

1. Great Opportunity for Online Exports Vietnamese businesses are increasingly utilizing platforms like Amazon, Alibaba, and Shopee to reach international markets.

• Benefits: This model helps increase export revenue and promotes Vietnamese brands globally.
• Challenges: Businesses face hurdles regarding technical standards, inspection, safety, and legal compliance in importing markets, as well as limitations in digital skills, language barriers, payment, and logistics .
• Support: Amazon emphasizes continuing to promote AI transformation for Vietnam’s export sector, introducing AI tools and developing AI talent to position Vietnam as a regional leader in smart trade.

2. Small Nuclear Power: Solution for Energy Security and New Investment A modern economy, especially one with power-intensive industries like semiconductor manufacturing, data centers, and AI, requires a stable power system.

• Demand: The AI and Big Data industries consume enormous amounts of energy. Data centers require a 24/7 baseload power source with 99.99% reliability, which renewable energy sources like wind or solar struggle to meet independently .

B. GENERAL ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS

1. Rice Industry at a Green Crossroads: Export Decline and Repositioning Pressure The global rice market in 2025 is assessed as volatile. After a historic peak in 2024, the first 11 months of 2025 saw a clear decline in exports due to global macroeconomic factors .

• Outlook: The return of traditional markets like China, Bangladesh, and African nations, along with new trade agreements, is expected to boost export growth again .
• Strategy: Green transition to high-quality, low-emission rice is the only path to reposition Vietnamese rice as a high-value product on the global trade map.

2. Power Sector Outlook for 2026 A report by MB Securities (MBS) indicates that in the first 10 months of 2025, electricity consumption increased by only 4% (lower than the planned 11-12%), mainly due to a decline in residential consumption caused by extreme weather (heavy rains, short hot season) .

• Situation: Hydropower mobilization was high while thermal power decreased; renewable energy faced capacity curtailment in some periods due to local oversupply .
• Policy: The new development cycle focuses on promoting renewable energy, gas power, and grid infrastructure under the adjusted Power Plan VIII.

3. Government Tightens Fight Against Smuggling and Fake Goods The Government issued a Action Plan to 2030 (Resolution No. 397/NQ-CP) to resolutely fight smuggling, commercial fraud, and counterfeit goods.

• Goal: Build a team of officials with high integrity; ensure 100% of enforcement agencies are equipped with modern technology to effectively manage and monitor goods .

4. Urgently Overcoming Disaster Consequences, Boosting Tet Consumption The Prime Minister requested ministries and localities to urgently overcome the consequences of recent natural disasters, restore production, and simultaneously boost consumption and ensure the supply of goods for the Lunar New Year and New Year 2026.

C. ENERGY

1. Power Supply Plans for 2026 The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) issued Decision 3477/QD-BCT approving the National Power System Operation Plan for 2026. The operation methods will meet a GDP growth target of 10% or more in 2026, based on actual load growth in 2025 and input factors.

2. Mandatory Use of E10 Gasoline from June 1, 2026 Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son signed Decision 46/2025/QD-TTg, abolishing the old roadmap and paving the way for a new regulation requiring the use of E10 and E5 gasoline starting June 1, 2026. MoIT is tasked with proposing management solutions to ensure E10 prices do not disadvantage people and businesses.

3. Investment Capital Solution for Energy The draft Adjustment of the National Energy Master Plan estimates that approximately 24,270 – 28,277 trillion VND in investment capital is needed. Breakthrough solutions are required to attract private resources as state budget capital is limited.

4. Ready for Safe Power Supply to Long Thanh International Airport Dong Nai Power Company successfully connected the 22kV outputs of the 110kV Long Thanh Substation, officially integrating the national grid into the airport’s internal distribution system, ready for the first flight on December 19.

5. Renewable Energy on Islands and at Sea

• Ca Mau: Currently has 10 wind power projects (660.2 MW). It is expected to become a strategic clean energy center. Prioritizing the development of wind and solar power in line with planning is recommended.
• Nghe An: With a potential of 74GW for offshore wind (7% of the country’s total), Nghe An can form a closed value chain including offshore wind, support industries, green hydrogen, and marine logistics .

6. New Momentum for Offshore Wind Power A new resolution passed by the National Assembly on December 11 empowers the Prime Minister to approve investment policies and select investors for offshore wind projects without land auctions or bidding.

• Conditions: Projects must sell electricity to the national grid, ensure national defense and security, and be included in the Power Development Plan for operation in the 2025–2030 period .

7. Rooftop Solar is an Inevitable Trend Despite great potential, self-produced and self-consumed rooftop solar faces difficulties regarding legal corridors, high initial costs, and infrastructure . Local authorities need to accompany businesses in removing procedural hurdles, and preferential credit policies should be finalized to achieve the goal of 50% of households installing solar power by 2030 .

8. First Transformer Exported to Australia Energized After 2 months of trial operation, the 70 MVA – 132/33 kV transformer designed and manufactured by Dong Anh Electrical Equipment Corporation (EEMC) was successfully energized at Clements Gap BESS Station (South Australia).

D. IMPORT – EXPORT

1. Distinguishing “Origin of Goods” and “Made in Vietnam” Label Businesses need to clearly distinguish between regulations on origin for C/O issuance (to enjoy FTA tax incentives) and labeling “Made in Vietnam”.

• Clarification: Do not confuse origin of goods with traceability (which tracks the entire process for quality and safety management). Understanding this distinction helps avoid legal risks and effectively utilize FTAs .

E. INDUSTRY

1. Hanoi Targets 1,200 Support Industry Enterprises by 2030 Hanoi approved the Support Industry Development Program for 2026-2030, aiming to have 1,200 enterprises in this sector by 2030. Of these, over 40% are expected to meet international standards and participate in global production networks .

2. Developing Precision Mechanics for High-Tech Industry Precision mechanics is identified as a foundation for semiconductors and renewable energy.

• Progress: Vietnamese enterprises have invested in advanced technologies (CNC, CMM) to meet the requirements of major FDI firms like Samsung and Foxconn.
• Potential: Renewable energy (wind turbines, solar frames) also creates huge demand for mechanical components . State support in standards, tax incentives, and credit is crucial.

F. DOMESTIC MARKET MANAGEMENT

1. Counterfeit Goods on E-commerce Complicated at Year-End The trading of counterfeit goods on e-commerce platforms is flaring up with sophisticated methods during the year-end season, appearing even in high-value product groups like cosmetics and functional foods . Market surveillance forces are intensifying inspections.

2. Quang Ninh Tightens Checks on Facebook, Zalo Quang Ninh Department of Industry and Trade requires managing e-commerce with modern technology, supporting businesses to use reputable platforms, and coordinating with cybersecurity forces to handle large warehouses marketing primarily via livestreams .

3. All-Out Stimulus for Year-End Shopping Implementing the Prime Minister’s directive, MoIT is organizing the “Vietnam Grand Sale 2025” until January 18, 2026. The maximum promotion limit is raised to 100% instead of the usual 50%.

G. GREEN GROWTH

1. Net Zero Industrial Precinct Model in HCMC A report by Climateworks Centre proposes a roadmap to transform HCMC into a Net Zero Industrial Precinct (NZIP), focusing on 5 industrial zones that account for over 70% of energy consumption (Saigon Hi-Tech Park, Tan Thuan, Tan Tao, Hiep Phuoc, Dong Nam) . This model creates new growth momentum and helps industries adapt sustainably.

H. TRADE PROMOTION

1. Vietnam Regional Specialties Fair 2025 Opened on the evening of November 12, 2025, at Royal City (Hanoi), this annual fair serves as an important bridge to promote local specialty products and enhance economic cooperation between provinces .

2. “Made in Vietnam 2025” Fair in Hanoi Organized in two phases (Dec 11-15 at Hoa Binh Park and Dec 18-22 at Hoang Quoc Viet) to increase market coverage and extend the connection chain during the peak shopping month .

I. INTERNATIONAL INTEGRATION

1. Seafood Exports to Japan May Set New Record Vietnam is the 3rd largest seafood supplier to Japan (7.4% market share). Thanks to CPTPP and VJEPA, exports to Japan in 2025 are forecast to exceed the record of $1.7 billion set in 2022 .

2. Effective Utilization of FTAs Despite difficulties, Vietnam’s exports in the first 11 months of 2025 reached $430.14 billion, up over 16%, thanks to the effective exploitation of FTAs.

3. Understanding Israel Market to Utilize VIFTA The VIFTA agreement opens opportunities in the Middle East, but businesses need to understand Israel’s consumer culture and business practices deeply, beyond just grasping tariff commitments.