Vietnam Industry and Trade News Bulletin for January 12, 2026

INDUSTRY AND TRADE NEWS DIGEST – JANUARY 12, 2026

A. POSITIVE INFORMATION

1. More Vietnamese Enterprises Achieve Over $1 Million Revenue on Amazon

• Amazon Global Selling Vietnam has released the “Empowering Vietnamese Small and Medium Enterprises 2025” report.
• Growth: The report highlights strong growth in the number of brand registrations, export product quantity, and the rise of “million-dollar sellers”.
• Milestone: The number of Vietnamese sellers achieving annual sales of over $1 million on Amazon increased by 60% in 2025. Sales from branded products grew by over 40%, signaling a strategic shift from volume-based to value-based exports.
• Top Categories: The top 5 best-selling categories from Vietnam are: Apparel, Beauty, Home, Health & Personal Care, and Kitchen.
• Furniture: Furniture products from hubs like Binh Duong are making a mark globally, leveraging e-commerce to reach customers directly.

2. Chili Exports Set Record, Surpassing $100 Million

• In 2025, Vietnam’s chili exports established a new record, reaching over $100 million (equivalent to approx. 2,600 billion VND), a sharp increase compared to previous years.
• Position: With this result, chili has risen to become a key export item in the fruit and vegetable group, contributing significantly to the agricultural sector’s overall achievement.

B. GENERAL ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS

1. China Strengthens Export Controls on “Dual-Use” Goods to Japan

• The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has announced a ban on the export of “dual-use” goods (usable for both civil and military purposes) to Japan if the buyer is the military or if the goods are intended for military use.
• Effectiveness: The ban is effective immediately, aimed at protecting China’s national security and supply chains amidst geopolitical tensions.
• Regulation: China also imposes strict legal liability for unauthorized transshipment or re-export of these goods.

2. Retailers Proactive with Goods Supply for Tet Binh Ngo

• Entering the peak shopping season for Tet 2026, retail businesses have completed stockpiling goods, with quantities increasing by 10-30% compared to the previous year.
• Commitment: Many large-scale promotional programs are being implemented to stimulate consumption and stabilize the market.

C. INDUSTRY

1. Honda Vietnam Launches UC3 Electric Motorcycle and Charging Station System

• Honda Vietnam officially launched the Honda UC3 electric motorcycle model and announced its EV development roadmap in Vietnam.
• Infrastructure: The company has started installing battery swapping and charging stations (Honda Motor Charger Hub) in major cities like Hanoi, HCMC, and Da Nang, expected to operate from June 2026.
• Product: The UC3 uses LFP batteries, with a range of about 120km per charge, aiming for carbon neutrality in urban transport.

2. New Auto Strategy: Reducing Registration Fees for Green Cars

• The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) is proposing that the Government study policies to reduce registration fees for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV), and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) to encourage green consumption and sustainable domestic auto industry development.

D. ENERGY

1. Petrolimex Announces Strategy for the New Era

• Vietnam National Petroleum Group (Petrolimex) has announced its long-term development strategy, positioning itself to become a green, clean, and eco-friendly energy group.
• Focus: Transitioning from a traditional petroleum supplier to providing diverse new energy solutions (EV charging stations, Sustainable Aviation Fuel – SAF, green hydrogen).

2. Ensuring Electricity for Dry Season Peak 2026

• From the beginning of the year, MoIT held urgent meetings with EVN and energy groups (PVN, TKV) to review power supply plans.
• Target: Absolutely no power shortages in 2026, especially during the peak dry season, to serve the GDP growth target of 7.5 – 8%.

E. IMPORT – EXPORT

1. Seafood 2026: Challenge to Maintain Form After $11.3 Billion Record

• In 2025, seafood exports impressively finished at $11.3 billion.
• 2026 Challenges: The sector faces pressure from trade barriers (anti-dumping duties on shrimp in the US, IUU “yellow card” in the EU).
• Opportunities: Markets within the CPTPP bloc and China continue to maintain good growth momentum, serving as the main drivers for 2026.

2. Textiles Approach $40 Billion Mark, Orders Abundant

• Textile and garment export turnover in 2025 recorded a record high, approaching the $40 billion mark.
• Positive Signals: In January 2026, many enterprises already have full orders for Q1 and Q2, thanks to recovering demand in major markets like the US and EU.

F. DOMESTIC MARKET

1. “Shocking” Pork Scandal at Halong Canfoco

• Authorities in Hai Phong prosecuted the case and detained the General Director of Halong Canned Food JSC (Halong Canfoco) regarding the discovery of 120-130 tons of pork infected with African Swine Fever virus in cold storage.
• Consequence: Major supermarket chains (such as Bach Hoa Xanh, Co.opmart) have simultaneously stopped selling and recalled the company’s products to protect consumers. The incident has seriously affected trust in the processed food market during Tet.

2. Spring Fair 2026: Tet Shopping Destination

• MoIT shared information on preparations for the Spring Fair 2026. The fair will be organized on a large scale to connect goods supply and demand for Tet, especially focusing on OCOP products and regional specialties.