Vietnam Industry and Trade News Bulletin for January 13, 2026

NDUSTRY AND TRADE NEWS DIGEST SYNTHESIZED FROM DOMESTIC ELECTRONIC INFORMATION NETWORKS Date: January 13, 2026

Notable issues related to the Industry and Trade sector that have been covered and reflected by the press are as follows:

A. POSITIVE INFORMATION

Discovery of Huge “Black Gold” Mine of 430 Million Barrels: A Boost for Vietnam’s Economic Takeoff

Murphy Oil Corporation (USA) has successfully appraised the Hai Su Vang-2X well in Block 15-2/17, Cuu Long Basin, approximately 64 km off the coast of Vietnam.
Significance: This is considered one of the most significant offshore oil and gas discoveries in the region in recent years. It holds strategic meaning for Vietnam’s new economic development phase, taking place amidst rising energy demand and economic recovery.
Impact: The event not only strengthens energy security and autonomy but also creates momentum to attract investment, promote growth, and elevate Vietnam’s position on the regional and international energy map.

2025: Vietnam Has 8 Export Items Exceeding 10 Billion USD

In 2025, 8 export items of Vietnam achieved a turnover of more than 10 billion USD, accounting for 70.2% of total export turnover.
Specific Data:
- Electronics, computers, and components reached 107.748 billion USD.
- Machinery, equipment, tools, and other spare parts reached 59.047 billion USD.
- Phones of all types and components reached 56.710 billion USD.
- Textiles and garments reached 39.642 billion USD.

B. GENERAL ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS (FOR REFERENCE)

Prime Minister: Put Social Housing Projects in “Green Lane”, “Priority Lane”

At the 5th Session of the Central Steering Committee on Housing Policy and Real Estate Market on the morning of Jan 13, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized restructuring people’s accommodation towards sustainability and reducing the mindset of chasing quantity.
Direction: Defined social housing for rent as a critical, long-term task. The PM requested an assessment of the real estate market up to Q4/2025, credit status, and proposals for social housing rental targets for 2026.
Solution: He directed to put social housing projects, especially for rent, into the “green lane” and “priority lane” by cutting unnecessary intermediate administrative steps.

Vietnam Economy: International Media Praises Future Growth

The “Vietnam Outlook 2026” report by bne IntelliNews (Germany) affirms that 2025 witnessed economic momentum shifts and institutional reforms (administrative streamlining, decentralization).
Performance: Despite geopolitical tensions raising global energy and shipping costs, Vietnam achieved impressive results in 2025, benefiting from strong regional trade demand and high-tech investment from Korea, Japan, and Singapore.
2026 Outlook: The 2026 budget outlines a proactive fiscal framework, prioritizing technology development and digital transformation, showing a willingness to accept reasonable deficits to maintain public investment.

European Businesses Record Many Positive Changes in Vietnam

On the morning of Jan 13, EuroCham announced the Business Confidence Index (BCI) for Q4/2025 reached 80 points, the highest level in the past 7 years.
Sentiment: 60% of businesses reported improved results in 2025 compared to 2024; 82% expect growth in 2026. 87% are ready to recommend Vietnam as an investment destination.
Global Impact: While 42% noted a negative net impact from global trade tensions, large enterprises showed greater resilience compared to small ones. +1

HSBC: Highest Growth in the Region, Vietnam Ready for New Opportunities

HSBC assesses that Vietnam’s economy grew by 8% in 2025, likely becoming the fastest-growing economy in Asia.
2026 Forecast: HSBC forecasts GDP growth of 6.7% for 2026 (lower than the National Assembly’s target of “at least 10%”). The bank is optimistic about the new opportunities linked to political changes and administrative reforms expected from the 14th National Party Congress (Jan 19-25).
Risks: Potential US tariffs of 40% on “transshipped” goods and semiconductor tariffs need close monitoring.

C. ENERGY

Power Sector Outlook 2026: Hydro Disadvantaged, How Will Supply Be?

El Nino Risk: Forecasts predict a high probability of El Nino in June-August 2026, affecting supply-demand balance in the dry season.
Hydro Status: First half of 2026 will have good output due to high water levels from late 2025 rains; second half will see a decline due to lower rainfall intensity. +1
Coal Power: Continues to play a “backbone” role. Mobilization will be high from the start of the year (similar to 2024) and maintained due to weaker hydro in Q3. In 2025, coal power contributed 47% of total output. +1
New Capacity 2026:
- Vung Ang 2 (665 MW) – from Q4/2025.
- Nhon Trach 3 & 4 (1,624 MW) – Commercial operation from Jan 1, 2026.
- Quang Trach 1 (1,403 MW) – Commercial operation expected in May 2026.
Planning: NSMO has built over 10 operation scenarios corresponding to load growth of 6.4% to 14.1%.

Bac Ninh Province Requires Penalty for An Khanh – Bac Giang Thermal Power

Based on the proposal of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, the Chairman of Bac Ninh PPC directed the Chairman of Cam Ly Commune to issue an administrative violation sanction decision against An Khanh – Bac Giang Thermal Power JSC. +1
Deadline: Results must be reported to the Provincial Chairman and relevant departments before January 20, 2026.

MoIT “Pushes” Power Projects to Operate 3 – 6 Months Early

MoIT issued Official Dispatch 41 requiring investors to accelerate progress and put power projects into operation 3 – 6 months earlier than the approved plan.
LNG Projects: Must operate before Jan 1, 2031 to enjoy incentives under Decree 56/2025. Investors bear full responsibility for efficiency if delayed.
Local Responsibility: Localities must urgently update planning, choose investors for projects not yet assigned, and allocate land funds. +1

Rooftop Solar: Buyers and Sellers Agree on Price

MoIT states that for rooftop solar under the Direct Power Purchase Agreement (DPPA) via private grid, the price will be negotiated between the buyer and seller (no longer referencing a MoIT price frame). +1
Excess Power: The regulation on selling excess power is proposed to increase to not more than 50% of actual generated output (currently 20%) to encourage development.
Scope Expansion: Expanding DPPA participation to retail units in industrial zones, economic zones, high-tech zones, etc.

D. IMPORT – EXPORT

Vietnam Rice Exports: Short-term Pressure and Restructuring Requirements

2025 Data: Rice exports reached 7.9 million tons, turnover approx. 4.1 billion USD (down 13.1% in volume and almost 30% in value vs 2024). Average price dropped nearly 20% to 511 USD/ton.
Challenges: Major markets like Philippines (38-42% share) and Indonesia are increasing self-sufficiency. African markets are growing but price-sensitive. +1
Strategy: Shift to high-quality, low-emission rice (1 million ha program 2026-2030).
New Market: Vietnam-Israel FTA (VIFTA) effective late 2024 opens a stable market worth 120-150 million USD/year. +1

Vietnamese People Increasingly Prefer High-Quality Imported Fruit

2025 Data: Fruit and vegetable imports reached approx. 3 billion USD. (Exports reached 8.5 billion USD, surplus 5.5 billion USD).
2026 Forecast: Import value may increase by 10-12%, approaching 3.3 – 3.5 billion USD.
Trends: High-end fruits from US, Australia, NZ, EU (apples, cherries, blueberries) are growing. Products from the Middle East/Halal countries are entering the market. +1

Transparent Agricultural Chain via Traceability

MARD launched the Vietnam Agricultural Product Traceability System.
Roadmap:
- Jan 1 – Jun 30, 2026: Pilot with durian.
- Jul 1, 2026: Expand to essential agricultural products.
- Jul 1, 2027: Mandatory for all domestic, export, and import products.

Soon Legalize Logistics Incentives in Industrial Zones

The Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs Association proposed legalizing incentives (land, tax, credit) for logistics infrastructure in 2026 decrees.
Goal: Cut total logistics costs by 0.7-1% of GDP within 5 years. Pilot models (Industry Cluster) in Dong Nai and HCMC can reduce operating costs by 10-15%. +2

E. DOMESTIC MARKET

Ho Chi Minh City: Series of Consumer Stimulus Solutions in 2026

2025 Performance: Total retail sales and service revenue reached approx. 2 quadrillion VND (+15.5%). Retail goods alone reached nearly 1 quadrillion VND (+15.8%).
Programs: Organized over 300 fairs; “Shopping Season” with discounts over 50%.
Initiatives: “Green Tick of Responsibility” for e-commerce transparency.
New Plan: In Q1/2026, pilot pork trading on the Merchandise Exchange. +2

Spring National Fair 2026 to be Held in Early February

Time: From February 2 to 8, 2026.
Location: Vietnam Exhibition Center (VEC), Dong Anh, Hanoi. +1
Support: Each participating unit is supported with 20 m2 of free display area.

Vietnamese Goods Speed Up During Peak Tet 2026 Shopping

In Thanh Hoa, the Tet market is heating up with Vietnamese goods dominating (accounting for 85-90% of goods in supermarkets).
Growth: Many domestic items recorded a purchasing power increase of 20 – 30%.
Trends: High-quality rice, sausages, spring rolls, and OCOP products are strongly consumed. Enterprises have proactively built reserve plans since late 2025.