VIỆT NAM'S TRADE SHINES AS A PILLAR OF ECONOMIC GROWTH
Việt Nam's trade sector remains a key driver of economic growth, with total import-export turnover reaching an impressive US$163 billion as of March 15, up 12 per cent year-on-year. This robust performance, representing an increase of $12 billion compared to the same period last year, underscores the sector’s resilience amid ongoing global economic uncertainty.
AUTO SALES JUMP 47% IN MARCH
Vietnam’s auto market posted a strong performance in March, with total sales surging 47% over February to 31,750 units, according to the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA). Sales of locally assembled vehicles reached 14,887 units, up by 35% month-on-month, while vehicle imports soared by a robust 60% to 16,863 vehicles. This is one of the rare occasions where imported car sales outpace those of domestically assembled models.
VIETNAM HOLDS FIRM ON 2025 GDP GROWTH TARGET OF 8% OR HIGHER
The Government of Vietnam has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving a GDP growth rate of 8% or higher in 2025, with a strong focus on macroeconomic stability and restructuring. The Government on April 10 issued Resolution No. 77/NQ-CP in this regard following the monthly cabinet meeting for March and a teleconference with provincial authorities.
RETAIL SALES OF GOODS, SERVICES UP ALMOST 10% IN Q1
Total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue in the first quarter of 2025 were estimated at VNĐ1.7 quadrillion (US$65.5 billion), up 9.9 per cent year-on-year, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO). GSO director Nguyễn Thị Hương stated that high domestic consumption demand during the holidays, such as Tết, as well as the significant number of international visitors to Việt Nam, are key factors contributing positively to the growth of the trade and service sector.
VN-INDEX JUMPS OVER 70 POINTS AS STOCKS HIT CEILING ON TAX RELIEF NEWS
Việt Nam’s stock market surged at the opening bell on Thursday, with the VN-Index leaping more than 71 points as investors cheered the latest announcement from US President Donald Trump, who declared an immediate 90-day delay and reduction of proposed tariffs on multiple countries, including Việt Nam. As of 9:20am, the VN-Index had gained over 72 points, marking a 6.5 per cent increase.
AGRO-FORESTRY-AQUATIC PRODUCT EXPORTS INCREASE OVER 13% IN FIRST QUARTER
Việt Nam's agro-forestry-aquatic product exports reached US$6.14 billion in March, bringing the total export value in the first quarter of this year to $15.72 billion, a year-on-year increase of 13.1 per cent. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Việt Nam recorded a trade surplus of $4.4 billion in agro-forestry-aquatic products in the first quarter, up 13.1 per cent compared the same period last year.
BAD DEBT SEEN DROPPING IN Q2
Vietnamese banks expect non-performing loans (NPLs) to fall and interest rates to remain stable in the second quarter of the year. A survey on business sentiment by the Department of Forecasting, Statistics and Monetary and Financial Stabilization at the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) found that NPLs declined in January-March and are forecast to drop further in the next three months.
VN’S TEXTILE INDUSTRY BREAKS NEW GROUND WITH FLAME-RESISTANT EXPORTS
Just one year since production began, the innovative line of flame-retardant products at the Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex) is opening the door to fresh export opportunities. This breakthrough comes as a result of a memorandum of understanding between Vinatex and the UK-based Coats Group, a global leader in high-performance threads and materials. The project has already received high marks under Coats’ rigorous supplier evaluation system.
