Not Every Country Can Achieve This
At the 2025 Ministry of Industry and Trade Conference, summarizing the sector’s achievements from 2021-2025 and outlining key tasks for 2026, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that amidst rapid global and regional uncertainties, Vietnam has maintained macroeconomic stability, controlled inflation, and ensured major economic balances while upholding political and social stability.
Specifically addressing the industry and trade sector, the Prime Minister acknowledged its significant contributions to the nation’s overall success. The industrial sector continued to grow robustly, with manufacturing and processing industries achieving high growth rates, becoming a key driver.
Notably, trade expanded vigorously, with this year’s total import-export turnover estimated at approximately $920 billion, placing Vietnam among the world’s top 15 trading nations. “This is a truly remarkable figure, not every country can achieve this in today’s volatile context,” the Prime Minister remarked.
The Prime Minister praised Vietnamese businesses’ resilience amidst challenging trade conditions.
Alongside scale, the Prime Minister noted significant improvements in market quality. Vietnamese goods are now present in nearly 140 countries and territories, with increasingly diverse export markets.
“Amid major economies, particularly the U.S., intensifying trade defenses and countervailing duties, Vietnam’s import-export turnover has sustained growth, demonstrating Vietnamese businesses’ adaptability and resilience. Despite U.S. countervailing duties and tougher markets, we remain steadfast, maintaining export momentum—a true success,” the Prime Minister stressed.
The Prime Minister urged the industry and trade sector to lead in digital transformation, energy transition, and green production and trade.
The Prime Minister views U.S. countervailing duties as both a challenge and a catalyst for change in business and regulatory practices. “Exporting cannot rely on old methods, opportunistic tactics, or perpetual incentives,” he stated, urging the sector to help businesses enhance product quality, comply with origin rules, environmental standards, labor regulations, and sustainable development. Exporting is not just about selling goods but sustaining long-term market presence.
A Pivotal Year for Double-Digit Growth
Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang outlined 2026’s focus on building a strong foundation for a new growth phase, aiming for high, sustainable industrial, domestic trade, and export growth while ensuring smooth supply chains for goods, energy, and logistics.
Deputy Minister Phan Thi Thang addressed the conference.
The sector will maximize free trade agreements, diversify markets, products, and export methods.
“2026 is a pivotal year, laying critical groundwork for the industry and trade sector and the economy to achieve double-digit growth in the next phase,” Deputy Minister Phan Thi Thang stated.
From a business perspective, To Hoai Nam, Secretary-General of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), noted that despite 2025’s challenges, Vietnam’s seafood exports reached approximately $11.2 billion, expanding to 161 markets and significantly contributing to overall economic growth.
However, Nam highlighted multiple pressures on the seafood sector, including the EC’s IUU yellow card, high production costs, and U.S. market barriers such as 20% countervailing duties, potential 25-35.29% anti-dumping taxes on shrimp, and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), which may ban several seafood imports from 2026.
“In Just 5 Years, Vietnam Achieves a New ‘Miracle’ in a Key Metric, Nearly Doubling the Figure from the Previous 20 Years”
On the morning of December 19th, marking the 79th anniversary of the Nationwide Resistance Day (1946-2025) and in anticipation of the 14th National Party Congress, a grand ceremony was held to simultaneously commence, inaugurate, and open to traffic 234 exemplary infrastructure projects across the nation.
Grand Inauguration and Groundbreaking Ceremony of 234 Major Projects Nationwide, Attended by Prime Minister and National Assembly Chairman
On the morning of December 19th, marking the 79th anniversary of the Nationwide Resistance Day (1946-2025) and in anticipation of the 14th National Party Congress, a grand ceremony was held to simultaneously commence, inaugurate, and open to traffic 234 exemplary infrastructure projects across the nation.
British Conglomerate Sells $6 Billion Vinamilk Shares: Holds REE and THACO, Built China’s Railways Since the 19th Century
Through Jardine Cycle & Carriage, the 195-year-old Jardine Matheson Group is reshaping its multi-billion-dollar portfolio in Vietnam, focusing on strategic, dominant positions in THACO and REE, alongside an expansive ecosystem spanning real estate and consumer sectors.
Today’s Silver Bar Prices: December 19th Update
Today’s silver prices have taken a downturn both domestically and globally, marking a significant shift in the precious metal’s trajectory.
Billionaire Trần Đình Long Greenlights $430 Million Project: “Made in Vietnam” Railway Steel to Roll Out a Year Ahead of Schedule
On the morning of December 19th, Hoa Phat Group held the groundbreaking ceremony for the Hoa Phat Dung Quat Special Steel and Rail Production Plant. This project is part of the Group’s strategy to produce high-tech steel products, utilizing state-of-the-art European production lines. The plant is expected to commence production of high-speed railway rails and structural steel in 2027, catering to key railway infrastructure projects.
