Vietnam Business News: Week in Review (06 Sep 2025)

Vietnam has quickly become one of Asia’s most dynamic economies, offering foreign investors and entrepreneurs an attractive environment for growth. With its ongoing regulatory reforms, digital transformation, and focus on compliance, doing business in Vietnam is no longer just about market entry - it’s about understanding how innovation and law interact to create sustainable opportunities.

This week’s Vietnam business update highlights five key developments:

• New traceability and compliance measures for agricultural exports.
• Expanded customs fee exemptions to facilitate trade.
• Vietnam topping ASEAN in consumer confidence.
• CPI movements driven by rent and education.
• Strong foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows signaling sustained growth.

United Consulting provides regular business updates to highlight the most important shifts affecting entrepreneurs, SMEs, and foreign investors. Whether you’re already doing business in Vietnam or exploring new Business & Investment opportunities, staying ahead of these changes will help you navigate compliance and seize growth potential. Follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook to always stay up to date! 

Traceability Rules for Agricultural Exports

On August 29, 2025, Vietnam’s Prime Minister issued Directive No. 150/CĐ-TTg. The aim is to enhance traceability, ensure quality, and protect the reputation of Vietnamese agricultural, forestry, and seafood exports.

This policy comes after warnings from the European Union (EU) regarding repeated violations of food safety regulations in Vietnamese shipments. Without compliance, exporters risk losing access to high-value markets.

Key Requirements:

•  Establishing food safety control processes across the entire production chain by 2025.
• Focusing on monitoring pesticides, antibiotics, and food additives.
• Completing related training programs by Q3 2025

Agricultural exporters must invest in traceability technology, supplier audits, and international certifications.

Vietnam Expands Customs Fee Exemptions for Trade and Aid

In another major development, the Ministry of Finance issued Circular No. 86/2025/TT-BTC, expanding customs fee and charge exemptions. The aim is to reduce administrative costs and encourage transparent trade practices.

Categories of Exemption:

1. Humanitarian and non-refundable aid: Intended for state agencies, political organizations, social organizations, and individuals within tax-exempt limits are excluded from fees, along with humanitarian/charitable gifts and items enjoying diplomatic immunity.
2. Border residents’ goods and vehicles: Exempt within tax-free limits, with simplified procedures requiring only tracking logs instead of a full customs declaration.
3. Transit, export, import, exit, and entry goods and vehicles.
   

For non-exempt cases, financial obligations must be settled at customs declaration or when applying for intellectual property protection.

Vietnam Leads ASEAN in Consumer Confidence

According to UOB ASEAN Consumer Sentiment Study 2025, Vietnam has emerged as the most optimistic market in ASEAN, topping the Consumer Sentiment Index with a score of 67. This is a three-point increase from 2024 and significantly above the regional average of 54.

Key Drivers of Confidence:

• Economic stability: 83% of Vietnamese consumers express trust in the country’s economy.
• Political stability: Confidence stands at 82%, underlining predictability for investors.
• Social stability: Scoring 81%, Vietnam outpaces neighbors in perceived security and order.

The study also revealed the dominance of e-wallets and scan-to-pay services in Vietnam and Indonesia. This reflects Vietnam’s rapid adoption of fintech solutions, especially among younger consumers.

Vietnam’s CPI in August 2025: Stability with Minor Pressures

Vietnam's Consumer Price Index (CPI) in August 2025 saw a slight month-on-month increase of 0.05%, bringing its year-on-year rise to 3.24% and an average 3.25% increase for the first eight months of 202

Key Drivers:

• Housing and utilities: Up 0.21% due to student rental demand and higher electricity costs.
• Education: Up 0.21% from tuition adjustments and school supply price hikes.
• Other minor increases: Apparel, beverages, and tobacco.

Inflation Indicators:

• Core inflation: Up 0.19% MoM, 3.25% YoY.
• Gold prices: Rose 1.2% following global trends.
• USD exchange rate: Up 0.36% MoM.

FDI Continues to Surge

Vietnam attracted $26.14 billion in FDI in the first eight months of 2025, up 27.3% YoY.

Key Numbers:

• Adjusted capital: $10.65B (+85.9%).
• Implemented FDI: $15.4B, a five-year high.
• Manufacturing led with 59.2% of new capital.
• Singapore topped new investors with $3.06B.

Vietnam’s manufacturing hub status continues to grow, backed by stable policies and investor trust. Outward investment also surged, with Vietnamese firms targeting Laos, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

Conclusion: Outlook for Doing Business in Vietnam

Vietnam is balancing compliance tightening with investment incentives:

• Agricultural exporters must adapt to stricter EU-aligned standards.
• Customs fee exemptions lower trade costs.
• Consumer confidence is boosting domestic demand.
• Inflation is stable but requires monitoring.
• FDI inflows reaffirm Vietnam as a top ASEAN investment hub.

For SMEs and foreign investors, the key is clear: compliance, adaptability, and tapping into Vietnam’s growth sectors.

✅ Need expert support on Vietnam compliance, tax updates, or investment strategy? Contact United Consulting for tailored advice to grow your business in Vietnam.