Vietnam Insider - Page 78 of 1522

The U.S. spends over $1 Billion to become Vietnam’s largest importer in this category. Here’s what we know so far

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Vietnam Insider – Vietnam’s auto parts and transport equipment sector is rapidly becoming a global export force, with the United States, Japan, and South Korea emerging as top buyers.

According to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs, exports of transport vehicles and components reached over USD 1.4 billion in May 2025, marking a 5% increase month-over-month. Cumulatively, the first five months of 2025 brought in USD 6.7 billion, up 8.6% compared to the same period last year.

The United States is currently Vietnam’s largest importer in this category, with import value exceeding USD 1.37 billion, reflecting an 8.4% increase year-on-year. Japan follows closely with over USD 1.32 billion in imports, a 14.1% rise, while South Korea ranks third at nearly USD 700 million, up 2% compared to the same period in 2024.

Vietnam has emerged as the third-largest exporter of automotive wiring harnesses globally, trailing only China and India, according to experts from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). This success is attributed to the global shift in manufacturing away from China to more agile Southeast Asian markets like Vietnam, where companies are increasingly integrating into the global automotive supply chain.

In recent years, Vietnam’s auto parts export sector has consistently achieved double-digit growth, fueled by its capacity to meet large-scale production demands. Vietnamese enterprises are gaining ground in specialized components, especially automotive electrical wiring, which is now being exported to major automotive hubs including Japan, the U.S., the EU, and Thailand.

Despite these gains, new challenges are emerging. As of May 3, 2025, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has implemented a 25% import tariff on 332 categories of auto parts, encompassing mechanical, electronic, transmission, and control system components. This follows the Trump administration’s re-imposition of tariffs on finished vehicles in April, part of broader efforts to protect domestic manufacturing and reduce trade deficits.

Economists suggest that for Vietnam to sustain momentum, the country must invest more aggressively in production technology, digital transformation, and quality control. Expanding FDI partnerships and accelerating the development of specialized industrial zones with modern logistics infrastructure will be key to attracting high-profile investors from countries like Japan, Germany, the U.S., and South Korea.

Looking ahead, 2025 is poised to be a breakthrough year for Vietnam’s auto parts exports. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the country is strategically positioning itself for the next generation of vehicles—including electric vehicles (EVs), hybrids, and green energy-powered cars. By 2030, Vietnam aims to achieve USD 14 billion in exports of vehicles and parts, with a long-term target of USD 36 billion by 2045.

As Vietnam continues to rise as a strategic link in the global automotive supply chain, its “emerging goldmine” of high-value auto parts is gaining the attention of the world’s top economies.

Bitcoin has reached a historic milestone, now among the world’s most valuable assets

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Vietnam Insider – Bitcoin has reached a historic milestone, hitting an all-time high of $112,000 in May 2025. This price surge has propelled its market capitalization to $2.1 trillion, placing it on par with some of the largest tech giants in the world.

According to the latest data from Yahoo Finance and CoinMarketCap, Bitcoin now surpasses the market value of companies like Tesla ($1.1T), Meta ($1.7T), and Broadcom ($1.2T), and is tied with Alphabet (Google) at $2.1 trillion. It even edges close to Amazon ($2.2T) and remains just behind mega-cap leaders like Apple ($3.0T), Microsoft ($3.4T), and NVIDIA ($3.5T).

This remarkable growth reflects renewed investor confidence in digital assets, driven by increasing institutional adoption, global inflation concerns, and a broader acceptance of cryptocurrencies in mainstream finance.

Bitcoin’s rise in market value also signals its growing influence as a digital store of value and an alternative to traditional financial systems, especially at a time when technology and fintech continue to reshape global markets.

As of June 3, 2025, here’s how Bitcoin compares to top global corporations by market cap:

NVIDIA: $3.5T
Microsoft: $3.4T
Apple: $3.0T
Amazon: $2.2T
Alphabet (Google): $2.1T
Bitcoin: $2.1T
Meta: $1.7T
Broadcom: $1.2T
Tesla: $1.1T
Berkshire Hathaway: $1.1T

Vietnamese investors and tech enthusiasts are closely watching these global movements, with digital assets becoming increasingly popular among young professionals and innovation-driven enterprises in the country.

Stay tuned with Vietnam Insider for more updates on global finance, crypto trends, and technology developments.

Vietnam’s island paradise sees 78% surge in foreign tourists

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Vietnam Insider – Vietnam’s premier island getaway, Phu Quoc, is making international headlines once again with a remarkable 78.3% year-on-year increase in foreign tourist arrivals during the first five months of 2025. Recently voted the world’s second most beautiful island by Travel + Leisure readers—second only to the Maldives—Phu Quoc is quickly becoming one of Asia’s must-visit beach destinations.

From January to May, the island welcomed more than 775,000 international visitors, contributing to a total of 3.5 million arrivals and generating an impressive VND 17.9 trillion (US$687 million) in tourism revenue—an 87% surge compared to the same period last year, according to the official portal of Kien Giang Province.

Related: Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island Among the Fastest-Growing Tourist Destinations in Southeast Asia

Tourists are flocking not only from traditional source markets like Europe and North America, but also in growing numbers from India, South Korea, China, and Cambodia. Notably, Cambodian travelers are increasingly entering via Ha Tien and Giang Thanh international border gates before continuing by speedboat to the island’s stunning shores.

With its white-sand beaches, luxury resorts, vibrant local markets, and the soon-to-launch direct international flight connections, Phu Quoc is aiming to welcome 1 million foreign visitors in 2025.

Whether you’re seeking tropical tranquility, a romantic escape, or a family adventure—Phu Quoc promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Southeast Asia.

Northern Vietnam to Experience Torrential Rainfall – Which Areas Will Be Most Affected?

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Hanoi, June 9 – Vietnam’s National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has issued a weather alert for an upcoming period of heavy rainfall, primarily affecting the mountainous and midland regions of Northern Vietnam.

According to the agency, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected today across the northwestern region, the Central Highlands, and the southern provinces, with localized heavy rain in some areas.

From tonight through early tomorrow morning, moderate to heavy rain is forecast for the northern mountainous and midland regions, with some areas likely to experience torrential downpours exceeding 180mm. Authorities have warned of flash floods in small rivers and streams, as well as potential landslides on hillsides and mountainous slopes.

Weather Outlook for June 9 (Night) to June 10:

Hanoi: Showers and scattered thunderstorms expected, with some areas seeing heavy rain. Temperatures will range from 24°C to 33°C.
Northwest Vietnam: Moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms, with very heavy rainfall possible in isolated areas. Temperatures: 22°C to 32°C.
Northeast Vietnam: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, with localized heavy rain. The mountainous and midland areas will see moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms, with very heavy rainfall in some locations. Temperatures: 23°C to 33°C.
Thanh Hoa to Thua Thien Hue: Partly cloudy at night with a chance of light rain and thunderstorms. Sunny during the day, with scattered showers and storms expected in the evening. In Thanh Hoa and Nghe An, heavier rainfall is likely. Temperatures: 24°C to 35°C.

Da Nang to Binh Thuan:

Northern section: Light showers and isolated thunderstorms at night; sunny during the day, with scattered rain in the evening.
Southern section: Scattered rain during the day, with possible localized heavy rain in the afternoon and evening. Temperatures: 25°C to 35°C.
Central Highlands: Generally light rain and thunderstorms, with moderate to very heavy rain expected in the afternoon and evening in some areas. Temperatures: 20°C to 31°C.
Southern Vietnam: Isolated showers during the day; moderate to very heavy rain expected in the afternoon and evening in some areas. Temperatures: 23°C to 32°C.

Residents in high-risk areas are advised to stay updated with weather forecasts, avoid traveling through landslide-prone zones during periods of heavy rain, and take precautionary measures to ensure personal and property safety.

This Village Offers $25,000 to New Residents Willing to Move In

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The village of Albinen in southwestern Switzerland is offering up to $25,000 USD per adult to encourage long-term relocation. Those who move in with children can receive an additional $10,000 USD per child.

Nestled in the Swiss Alps, Albinen is renowned for its breathtaking mountain views, clean air, and tranquil atmosphere. In response to a declining and aging population, the local government has launched a financial incentive program to attract new, long-term residents willing to commit to living in the village for at least 10 years.

Under this program, each adult who relocates will be granted $25,000, while each accompanying child will earn the family an extra $12,000. However, applicants must meet several criteria: Be under 45 years old; Invest at least $480,000 USD in purchasing property in the village, and genuinely live in Albinen full-time (not just as a secondary or vacation home).

Albinen has a long and rich history dating back to 100 BC. Its first church was built in 1861, the local post office opened in 1895, and the village’s first general store was established in 1906.

Switzerland is not alone in offering such programs. Other European countries, such as Italy, have launched similar initiatives. On the island of Sardinia, authorities are offering up to $17,000 USD to people who move to rural areas and renovate old homes. That program, part of a $51 million initiative, requires recipients to settle in towns with populations under 3,000 and stay for at least 18 months.

Some people have expressed that the cost of meeting the requirements in Albinen is high compared to other places like Italy. However, many others believe it is a fair exchange given Switzerland’s globally renowned quality of life and high living standards. As one tourist put it: “If I meet the requirements, I’d still love to move there.”

A New Theory Challenges Why Humans First Used Fire – And It Wasn’t for Cooking

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A controversial new study is turning our understanding of human evolution on its head, suggesting that the earliest use of fire by our ancestors may not have been to cook food—but for a completely different reason.

For decades, scientists have believed that fire played a revolutionary role in human evolution. Mastering fire helped early humans cook, stay warm, and extend their activities into the night. It was seen as a turning point that shaped culture, technology, and even brain development.

But researchers at Tel Aviv University in Israel are proposing a bold new theory: that our ancestors didn’t first use fire to cook, but rather to preserve food—specifically meat from large animals that was too valuable to waste.

Fire as a Tool for Preserving, Not Just Cooking

The long-standing “Cooking Hypothesis” argues that Homo erectus, an early human ancestor, used fire to cook food, making it easier to digest and fueling the brain’s growth. However, the new research points to a different early use of fire: smoking or drying meat to prevent it from spoiling.

Led by Dr. Miki Ben-Dor and Professor Ran Barkai, the Tel Aviv research team studied ancient archaeological sites dating back 1.8 million to 800,000 years. While these sites contained clear evidence of fire, there were no signs that meat had been roasted. What they did find, however, were large quantities of bones from massive animals like elephants, hippos, and rhinoceroses.

One adult elephant, for example, can provide millions of calories—enough to feed a group of early humans for an entire month. The challenge, then, was not just hunting such creatures, but how to preserve that much food in harsh environments where spoilage and scavengers posed constant threats.

The researchers suggest that early humans used fire to ward off wild animals and to smoke or dry the meat, greatly extending its shelf life. This practice would have been a critical survival strategy, especially in an era when securing a large meal wasn’t guaranteed.

Rethinking Prehistoric Survival Strategies

This theory reframes the role of fire in early human life—not as a culinary innovation, but as a vital tool for energy conservation and survival. According to the researchers, Homo erectus heavily relied on large-animal calories, and this dependence shaped their hunting strategies, mobility, and even how they used fire.

Using fire to preserve meat was likely a smart energy-saving tactic—essential in an unforgiving world where every calorie counted. Only later, after humans had mastered fire, did cooking become a common function.

In fact, evidence of roasted fish doesn’t appear at archaeological sites until around 800,000 years ago—much later than the earliest signs of fire use.

This groundbreaking theory opens up a new perspective: that early humans weren’t just learning to make food tastier—they were learning to survive more efficiently. And that strategic thinking, as much as anything else, may have laid the foundation for human civilization as we know it.

Vietnamese Surgeons Achieve Breakthrough in Treating American Patient After 15 Years of Global Treatment Failures

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Vietnam Insider – A groundbreaking medical success story in Vietnam is capturing international attention: after 15 years of unsuccessful treatments in leading hospitals across the U.S., Thailand, and Singapore, an American businessman has found relief—thanks to the expertise of Vietnamese doctors at Binh Dan Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.

D.F., a U.S. citizen and global entrepreneur, had endured debilitating urethral stricture complications for over a decade and a half. Despite undergoing six surgeries at renowned international institutions, his condition worsened, affecting both his kidney and bladder function.

“I suffered and felt hopeless for 15 years, traveling the world for the best care,” D.F. shared. “In the end, the place that finally cured me was Binh Dan Hospital in Vietnam. I feel like I’ve been born again.”

In April 2025, he turned to Binh Dan Hospital, one of Vietnam’s leading public medical centers renowned for advanced urological surgery. On May 17, Dr. Do Lenh Hung, Head of the Department of Urethral Reconstructive Surgery, led a complex urethroplasty surgery—despite challenges from previous failed interventions.

The two-hour procedure was a complete success. Within three weeks, the patient had fully regained urinary function. According to Dr. Hung, “We’ve successfully treated many cases even more complicated than this. Our team has the experience, technology, and commitment to deliver world-class results.”

Vietnam’s Healthcare Expertise on the Rise

The story is not an isolated success. Binh Dan Hospital has steadily built a reputation for excellence in minimally invasive, laparoscopic, and robotic surgeries, attracting patients from around the world. Between 2023 and 2025, the hospital treated over 1,000 patients from 26 countries and territories including the U.S., Canada, Australia, and across Europe and Asia.

Many international patients find their way to Binh Dan based on word-of-mouth recommendations from former patients and medical professionals, underlining Vietnam’s growing global profile in specialized healthcare.

Associate Professor Dr. Tran Vinh Hung, Director of Binh Dan Hospital, emphasized the hospital’s international role: “We have not only treated patients from abroad but have also sent expert surgeons to countries such as India, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines to demonstrate and transfer advanced techniques in urological and robotic surgery.”

Vietnamese surgeons from Binh Dan have performed laparoscopic kidney surgeries in Indonesia, robotic colorectal cancer surgeries in the Philippines, and trained doctors from the U.S., Australia, and Southeast Asia in cutting-edge procedures.

Healthcare Destination Vietnam

The Department of Health of Ho Chi Minh City has recognized Binh Dan Hospital as a model of medical innovation aligned with the city’s healthcare development goals. With its rapidly advancing capabilities and international reputation, Vietnam is increasingly emerging as a trusted medical tourism destination for complex surgical cases.

D.F.’s recovery is a powerful testament to the skill and dedication of Vietnamese doctors: “Vietnam gave me what the world could not—healing. I’m forever grateful.”

Vietnamese Border Guards and Local Fishermen Rescue 8 Foreign Nationals Adrift at Sea

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Vietnam Insider – June 9, 2025 – Border guards in Vietnam’s southernmost province of Ca Mau have provided humanitarian assistance and medical care to eight foreign nationals rescued after being found adrift on the open sea. All individuals are now in stable physical and mental condition.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Thanh Hai, Commander of the Khanh Hoi Border Post under the Ca Mau Provincial Border Guard, the unit received and cared for the eight individuals following their rescue on June 8.

At approximately 2:00 PM that day, Mr. Dang Van Phil, a 39-year-old fishing boat captain from Tran Van Thoi District, spotted a group of eight foreigners waving for help from a drifting raft while at sea. Mr. Phil promptly reported the incident to the boat’s owner, Mr. Phan Tan Sin, who in turn notified the Khanh Hoi Border Post.

In coordination with the authorities, Mr. Phil successfully brought the stranded individuals ashore, where they were received and assisted by the border guards.

Upon arrival, the Khanh Hoi Border Post provided immediate food, water, and medical support in accordance with Vietnamese regulations on maritime rescue and humanitarian aid.

Preliminary verification revealed that the group consisted of seven Thai nationals and one Cambodian citizen. According to their accounts, they had originally been part of a nine-member crew aboard a vessel supplying food and provisions at sea. The vessel encountered an accident and sank, resulting in one male crew member going missing. The remaining eight managed to assemble a makeshift raft and eventually drifted into Vietnamese waters.

Thanks to the swift response from local fishermen and the border guard forces, all eight survivors are now safe and receiving ongoing care.

Top Listed Vietnamese Bank Stocks Most Favored by Foreign Investors This Week

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Vietnam Insider – June 9, 2025 – Despite a generally muted performance in the banking sector during the trading week of June 2–6, foreign investors continued to show strong interest in select Vietnamese bank stocks. According to market data, while the majority of banking shares saw slight declines or moved sideways, several tickers stood out due to significant foreign buying activity.

Among 27 listed banking stocks on the Vietnamese stock exchanges, only six experienced price increases. The most notable gainer was Eximbank (EIB), which rose by 6.17%, followed by smaller gains from HDBank (HDB), Sacombank (STB), and OCB.

Three stocks – PGBank (PGB), NCB (NVB), and ABBANK (ABB) – maintained stable prices throughout the week. Meanwhile, the majority of banking stocks declined, with Kienlongbank (KLB) experiencing the steepest drop of 7.14%, reversing its impressive 30% surge the week prior.

Foreign Investors Focus on SHB, EIB, and VIB

Foreign investors maintained net buying positions in several large-cap banking stocks, signaling continued optimism about the sector’s long-term prospects. Saigon – Hanoi Bank (SHB) led the chart in foreign net inflows, attracting over VND 205 billion in net purchases. SHB’s strong fundamentals and recent strategic announcements may have contributed to the surge in foreign interest.

Eximbank (EIB) also enjoyed robust foreign investor demand, with net buying exceeding VND 104 billion. This was followed by VIB, Military Bank (MBB), and TPBank (TPB), all of which recorded sizable foreign inflows.

On the flip side, the most heavily sold bank stocks by foreign investors were STB (Sacombank), VCB (Vietcombank), MSB (Maritime Bank), HDB, and VPB (VPBank). The divestment in these tickers could reflect short-term profit-taking or portfolio rebalancing strategies.

Trading Volume Declines

Total matched-order trading value for the 27 banking stocks reached approximately VND 20.86 trillion, down from VND 24.29 trillion in the previous week. This drop in trading volume reflects a general wait-and-see sentiment amid a cooling market.

According to Sophie Dao, Lawyer and Senior Partner at GBS – Global Business Services, a leading advisory firm for foreign investors in Vietnam:

“Vietnam’s banking sector remains a cornerstone of economic growth, and foreign investors are increasingly selective, focusing on institutions with strong digital transformation strategies and transparent governance. The sustained foreign inflows into SHB and EIB demonstrate the long-term confidence in Vietnam’s financial reform and investment climate.”

For more updates on Vietnam’s financial market and foreign investment trends, stay connected with GBS and Vietnam Insider.

How Vietnam’s capital city emerges as top destination for foreign direct investment in May

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Vietnam Insider – In May 2025, Hanoi led the nation in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), with nearly USD 1.4 billion poured into 36 new projects, 23 capital expansion initiatives, and numerous equity acquisitions by foreign investors. This surge reflects Hanoi’s growing appeal as a dynamic investment destination in Vietnam.

According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Vietnam recorded nearly USD 18.4 billion in total registered FDI in the first five months of 2025, including new investments, capital adjustments, and share purchases by foreign investors — representing a remarkable 51% year-on-year increase.

Related: Here’s how to invest into Vietnam as foreigners

Hanoi’s strong performance pushed Bac Ninh to second place with over USD 2.7 billion in registered capital, accounting for 14.8% of the national total — more than 2.5 times higher than the same period last year. Ho Chi Minh City ranked third, attracting more than USD 2.58 billion, or 14.1% of total FDI, also nearly 2.5 times higher year-on-year. Other top localities included Dong Nai and Ba Ria – Vung Tau.

In terms of project numbers, Ho Chi Minh City maintained its lead, accounting for 39.1% of new projects, 23.9% of capital-adjusted projects, and an impressive 67.2% of all equity acquisition transactions nationwide.

Disbursed FDI in the first five months was estimated at USD 8.9 billion, marking a 7.9% increase over the same period in 2024 — a positive sign of investment execution and economic momentum.

The Foreign Investment Agency noted that FDI inflows into Vietnam remain strong despite global economic uncertainties. The increasing number of new and expanded projects, as well as equity participation by foreign partners, demonstrates continued confidence in Vietnam’s business environment.

As of May 31, 2025, Vietnam hosts 43,346 active FDI projects, with total registered capital of USD 517.14 billion. Cumulative disbursed capital is estimated at USD 331.46 billion, equivalent to 64.6% of the total registered capital.

Sophie Dao, Lawyer and Senior Partner at GBS – Global Business Services LLC, commented:

“Vietnam continues to strengthen its position as a top FDI destination in Asia. The robust growth in capital inflows, particularly into Hanoi, affirms investors’ trust in Vietnam’s open policies, strategic location, and rapidly improving infrastructure. At GBS, we are seeing a surge in foreign investors seeking to establish or expand operations here. This is the perfect time for global businesses to capitalize on Vietnam’s momentum.”

Woman Robbed and Abandoned in the Mountains by Online Acquaintance

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A Vietnamese migrant worker in Japan was allegedly tied up, robbed, and abandoned in a mountainous area after asking a fellow Vietnamese—whom she met online—for a ride to the airport.

On June 9, Japanese broadcaster Shinshu TV reported that local police had arrested a 25-year-old Vietnamese man in connection with the robbery, which occurred in the village of Shimojo, Nagano Prefecture, on June 7.

The suspect, identified as Dong Huu Sinh, is a Vietnamese national residing in Kazawa, Tomi City, also in Nagano Prefecture.

According to police, on the morning of June 7, Dong drove the victim to a remote forest road in Shimojo village. There, he allegedly threatened her and demanded all her money.

He then reportedly tied her hands with adhesive tape and took 23,000 yen (approx. $145 USD) in cash along with a handbag containing a mobile phone, laptop, and other personal items. The total value of the stolen belongings was estimated at around 187,000 yen (more than $1,300 USD).

After committing the robbery, Dong allegedly abandoned the woman in the mountains and fled the scene.

According to the victim’s family, she had asked the man—whom she had only recently met through social media—to drive her to the airport as she was preparing to return to Vietnam.

Following the incident, the victim managed to reach a nearby village to seek help. Local residents promptly reported the case to authorities.

Japanese police are continuing their investigation into the incident.

Vietnam’s Beer Market Rebounds, but Challenges Persist

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Vietnam Insider – Vietnam’s beer industry is showing signs of recovery in 2024 after a turbulent year, with profits rebounding across major brewers. However, the sector continues to face significant headwinds ranging from shifting consumer preferences to regulatory tightening.

Heineken-Backed Turnaround for Satra

The Saigon Trading Group (Satra) recently reported a sharp 37% increase in post-tax profits, totaling over VND 3.1 trillion (US$120.8 million) for 2024. This strong performance was primarily driven by a 24% surge in earnings from joint ventures and affiliated companies, contributing VND 3.4 trillion (US$132 million).

While Satra did not specify the sources behind the gains, industry watchers point to its longstanding partnerships with Heineken Vietnam Brewery and Heineken Vietnam Beer and Beverage Company, where it holds a 40% stake in each. These two ventures are key players in Heineken’s nationwide operations and have been instrumental in Satra’s earnings rebound.

This marks a notable recovery after Satra’s joint venture income plunged nearly 47% in 2023, dragging its profits to less than half of 2022 levels.

Market Controlled by Four Giants

According to data from Euromonitor International, cited by Mirae Asset Securities, Vietnam’s beer market is highly concentrated, with four companies—Heineken, Sabeco, Carlsberg, and Habeco—controlling over 90% of the market share.

Sabeco, the country’s largest domestic brewer, posted VND 32.2 trillion (US$1.2 billion) in revenue and VND 4.5 trillion (US$172.5 million) in post-tax profit for 2024—up 5% and 6% respectively from the previous year.

Habeco also reported improvements, with revenue rising 5% to VND 8.3 trillion (US$318 million) and after-tax profit increasing 10% to VND 391 billion (US$15 million).

These figures reflect a slow but steady recovery in beer consumption, although rising production costs and fierce market competition have compressed profit margins.

Vietnamese Still Among Top Beer Consumers

Beer remains deeply embedded in Vietnamese culture, with per capita consumption holding steady at around 43 liters per year, according to Mirae Asset Securities. Between 2009 and 2023, consumption grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7%.

Looking ahead, growth is expected to decelerate to about 2% annually from 2025 to 2030, driven by macroeconomic factors including rising incomes, a youthful population, urbanization, and a rebound in tourism.

Health Trends Fuel Demand for Non-Alcoholic Beer

A growing segment of Vietnamese consumers is becoming more health-conscious, driving demand for light and non-alcoholic beers such as Heineken 0.0, Sabeco’s Sagota, and Budweiser Zero. However, non-alcoholic beer remains a niche, comprising just over 3% of total beer consumption.

Challenges for this segment include higher prices, less appealing flavor profiles compared to traditional brews, and consumer skepticism regarding residual alcohol content.

Industry Outlook: Uncertainty Lingers

Despite recent improvements, Vietnam’s beer sector still faces structural challenges. High input costs, evolving consumer tastes, increasing regulatory scrutiny, and heightened competition continue to weigh on growth prospects.

At the close of Q1 2025, Habeco reported modest profits, while Sabeco showed signs of plateauing, raising concerns about its long-term momentum. Meanwhile, smaller breweries are struggling to stay afloat, with several continuing to operate at a loss.

As the industry navigates this transitional period, market leaders are expected to pivot toward innovation, healthier product lines, and digital marketing strategies to capture the evolving preferences of Vietnam’s next generation of beer drinkers.

Vietnam Stock Market Dips as Vingroup Shares Tumble, Billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong Loses $590 Million in a Single Session

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Vietnam Insider – Vietnam’s stock market opened the new week with heightened selling pressure, triggered by profit-taking activities after a prolonged rally near three-year highs. Leading the market decline were shares of the Vingroup conglomerate, owned by Vietnam’s richest man, Pham Nhat Vuong.

On June 9, shares of Vingroup (VIC) and Vinhomes (VHM) both hit their floor prices, with no buyers in sight and millions of shares queued for sale. Meanwhile, Vincom Retail (VRE) declined by 3.6%, and Vinhomes Premier Land (VPL), a new market entrant, closed flat after an early rally.

The sharp sell-off in Vingroup-affiliated stocks erased an estimated VND 15 trillion (approximately USD 590 million)from Vuong’s total assets on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange, according to market data. Despite the drop, Vuong remains Vietnam’s wealthiest individual, with a current on-exchange net worth of approximately VND 200 trillion (USD 7.9 billion).

According to Forbes Real-Time Billionaires List, Pham Nhat Vuong is currently ranked 291st globally, with an estimated fortune of USD 10.1 billion, which includes international holdings beyond Vietnam’s stock market.

Vingroup’s recent stock performance had been exceptionally strong. Since the beginning of the year, VIC shares had surged by over 120%, VHM rose by nearly 80%, and VRE by around 50%. VPL, which debuted less than a month ago, had already gained 24% compared to its listing price.

The recent corrections appear to be a natural response to earlier speculative gains. Market analysts view the move as healthy consolidation, particularly given the long-standing overvaluation concerns in the real estate and conglomerate sector.

Beyond domestic equities, a significant portion of Vuong’s wealth is also tied to VinFast, the electric vehicle manufacturer listed on Nasdaq. VinFast remains Vietnam’s top-selling EV brand and is now among the world’s top 10 most valuable electric vehicle companies, with a market capitalization of approximately USD 8 billion, according to CompaniesMarketCap.

In recent months, Vuong has been actively leveraging his Vingroup shares for strategic capital initiatives. He used part of his equity in VIC to establish two new entities: VinSpeed High-Speed Rail Development JSC and VinEnergo Energy JSC, where he holds 51% and 71% stakes respectively.

Additionally, Vingroup has recently completed six bond issuances, raising a total of VND 15 trillion (USD 590 million). These bonds, maturing over 2 to 3 years, offer yields ranging from 12% to 12.5%, signaling continued appetite for long-term expansion.

While the market correction has temporarily impacted Vuong’s on-paper wealth, his diversified investments and aggressive growth strategies suggest long-term resilience.

Trump Family-Backed Megaproject Helps Hưng Yên Shatter Investment Records in Just 5 Months

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Vietnam Insider – June 2025 — Hưng Yên Province has broken all previous investment records, attracting nearly $4.5 billion in total domestic and foreign capital in just the first five months of 2025 — more than double the total investment received in all of 2024. This unprecedented surge is fueled by a series of billion-dollar real estate megaprojects, including one linked to the Trump Organization.

According to official statistics, Hưng Yên recorded 47 domestic projects and 32 new or expanded foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in the period, totaling $4.48 billion in registered capital, compared to $2.1 billion for the entire year 2024.

Trump International Hưng Yên Breaks Ground

The biggest contributor to the boom is the Trump International Hưng Yên project, a luxury urban, ecotourism, and golf complex with an investment exceeding VND 39 trillion (~$1.5 billion). The project is a joint venture between Trump Organization, the business group of the family of former U.S. President Donald Trump, and Hưng Yên Company, a subsidiary of Kinh Bắc Urban Development Corporation (KBC).

Another major project contributing to the surge is the Phase A of the Northern Urban Area of National Highway 5, part of the Phố Nối Urban Zone. Initially assigned to Hòa Phát Group, this project is now undergoing a rebidding process and has seen its capital increased tenfold to VND 35 trillion (~$1.4 billion).

Robust FDI Growth and Long-Term Investor Confidence

In the first five months of 2025 alone, Hưng Yên attracted over $530 million in FDI, bringing the total number of valid investment projects in the province to more than 2,400, with combined registered capital of nearly $28 billion.

The Trump-backed development is just one in a string of headline-grabbing investments. Earlier this year, the province welcomed the Centerville Urban Zone in eastern Văn Giang District, developed by Bách Giang Construction and Investment Development JSC (DCI), covering 50 hectares with total investment of nearly VND 17 trillion (~$670 million).

A Magnet for Billion-Dollar Developments

Hưng Yên has emerged as a major destination for large-scale real estate projects in northern Vietnam. Key developments include: Ecopark: One of the largest urban areas in northern Vietnam, spanning 500 hectares with an estimated investment of $10 billion; Vinhomes Ocean Park 2: Launched in 2021, with a capital investment of $1.6 billion over 460 hectares; Vinhomes Ocean Park 3: A neighboring development with $1.4 billion in capital across 290 hectares.

Infrastructure Boom Fuels Investor Confidence

The investment explosion is closely linked to massive infrastructure upgrades across the province. Hưng Yên is now a strategic hub, connected by major roads such as the Hanoi–Hai Phong Expressway and other high-speed links.

Key ongoing infrastructure projects include: Ring Road 4 – Capital Region: A 19.3 km stretch under active construction with a total investment of VND 5.244 trillion (~$205 million); Hanoi–Hưng Yên Inter-Provincial Road Upgrade: A 33 km project valued at VND 2.9 trillion (~$113 million), with Phase 1 nearly completed.

Looking ahead, Hưng Yên plans to launch three more major infrastructure projects with combined investments exceeding VND 22,800 trillion (~$900 million): A new heritage tourism and economic corridor along the Red River (VND 9.3 trillion); The Ring Road 3.5 project (VND 1.5 trillion); Construction of the Ngọc Hồi Bridge, with an estimated investment of nearly VND 12 trillion.

A Transformational Moment

The influx of foreign and domestic investment, particularly high-profile partnerships like Trump Organization and KBC, signals Hưng Yên’s transformation into a premier destination for real estate, tourism, and infrastructure development in Vietnam.

U.S. Agribusiness Giant Cargill Exits Vietnam’s Aquafeed Sector Despite Billions in Profit

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Vietnam Insider — Cargill, the American agribusiness titan with annual revenues 18 times that of SpaceX, has officially exited Vietnam’s aquafeed business as of early May 2025, despite having previously earned trillions of VND in profit from the sector.

According to S&P Global, Cargill is working with its employees to manage the transition. The company is closing two aquafeed plants in Đồng Tháp and Long An provinces, and also shutting down its aquaculture technology application center in Tiền Giang.

This strategic withdrawal follows a $160 million investment by Cargill in Vietnam, where it built 12 feed mills for aquaculture and livestock, with a combined annual capacity of 1.6 million tons.

On LinkedIn, several Cargill Vietnam employees have posted updates about their departure from the company. In an interview with the Vietnam Livestock Journal, Maxime Hilbert, Acting Managing Director of Cargill’s Aquaculture Nutrition Division in Thailand and Vietnam, explained that the decision reflects the company’s focus on long-term priorities in selected markets and livestock segments.

Global Strategy Shift

Cargill’s exit from aquafeed in Vietnam comes in the wake of its global restructuring effort announced in December 2024, which included a 5% reduction in its global workforce. The company cited strategic realignment as the reason behind the cuts.

The competitive nature of Vietnam’s aquafeed industry has posed challenges for Cargill in recent years. S&P Globalreported that the company’s aquafeed operations in the country underperformed over the past two years, despite rapid industry growth.

According to the General Statistics Office of Vietnam, aquafeed output in the first five months of 2025 rose 7.8% year-on-year to 3.64 million tons. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s overall aquaculture production grew from 53.6% of total seafood output in 2018 to 60% in 2024, showing a clear upward trend.

Dominance Amid Declining Revenue

Despite a 10% revenue drop from $177 billion to $160 billion in fiscal year 2024, Cargill maintained its position at the top of Forbes’ list of largest private companies. The company continues to vastly out-earn household names such as SpaceX ($8.7 billion) and Valve ($5 billion).

Cargill has operated in Vietnam since February 1995 and now employs over 1,500 people across various business units, including animal nutrition and health, food and beverage ingredients, agricultural supply chain, and specialized feed ingredients.

Cargill Vietnam: Steady Growth, Shifting Profits

According to data from Vietdata, Cargill Vietnam’s revenue consistently increased from 2020 to 2022. Revenue grew from over VND 17 trillion in 2020 to nearly VND 28.5 trillion in 2022—up 56% in 2021 and an additional 7% in 2022.

However, profit after tax fluctuated during this period. Cargill Vietnam posted net profit of nearly VND 940 billion in 2020, which rose 15% to nearly VND 1,100 billion in 2021 before declining 18% to around VND 890 billion in 2022.

A Crowded, Competitive Sector

Vietnam’s aquafeed market is highly competitive, with major players including C.P. (Thailand), Grobest (Taiwan), Japfa (Indonesia), BioMar (Vietnam-Australia), Sunjin and CJ (South Korea), Uni-President (Taiwan), YueHai (China), and local-foreign joint ventures like Thăng Long Group (Vietnam-China).

Domestic players such as Sao Mai Group (HoSE: ASM), Mavin, and Greenfeed are also active in the space.

The market has seen significant recent investment: in May 2024, Thăng Long Group inaugurated a new plant in Hải Dương, boosting annual capacity to 700,000 tons; YueHai broke ground on a new factory in Vĩnh Long in April 2024, with an expected annual output of 200,000 tons.

Before Cargill’s exit, Chinese aquafeed firm Tong Wei had already scaled back operations, reducing the capacity of its Tiền Giang plant from 300,000 tons to 220,000 tons back in 2015.

Cargill’s withdrawal marks a significant reshaping of Vietnam’s aquafeed industry — one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic sectors — and raises questions about the future strategies of foreign players in the region.