Vietnam Weekly: Vietnam boosts exports, mandates GHG inventories, advances AI regulation

November 21, 2025 to November 27, 2025

This week's top 10 stories from Vietnam, selected from our daily intelligence briefs.

1. Record US-Bound Shipments Lift Vietnam’s 10-Month Exports; Electronics and Toys Lead Gains

Vietnam’s goods exports surged in the first 10 months of 2025, led by a record $126.17 billion of shipments to the United States — up 27.7% year‑on‑year and accounting for over 30% of total exports — reinforcing the US as the country’s primary growth engine into 2026. Broad-based gains were driven by processing‑manufacturing: computers, electronics and components jumped nearly 78% to more than $34 billion on AI‑server and semiconductor demand; machinery rose 9.2% to $19.6 billion; phones recovered to $9.02 billion; and apparel increased 11.4% to $14.81 billion. Toys and sporting goods surged 255% to $5.24 billion as buyers shifted orders from China.

Other markets also expanded: China $56.98 billion (+13.9%), the EU $46.5 billion (+8.3%), ASEAN $31.79 billion (+3.1%), South Korea $23.84 billion (+12%), Japan $22.03 billion (+8.8%) and Hong Kong $14.33 billion (+38.6%). Agro‑fisheries and commodities posted strong growth with fruits and vegetables +58.5%, coffee up ~60% by value to $7.64 billion YTD, rubber +51% and seafood +7.5%; cashew hit $4.51 billion and pepper $1.44 billion. Firms warn of tightening US origin‑tracing and environmental standards and rising trade‑defense probes ahead of 2026, signalling potential compliance and policy risks for exporters.

Local Coverage: com.vn, vnexpress.net

From daily briefs: 2025-11-24, 2025-11-25

2. CBAM Compliance Pushes Vietnamese Exporters to Conduct Full GHG Inventories by 2026

The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) moves to full implementation on 1 January 2026, effectively forcing Vietnamese exporters—particularly in cement, steel, aluminium, fertilizers, power and hydrogen—to produce internationally aligned, transparent greenhouse‑gas (GHG) inventories and product‑level emissions data. A Net Zero Vietnam conference on 25 November underlined that firms must align Scope 1–3 disclosures, reconcile differences between CBAM reporting, national GHG inventories and product carbon footprints, and during the transition period through end‑2025 continue reporting emissions and any domestic carbon taxes; from 2026 they will need to purchase CBAM certificates if Vietnam lacks a domestic carbon price.

The shift raises immediate compliance and cost risks for exporters to the EU and heightens pressure to accelerate Vietnam’s domestic carbon market. It also interacts with forthcoming EU corporate rules—CSRD and CSDDD—due from 2027 for large groups, which will extend supplier data demands and require credible emissions‑reduction pathways, increasing upstream reporting obligations across global supply chains.

Local Coverage: vneconomy.vn

From daily brief: 2025-11-27

3. AI Bill Debuted in National Assembly Sets Risk-Based Rules, Labels, and Heavy Fines

Vietnam’s government introduced its first dedicated AI bill to the National Assembly, proposing a four-tier, risk-based regulatory framework that mandates provider self-classification, documentation for medium/high-risk systems, and disclosure of AI-generated content in specified cases. The draft bans “unacceptable risk” systems (e.g., manipulative deepfakes threatening national security), imposes strict liability where AI affects life and safety, and sets fines up to 2 billion VND or 2% of prior-year revenue for serious violations.

The bill also creates institutional and support measures—a National AI Committee, a one-stop AI portal, and a National AI Database—plus talent, data/compute infrastructure programs and sandbox pilots. Lawmakers broadly back the initiative but seek clearer risk criteria, harmonization with existing laws, defined prohibited acts, and practicable enforcement (notably for self-driving and medical AI). Minister Nguyen Manh Hung emphasized human oversight: “AI must serve people, not replace them.”

Local Coverage: tuoitre.vn, thanhnien.vn, tuoitre.vn, vietnamplus.vn, vnexpress.net, vneconomy.vn, vietnamplus.vn, baotintuc.vn, baotintuc.vn

From daily brief: 2025-11-22

4. HCMC Gains Wider Autonomy to Establish Free Trade Zones and Court Strategic Investors under Revised Resolution 98

Vietnam’s National Assembly Standing Committee has approved draft revisions to Resolution 98 that would give Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) sweeping new powers to create and manage free trade zones (FTZs) and to fast-track strategic investment. The draft—slated for expedited consideration at the Assembly’s 10th session—would let HCMC approve and adjust FTZ boundaries, empower Hepza as on-site regulator, permit non-housing land allocation without auction, streamline foreign investor entry, and allow qualified FTZ firms to list and transact in foreign currency. Fiscal incentives include a 10% corporate income tax for 20 years (with a four-year exemption and nine years at 50% rate) and a 50% cut to personal income tax for high-skilled workers for 10 years. Strategic investor criteria shift from charter capital to equity ratios and fundraising ability, with priority sectors including tourism, advanced healthcare, logistics, urban infrastructure and FTZ-linked projects.

The revisions dovetail with expanded transit-oriented development (TOD) powers—HCMC plans 355 km of metro over the next decade and TOD around 11 stations, with initial works on Lines 1, 2 and Ring Road 3 in 2025–26—and propose allowing cities to retain 100% of TOD land-value proceeds to finance rail and related projects. Proponents (Phan Van Mai, Hoang Van Cuong, Nguyen Hai Nam) argue decentralization is essential to mobilize roughly VND 1.8 quadrillion for urban growth and elevate HCMC to a top-100 global city; critics and committees call for strong safeguards, clearer planning, valuation oversight and adherence to existing law to avoid land-price distortion and policy abuse.

Local Coverage: tuoitre.vn, com.vn, thanhnien.vn, baotintuc.vn, vietnamplus.vn, vnexpress.net

From daily briefs: 2025-11-25, 2025-11-27

5. Lawmakers Push Binding Rules on Cross-Border Platforms in Press Law Overhaul, Citing AI Deepfakes and Market Imbalance

During a National Assembly debate on revising Vietnam’s Press Law, deputies pressed for binding obligations on cross-border platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and TikTok, citing their role in shaping public perception and disseminating AI-driven deepfakes. Proposed measures include mandatory local legal representation, algorithmic transparency, 24‑hour takedown of false content, account identification, cooperation in tracing manipulation campaigns, early‑warning API links with regulators, protections for fake‑news victims, and revenue‑sharing when platforms reuse journalism. Deputy Pham Trong Nhan warned that “in the AI era, even a 24‑minute delay can trigger a perception crisis.”

Culture Minister Nguyen Van Hung countered that online platform behavior falls under the Cybersecurity Law rather than the Press Law, which he said should remain focused on media operations. The clash highlights regulatory uncertainty and potential market impacts for global tech firms and domestic news outlets as lawmakers seek to address AI disinformation and perceived economic imbalances.

Local Coverage: com.vn, thanhnien.vn

From daily brief: 2025-11-25

6. CPTPP–EU Dialogue Backed as Vietnam Prepares 2026 Chairmanship; PM Advances Trade Ties with Canada, EU and Partners at G20

At the G20 summit in Johannesburg, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính used sidelines meetings with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Canada’s Mark Carney to secure backing for a new CPTPP–EU Trade and Investment Dialogue and to explore a digital trade agreement, signaling Vietnam will prioritize the initiative during its 2026 CPTPP chairmanship. Canada pledged resources to advance CPTPP–EU cooperation and the EU expressed interest in digital trade talks; Vietnam aims to formalize a cooperation framework to deepen market access and supply‑chain links between the two blocs.

Chính also advanced bilateral outreach across Africa and the Middle East, upgrading ties with South Africa to a Strategic Partnership and targeting US$4–5 billion in two‑way trade within 2–3 years alongside a working group to explore an FTA with the Southern African Customs Union. Other talks with Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe opened tracks on CEPA/ GCC FTA options, direct flights, tax and investment accords, and cooperation in minerals, EVs, digital/5G and agriculture — underscoring Vietnam’s strategic push to diversify markets and leverage the G20 platform for trade, investment and supply‑chain resilience.

Local Coverage: vietnamplus.vn, baotintuc.vn, com.vn, tuoitre.vn, thanhnien.vn, vnexpress.net, vneconomy.vn

From daily briefs: 2025-11-22, 2025-11-23, 2025-11-24

7. U.S. Seeks Deeper Agricultural Market Access as Both Sides Weigh Tariff Reductions

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is pressing for deeper agricultural market access with Vietnam, identifying tariffs as a primary barrier to bilateral farm trade. At an Oct. press briefing in New York, Deputy Under Secretary Luke J. Lindberg said Washington and Hanoi have agreed on a framework aimed at a fuller deal on tariffs and market access, and that improved access would help rebalance U.S.-Vietnam trade; Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins reiterated continued U.S. technical assistance through programs such as Food for Progress, McGovern‑Dole and export credit guarantees, with Vietnam named as a beneficiary. Vietnam’s acting UN envoy Nguyen Hoang Nguyen described agriculture as a core pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and urged ongoing tariff reviews to create a “mutually beneficial” trading environment.

Implications: progress on a tariff framework could materially expand U.S. farm exports to a fast‑growing Southeast Asian market and shift bilateral trade patterns, while continued U.S. capacity‑building programs signal long‑term commercial and geopolitical engagement. Close coordination on tariff schedules and implementable market‑access commitments will determine how quickly U.S. producers gain concrete advantage.

Local Coverage: vietnamplus.vn

From daily brief: 2025-11-27

8. Security Forces Directed to Ensure Safe APEC 2027 Summit in Phu Quoc, Strengthen Maritime Defense

Vietnamese General Secretary To Lam has ordered Navy Region 5 and Coast Guard Region 4 to strengthen maritime sovereignty protection and interagency security measures ahead of the APEC 2027 Leaders’ Week in Phu Quoc. He directed proactive, intelligence-led planning, modernization of forces—including recruitment of high-quality personnel, new technologies and AI—and closer coordination with local authorities to deter provocations, uphold the rule of law, and expand international defense cooperation. Specific operational priorities cited include protecting fishing activities, combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and enhancing search-and-rescue and environmental protection capabilities.

The directive signals Hanoi’s intent to present a secure maritime environment for the APEC summit and to deter regional incidents without escalation: “do not provoke or fall for provocations, and do not allow any encroachment or conflicts at sea,” To Lam said. For international observers and partners, the emphasis on rapid Coast Guard modernization and interagency preparedness ahead of the 2027 event (Leaders’ Week in Phu Quoc) indicates both a short-term security push for the summit and a longer-term effort to build a more capable, rule-of-law–oriented maritime posture.

Local Coverage: thanhnien.vn

From daily brief: 2025-11-22

9. Draft Cybersecurity Law Elevates Data Security to National Security Priority

Vietnam’s draft Cybersecurity Law 2025 elevates “data security” to an explicit national security priority, responding to more than 600,000 cyberattacks in 2024 — including tens of thousands targeting state agencies — and widespread sales of datasets containing tens of millions of Vietnamese records on clandestine forums. The proposal consolidates prior cyber laws, tightens disclosure timelines (24 hours generally, three hours for emergencies), mandates storage of user metadata including IPs, and requires organizations and agency leaders to obtain certified cybersecurity management credentials; penalties remain modest (top fine VND 200 million), prompting calls for stronger sanctions and technical standards.

Practically, the draft shifts responsibility onto organizations to meet infrastructure and protection requirements or else cease data processing and rely on approved third‑party services, while empowering the Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of National Defense to request IP and user data for investigations. Officials (Lt. Col. Nguyen Dinh Do Thi, MPS; Vu Ngoc Son, National Cybersecurity Association) and industry leaders argue the changes align Vietnam with global and regional data‑governance trends, emphasize encryption, classification, monitoring and skilled personnel, and seek to standardize IP identification amid IPv4→IPv6 transition challenges; the National Assembly Standing Committee will review the bill.

Local Coverage: thanhnien.vn, vneconomy.vn, vietnamplus.vn, baotintuc.vn, tuoitre.vn

From daily briefs: 2025-11-25, 2025-11-26

10. Banking Digital Strategy Sets Cashless Transactions Target at 30 Times GDP by 2030

The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) issued a sector-wide digital transformation strategy through 2030 that targets broad financial inclusion and a dramatic shift to cashless transactions. Key quantitative goals include 95% of people aged 15+ holding transaction accounts, cashless payment value rising to 30 times GDP (from just over 20 times today), at least 70% of banking services being fully digital, 80% of customer transactions conducted via digital channels, and 80% of banks generating more than 30% of revenue from digital sources by 2030. Administrative procedures will be offered end-to-end online with 95% of filings handled digitally and a 90%+ user-satisfaction target.

To achieve this, the SBV will build an Intelligent Operations Center, modernize core systems (interbank payments, risk, AML, gold-market oversight), expand AI/Big Data monitoring and four-layer cybersecurity, and apply similar digital standards to payment intermediaries. Institutions must allocate at least 15% of IT budgets to security and pursue ISO/PCI compliance. Early traction is evident: in the first nine months of 2025 non-cash transactions rose 43% to 17.8 billion transactions with value above VND 260 million trillion, and 87% of adults already hold payment accounts—indicating significant momentum but substantial implementation and regulatory challenges ahead.

Local Coverage: vneconomy.vn

From daily brief: 2025-11-26

About This Weekly Digest

The stories above represent the most significant developments from Vietnam this week, selected through our AI-powered analysis of hundreds of local news articles.

Stories are drawn from our daily intelligence briefs, which synthesize reporting from Vietnam's leading news sources to provide comprehensive situational awareness for international decision-makers.