Vietnam Economic News: 03.10 - 10.10.2026
Summary of Vietnam Economic News: 26.9 - 10.10.2026
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Summary of Vietnam Economic News: 26.9 - 10.10.2026 ---
VIETNAM'S CENTRAL BANK SAYS INFLATION IS HIGHER THAN TARGETED BUT REMAINS UNDER CONTROL
Reuters News – 7 October 2026
Vietnam’s annual inflation rose to 5.08% in September 2026, up from 4.89% in August, putting pressure on the central bank to manage prices while supporting economic growth. Deputy Governor Pham Thanh Ha described the increase as the highest in several years, citing rising imported fuel prices linked to the Iran war and interest rate hikes by major central banks, including the US Federal Reserve. Inflation has exceeded the government’s annual target of 4.5%, although the central bank maintains that prices remain under control. Meanwhile, bank lending increased by 11.59% since the end of 2025 and 16.69% year-on-year by September 30, reflecting strong credit demand. Vietnam recorded GDP growth of 9.95% in the third quarter, but fourth-quarter growth must exceed 12% to achieve the government’s annual growth target of at least 10%. In response, the central bank plans to maintain flexible monetary policy, balancing inflation control with economic expansion. It will prioritise lending to businesses and manufacturing projects while tightening credit to riskier sectors. These challenges highlight the difficulty of sustaining rapid economic growth without intensifying inflationary pressures, requiring careful monetary management to maintain price stability and support investment.
VIETNAM'S MASAN HIGH-TECH SEEKS APPROVAL FOR 5% PRIVATE PLACEMENT TO FUND TUNGSTEN EXPANSION
Reuters News – 1 October 2026
Vietnamese tungsten producer Masan High-Tech Materials is seeking shareholder approval to privately place up to 5% of its shares with long-term investors to finance mine expansion, downstream processing and the development of higher-value strategic mineral products. The company owns the Nui Phao mine, one of the world’s largest tungsten mines outside China, which accounts for nearly all of Vietnam’s annual tungsten production of approximately 3,400 tonnes. The proceeds will also strengthen the company’s financial position. This follows its September agreement to sell a 4.99% stake to US producer Elmet Group, which is backed by the Pentagon, in a transaction valuing Masan High-Tech Materials at approximately US$2.5 billion. Its shares have risen 154% so far in 2026, reflecting growing investor interest in the company. Tungsten is classified as a critical mineral by many countries because of its importance in defence equipment, ammunition, electronics and semiconductors. The proposed capital raising could help Masan expand production capacity and move towards higher-value processing, potentially strengthening Vietnam’s position in critical mineral supply chains. The company currently trades on Vietnam’s Unlisted Public Company Market and expects to qualify for listing on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange in 2026, with the transition targeted for the first or second quarter of 2027.
VIETNAM'S TRADE DEAL NEGOTIATIONS WITH US ARE LARGELY COMPLETED
Reuters News – 8 October 2026
government announced that negotiations with the United States on a reciprocal trade agreement have largely concluded after seven rounds of talks since April 2025. Trade ministry official Ngo Chung Khanh stated that nearly all negotiating issues had been resolved, with only a few technical matters remaining. Both sides are coordinating closely, particularly with the US Trade Representative, to finalise the agreement for signing and implementation. This comes as Vietnam’s trade surplus with the US reached US$122.62 billion in the first nine months of 2026, an increase of 23.8% year-on-year. Vietnamese leader To Lam also reported positive progress in negotiations last month, indicating that the agreement could be signed soon.