Vietnam Economic News: 14.2 - 21.2.2026
Summary of Vietnam Economic News: 14.2 - 21.2.2026
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Summary of Vietnam Economic News: 14.2 - 21.2.2026 ---
TRUMP MEETS VIETNAM LEADER, VOWS TO REMOVE HANOI FROM RESTRICTED LISTS
Reuters News – 21 February 2026
President Donald Trump met Vietnamese leader To Lam on Friday and said he would work to remove Hanoi from lists of countries restricted in accessing U.S. advanced technology, according to a summary of the talks posted on the news website of the Vietnamese government. The first formal in-person meeting between the two took place at the White House after the head of Vietnam's Communist Party attended the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington. Trump on Friday announced an immediate new 10% tariff on most imports from all countries after the Supreme Court struck down some of his earlier sweeping tariffs.
VIETNAMESE AIRLINES SIGN $30-BLN DEALS FOR 90 BOEING JETS
Reuters News – 19 February 2026
Three Vietnamese airlines signed deals with U.S. manufacturer Boeing on Thursday to buy a total of 90 aircraft, as Vietnam and the United States continue negotiations on a new trade deal. The deals were signed during a visit to the United States by the head of Vietnam's Communist Party, To Lam, to attend the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, an initiative launched by U.S. President Donald Trump to address global conflicts. Vietnam Airlines signed a $8.1-billion agreement with Boeing to buy 50 narrow-body 737-8 jets, Vietnam Airlines said in a statement. The airline is scheduled to take delivery of the aircraft between 2030 and 2032, it said in a statement, adding that this would increase its total fleet to approximately 151 aircraft by 2030. The country's flag carrier is also in talks with Boeing for the additional purchase of 30 wide-body planes with a value of up to $12 billion, it said. Vietnam's newly established Sun PhuQuoc Airways also signed a $22.5 billion deal with Boeing on Thursday to buy 40 787-9 Dreamliner jets, it said. Meanwhile, Vietnamese budget airline Vietjet secured a $965 million financing deal with Griffin Global Asset Management for the purchase of 6 Boeing 737-8 aircraft. Vietnam said early this month that it was willing to buy more American goods after the White House announced in October that the United States would keep tariffs on most Vietnamese goods at 20% while removing duties on certain products.
SPACEX'S STARLINK GETS NOD FOR SATELLITE INTERNET IN VIETNAM
Reuters News – 14 February 2026
Vietnamese government has allowed SpaceX to launch its Starlink satellite internet service in the country, state media reported on Saturday. The report said the Ministry of Science and Technology granted Starlink's local unit a license to provide both fixed and mobile satellite internet services. The company was also granted a license to use radio frequencies and radio equipment. The ministry did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation outside business hours. The approval came ahead of an expected visit next week of Vietnam's top leader To Lam to the United States to attend the inaugural meeting of U.S. President Donald Trump's Board of Peace initiative to address global conflicts. The trip has not been officially announced. Last year, Vietnam's government said it would allow SpaceX to operate its internet service on a trial basis. Local media said it was not clear when Starlink would launch its services in Vietnam. Vietnam and the U.S. are negotiating a trade deal after Washington imposed 20% tariffs on Vietnamese goods in August. The two sides held their sixth round of talks earlier this month but have not announced an agreement.
PETROVIETNAM EXTENDS MISC FPSO VESSEL OPERATION UNTIL 2027
Reuters News – 16 February
Malaysia's MISC Berhad said on Monday it has secured a new contract with state-backed PetroVietnam Technical Services Corp to extend the operation of an oil production vessel until 2027. The contract covered the lease, operation and maintenance of the floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) Ruby II until December 31 next year, MISC said in a statement. The Aframax-sized vessel is designed with a production capacity of 39,000 barrels of oil per day. Built in 1990, FPSO Ruby II has been operating in Blocks 1 and 2 offshore Vietnam since achieving first oil in June 2010.
RETAILERS SEE TAX COMPLIANCE, AI AS KEY TO SURVIVAL IN 2026 SURVEY
Vietnam News – 17 February
A survey of 15,000 retailers by Sapo Technology JSC found that Vietnamese businesses are prioritising tax compliance, electronic invoicing, artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and multi-channel sales to survive tightening regulations and rising competition. While 57.3 per cent of respondents said they had basic knowledge of tax and einvoice rules, 42.7 per cent lacked a full understanding of their obligations, calculation methods and filing procedures, with many citing difficulties and higher compliance costs. Demand for electronic invoicing was strongest among high-volume issuers, signalling a broader shift toward standardised management and scaled operations. AI use remains largely tactical, focused on marketing, data analysis and customer service rather than long-term transformation. Online channels were identified as the most effective sales drivers, with sellers favouring social media and e-commerce platforms over personal websites and offline stores due to their flexibility and lower costs. Looking ahead to 2026, most retailers plan to expand further on digital platforms, but sentiment remains cautious: nearly half expect negative conditions, and only a small share foresee strong growth. As a result, many businesses intend to maintain their current scale and focus on improving operational efficiency instead of aggressive expansion, reflecting a broader shift in Vietnam’s retail sector from rapid growth to consolidation, standardisation and sustainable development.