TAN THANH BORDER GATE SEES SURGE IN AGRICULTURAL TRADE
Cargo traffic through the Tan Thanh – Po Chai dedicated freight route on the Vietnam – China border has experienced a significant surge, with daily truck volume doubling since late February, mainly with transportation of agro products. Over 37,000 trucks have been cleared at the border gate since the beginning of 2026, according to the Dong Dang – Lang Son Border Gate Economic Zone Authority.
VIETNAM ENTERS NEXT PHASE OF E-COMMERCE EXPORT GROWTH
Vietnam’s e-commerce market reached $31 billion in 2025, growing more than 25 per cent on-year and accounting for roughly 10 per cent of total retail sales. While domestic consumption continues to drive overall volume, cross-border e-commerce is becoming a more meaningful source of value for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those seeking to diversify markets.
VIETNAM RANKS AS THIRD-LARGEST COFFEE AND TEA MARKET IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
The "Coffee & Tea Chains in Southeast Asia 2026" report reveals that Vietnam's modern coffee and tea market was valued at $1.34 billion in 2025, with a number of local chains of significant size. Vietnam is the third-largest market behind Indonesia and Thailand. Vietnam's coffee chain segment reached a gross merchandise value of $725 million in 2025, an increase of 27 per cent from $572 million in 2024.
DONG NAI LOOKS TO BECOME CENTRALLY-RUN CITY BY 2030
Dong Nai Province has recently established a team to draft a master plan for transitioning the southern province into a centrally-run city by 2030. This team is tasked with conducting comprehensive research and reviewing current administrative standards, including urban classification, communal-level administrative systems, urbanization rates, and socio-technical infrastructure to ensure the province meets all legal requirements for a first-tier municipality.
HANOI CITY WANTS DIGITAL ECONOMY TO CONTRIBUTE 22% TO GRDP BY 2026
The Hanoi City government aims for the digital economy to contribute 22% of the city’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP) by 2026, officials said on March 11. The target is part of the city’s implementation of Resolution 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation.
JAN-FEB AGRO-FORESTRY-FISHERY EXPORTS PUT AT US$11 BILLION
Agro-forestry-fishery imports were estimated at US$7.81 billion, up 6.9% from a year earlier. Agricultural imports accounted for US$4.94 billion, rising 10.1%. Livestock imports reached US$849.4 million, up 22.7%, while seafood imports totaled US$497.9 million, increasing 1.6%. Forestry imports rose 27.2% to US$523.9 million. Imports of production inputs declined 18.6% to US$993.9 million.
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION RISES 10.4% IN JAN-FEB
Vietnam’s index of industrial production (IIP) rose 10.4% in the first two months of 2026 from a year earlier, according to a report released by the National Statistics Office on March 6. The growth exceeded the 7.5% increase recorded in the same period last year. In February alone, industrial production fell 18.4% from January as factories reduced operations during the extended Lunar New Year holiday and the number of working days declined.
RETAIL, SERVICE REVENUE NEARS VND1.24 QUADRILLION IN FIRST TWO MONTHS
Retail revenue from goods and services reached nearly VND1.24 quadrillion in the first two months of 2026, up 7.9% from a year earlier, according to the National Statistics Office. The statistics agency reported on March 6 that trade and services remained strong in February, meeting shopping demand during the Lunar New Year holiday.
