🇻🇳 Vietnam Economic Highlights (Late January 2026)
- KBC-LINK Editor
- 9 hours ago
- 5 min read
This article highlights key topics from Vietnam-related economic news released in late January 2026 that Japanese and international small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as investors who are considering or closely monitoring the Vietnamese market, should be aware of.
Note: The comments at the end of each topic are summaries and observations prepared by the KBC-LINK editorial team based on publicly available information.
Vietnam Industry Watch: Key Sectors to Watch
Vietnam Economy (General)
Experts forecast Vietnam’s 2026 inflation rate to remain within the 3.5–4.0% range
Major economic research institutions and experts in Vietnam have announced forecasts indicating that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in 2026 is expected to rise by around 3.5%, below the government’s target of 4.5%. While external uncertainties such as exchange rate fluctuations and international tariff policies remain, the government’s flexible monetary policy is believed to be contributing to overall stability. Consumption is currently expanding ahead of the Lunar New Year (Tet), and macroeconomic stability is expected to be maintained overall.Source: VnBusiness / January 3, 2026; Vietnam Plus / January 29, 2026
With inflation expected to remain under control, a more stable environment is emerging for planning local wage levels and cost management.
Construction and Infrastructure
Vietnam sets a target of USD 5.5 billion in foreign funding for accelerated infrastructure development in 2026
On January 16, the Vietnamese government announced plans to secure USD 5.5 billion in foreign financing in 2026 to accelerate national infrastructure projects. Urgent developments include logistics-supporting infrastructure such as the North–South high-speed railway and airport construction. The introduction of external capital aims to compensate for budget shortfalls, potentially speeding up stalled large-scale projects and stimulating surrounding real estate and industrial park development. Source: Reuters / January 16, 2026
As funding plans take shape, signs are emerging of increased momentum in infrastructure development connecting major cities.
Manufacturing
Tet bonuses and employment stability at FDI firms boost manufacturing activity
In late January, many foreign-invested manufacturing companies (FDI firms) paid Lunar New Year bonuses. Some companies set bonus levels higher than the previous year, highlighting their focus on securing and retaining skilled workers. Following record-high FDI disbursement in 2025, manufacturing and processing are expected to continue leading investment in 2026. Amid global supply chain restructuring, Vietnam’s manufacturing sector is accelerating efforts toward sustainable energy use and digital transformation. Source: The Investor / January 8, 2026; GSO releases (late January context)
Improvements in labor conditions and expanding investment are progressing simultaneously, indicating an overall strengthening of the manufacturing sector.
Agriculture
Domestic coffee prices exceed VND 100,000 per kg, reaching record levels
On January 28, Robusta coffee prices in Vietnam’s Central Highlands reached VND 102,000–103,000 per kg. This surge is driven by global supply shortages and a weaker US dollar. Vietnam accounts for roughly 40% of global Robusta exports, making coffee a key agricultural export. From 2026, compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is being fully implemented, accelerating efforts to build production systems for high-value “green coffee.” Source: ASEM Connect Vietnam / January 28, 2026
Rising prices are prompting producers to shift focus from simple volume expansion to higher value-added, environmentally compliant agriculture.
IT and Digital Sector
Minister emphasizes “solving concrete problems” to promote startups
On January 16, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung spoke at a meeting with AI startups, stressing the importance of technology development tailored to Vietnam’s specific conditions. Rather than competing solely on core technologies, he urged startups to focus on applications that use existing technologies to solve concrete socio-economic issues. With the Digital Technology Industry Law coming into effect on January 1, the legal foundation for AI and data utilization has been strengthened, creating a more favorable environment for startups. Source: Vietnam.vn / January 16, 2026
The combination of new legislation and government support marks a period in which practical, Vietnam-specific IT solutions are more likely to emerge.
Hotel and Hospitality Industry
Stricter surprise inspections on food safety and hygiene at tourist destinations
In preparation for a surge in tourists during Tet, local tourism authorities and market management agencies conducted coordinated inspections of hotels and restaurants. In popular destinations such as Hanoi and Khanh Hoa Province, hygiene standards in hotel kitchens and restaurants, as well as expiration date management, were rigorously checked. These measures aim to maintain the trust of domestic and international travelers and sustain the strong start to Vietnam’s tourism industry in 2026. Luxury hotels are also accelerating efforts to obtain independent hygiene certifications.
Source: Vietnam News / January 30, 2026
As tourism demand recovers, maintaining trust through safety and reliability has become a top priority across the industry.
Venture Businesses
“Startups are not small businesses”: Minister calls for clearer definitions and innovation
At a startup meeting held in mid-January, a senior government official stated that startups should not be viewed merely as small organizations, but as entities that create innovative solutions capable of replacing existing models. Emphasis was placed on solving major societal problems. As a result, expectations are rising for young entrepreneurs to compete through originality and added value rather than price alone, with funding criteria increasingly focused on innovation. Source: Vietnam.vn / January 16, 2026
By setting a higher bar for what defines a startup, the government may bring greater attention to more ambitious business models.
Firefighting, Disaster Prevention, and Rescue
Nationwide pre-Tet fire prevention campaigns focus on public facilities and residential complexes
In late January, the Fire and Rescue Police Department conducted special inspections in densely populated areas such as supermarkets and mixed-use residential buildings to reduce fire risks during the Lunar New Year period. Concerns include blocked evacuation routes due to increased inventory and electrical overloads during the dry winter season. In Hanoi, the introduction of early fire detection systems is being encouraged for homes and shops, alongside efforts to reinforce the “four on-the-spot” principle: on-site command, forces, equipment, and logistics support. Source: Hanoi Times / January 15, 2026; Vietnam.vn / January 29, 2026
With rising regulatory scrutiny and awareness of disaster prevention, ensuring the safety of facilities has become a critical operational checkpoint for businesses.
Content Business
More than 70 films scheduled for release in 2026 as Tet blockbusters intensify promotions
Vietnam’s film industry is thriving, with more than 70 new films expected to be released throughout 2026. Interest is particularly high in four major films set for release during the Tet period in mid-February, including “Tho Oi!” directed by Tran Thanh. From late January, large-scale promotional campaigns have been rolled out across cinemas and social media in major cities. Family-oriented and socially themed films remain dominant, strengthening domestic cultural influence through entertainment. Source: YouTube (Vietnam Today) / January 18, 2026
The expansion of the film market serves as an important indicator of local values and trends, also influencing consumer behavior.
Unique Business
Overseas expansion of organic tea brands enhanced by cultural storytelling
In mid-January, Vietnamese tea products branded with cultural narratives tied to their regions of origin attracted strong interest in developed markets. Beyond organic certification, these products differentiate themselves by incorporating traditional cultivation methods of ethnic minorities and local stories into their branding. At the same time, more companies are adopting circular economy principles, using recyclable materials as part of their business strategies, drawing attention as a new export model. Source: MAE.gov.vn / January 16, 2026; Vietnam News / January 16, 2026
Businesses that combine environmental responsibility with cultural appeal are well positioned to align with global sustainability trends and create new commercial opportunities.
Edited & Summarized by:
KBC-LINK Editorial Team (compiled with independent perspectives and on-the-ground insights).