Vietnam

Sản xuất hé lộ 'cửa sáng' cuối năm

VN Express | Local Language | News | Nov. 18, 2025 | UndeterminedOperating Results

In November 2025, TEKCOM maintained steady kitchen cabinet production at its expanded facility in Ho Chi Minh City, completing about 2,000 cabinets daily. The company, which manufactures plywood-based products primarily for export, sells to over 50 markets including the US, Europe, India, and ASEAN. Despite facing tariff challenges such as a 20% retaliatory tariff and a 25% US tariff on kitchen cabinets, TEKCOM’s orders and operations remain stable. The company focuses on optimizing costs and tailoring products to different market segments to maintain competitiveness.

Vietnam's wood product exports reached $1.53 billion in October 2025, contributing to a 6.3% increase in agricultural, forestry, and fishery export turnover year-on-year. The manufacturing sector shows signs of recovery with S&P Global’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) at 54.5, indicating strong output and new orders. Stable manufacturing prospects are supported by a record $21.3 billion in realized foreign direct investment (FDI) during the first 10 months of 2025 and high business confidence, with 68% of companies expecting economic stability and improvement in the final quarter.

The clearer tariff landscape, following the US's decision to set a 20% tariff on imports from Vietnam versus earlier proposed higher rates, has helped stabilize production and exports. Vietnam, along with Malaysia, holds advantages among ASEAN countries under the new tariff regime. However, potential risks exist, including a decline in export orders after tariff-avoidance frontloading ends and possible impacts from rising commodity prices on US consumers. The seafood sector faces a projected export decline of 22% in Q4 due to tariffs and anti-dumping measures.

Inflationary pressures from higher input and selling prices continue to challenge manufacturers. Though current demand accommodates price increases, sustained rises may dampen new orders. Export performance is uneven across sectors; electronics exports to the US grow, but textile and apparel exports show slight declines and slowing orders. Issues remain regarding unclear regulations on transshipped goods, with a 40% tariff lacking clear definition and guidance.

Improving the business environment is seen as critical for enterprise adaptation. Stable policies, consistent tax and fee structures, timely licensing, and streamlined customs procedures are key demands from both American and Vietnamese companies. Domestic firms like Nutifood are investing heavily in joint ventures and export expansion to Southeast Asia and the Middle East. TEKCOM’s leadership views tariff barriers as opportunities for market understanding and strategic product positioning, planning to focus on high value-added goods for Europe, basic products for the US, and expanding in the recovering domestic real estate market.

Vietnam News | English | News | Nov. 18, 2025 | Extreme Weather Events

Vietnam Airlines made its third adjustment to flight schedules on 25th September 2025 due to Typhoon Ragasa's impact. On the following Thursday, several domestic flights were rescheduled between late morning and midday, with additional route changes after 18:00.

Several services, especially those connecting northern and southern Vietnam, were cancelled. The airline warned that ongoing disruptions from the storm could cause further delays or changes to both domestic and international flights.

Passengers were advised to stay informed about the latest updates and to follow safety instructions throughout their travel.

'Để phụ nữ dám sinh, cần thay đổi hệ sinh thái hỗ trợ'

VN Express | Local Language | News | Nov. 18, 2025 | UndeterminedDemographics

Vietnam is facing rapid population aging alongside a declining fertility rate, especially in urban areas. Despite multiple pro-birth proposals, current policies fall short in making women feel secure and supported when having and raising children. Nguyễn Thị Tuyến, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Women's Union, highlights that low fertility reflects both social progress in women’s education and labor participation, and significant challenges including economic pressures, cultural gender norms, and the constraints of modern lifestyles.

Key barriers for women include economic and employment challenges like high living and childcare costs, limited flexible work options, and career setbacks during maternity leave. Cultural expectations place the bulk of childcare and household responsibilities on women, while men’s involvement remains limited. Additionally, educated women often delay or avoid childbirth due to fears of losing personal freedom and quality of life. Tuyến stresses that low fertility is not caused by women prioritizing careers but by inadequate social and policy support to meet their needs.

Priority policies should focus on stable employment and income, flexible work arrangements, increased maternity and childcare allowances, and reducing costs of healthcare, education, and housing for young families. Developing childcare services for children under 36 months, especially in industrial zones, and promoting gender equality at home through longer paternity leave are essential steps. Current support mechanisms such as public daycare and childcare allowances remain insufficient, and policies must directly address these practical challenges to be effective.

Learning from countries like South Korea, Japan, and Singapore, Tuyến notes that financial subsidies alone cannot raise fertility if women lack supportive living and work environments. Vietnam’s Party and State are working on a comprehensive ecosystem to support families, emphasizing employment, housing, childcare, welfare, and gender equality. Without such measures, population decline will accelerate aging, reduce productivity, and strain welfare systems. Encouraging childbirth requires shared responsibility across political systems, businesses, and families, with a focus on creating conditions where women can balance motherhood and personal development without compromise.