Photo: New Zealand Consulate-General

At an industry workshop in Ho Chi Minh City on June 11, Meadow Fresh launched two new products, expanding its premium dairy portfolio in the Vietnamese market.

According to Scott James, New Zealand’s consul general and trade commissioner to Vietnam, the country has long been recognised globally for its high-quality dairy products, supported by favourable natural conditions and sustainable farming practices.

“New Zealand’s high-quality milk is the foundation of the distinctive value and superior quality associated with its dairy products,” James said.

Meadow Fresh applies strict quality control throughout the production process, from farm to finished product, including herd health monitoring technology, hormone-free farming practices, and natural grazing systems on expansive pastures.

The launch reflects growing interest among international dairy companies in Vietnam, where investment in advanced farming technologies, digitalisation, and sustainable production models is increasingly shaping the industry’s development.

Earlier, more than 250 booths from countries and territories with developed dairy industries such as New Zealand, Taiwan, Australia, and Japan, alongside many major domestic brands, gathered at Vietnam Dairy 2026, held in Hanoi in late May, to discuss industry development trends and innovation.

According to Dr. Tran Quang Trung, chairman of the Vietnam Dairy Association, despite making significant progress in recent years, the dairy industry still faces numerous challenges related to quality standards, traceability, and long-term development requirements.

“Experiences and technologies from international businesses will help Vietnamese businesses gain deeper access to emission reduction solutions and apply circular economy principles throughout the entire value chain, from livestock farming and processing to packaging, thereby contributing to the realisation of the government’s net-zero goal,” he said.

Trung explained that digital transformation is becoming a crucial driving force for businesses to improve production and management efficiency. Solutions such as automation, data management, and traceability increase transparency and contribute to quality control, strengthen consumer confidence, and reduce environmental impact.

In fact, many foreign dairy companies are realising this trend through investments in production technology, smart agriculture, and emission reduction initiatives, thereby contributing to promoting the green transformation and digitalisation of the Vietnamese dairy industry.

After more than 30 years of operation in Vietnam, Nestlé is implementing a comprehensive digital transformation from marketing and sales to production and supply chain to optimise operations and enhance customer experience. In the manufacturing sector, businesses are accelerating the development of smart factory models with applications of robots, AI cameras, and real-time data analysis systems to improve productivity, ensure food safety, and enhance traceability.

According to Le Thi Hoai Thuong, external relations director of Nestlé Vietnam, digital transformation has become a core element in improving the efficiency of the entire dairy value chain, while enhancing transparency, food safety, and traceability.

“We are implementing digitalisation throughout production to the supply chain, while placing people at the centre of the transformation process. The goal is to share best practices, promote technology application, and strengthen cooperation towards a more efficient and transparent dairy industry,” Thuong said.

In parallel with investing in technology and digital transformation, foreign businesses are also focusing on developing specialised nutritional product lines to meet the increasingly diverse needs of Vietnamese consumers.

Taguchi Yoshihiro, marketing director of Morinaga Nutritional Foods Vietnam, stated that with over a century of research and development experience in Japan, Morinaga is focusing on providing high-quality nutritional products to meet the increasingly diverse health needs of Vietnamese consumers.

“We believe that the demand for specialised nutritional products and long-term healthcare solutions in Vietnam will continue to grow strongly in the coming years. This trend is driven by increasing health awareness, rapid urbanisation, and the expansion of a middle class that increasingly values high-quality and functional products,” Yoshihiro noted.

The increasing involvement of international businesses is taking place against the backdrop of a Vietnamese market that still has significant growth potential. According to the Vietnam Dairy Association, per-person milk consumption is currently only about 36kg per year, significantly lower than many developed countries such as Denmark, France, the US or Japan.

The dairy industry development strategy to 2030, with a vision to 2045, aims for an average annual growth rate of 12-14 per cent. By 2030, the production of processed liquid milk is expected to reach approximately 4.2 billion litres, while domestic raw fresh milk production will reach 2.6 billion litres, meeting 60-65 per cent of processing needs.

To realise these goals, the Vietnamese dairy industry needs technology and investment capital while also addressing the challenge of securing a domestic supply of raw materials.

According to TH Group, Vietnam has all the conditions to improve its self-sufficiency in fresh milk raw materials. The company predicts that to meet about 70 per cent of market demand by 2035, Vietnam needs to develop a herd of approximately 700,000 cows using a concentrated farming model, applying high technology and modern management.

The sector’s growth prospects continue to draw in investor interest. Earlier in June, DealStreetAsia reported that TH Group was in discussions with several international investment funds to raise around $1 billion through the sale of a minority stake.

Meanwhile, Le Hoang Minh, executive director of Production at Vinamilk, believes that for an industry closely linked to health and quality of life, innovation extends beyond production technology to how businesses engage with and understand consumers.

“We have established a clear roadmap, targeting emission reductions of 15 per cent by 2027, 55 per cent by 2035, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050,” Minh said.

Vinamilk currently operates a nationwide network of 14 green farms and 14 modern production facilities, while its products have reached 63 export markets worldwide. The company is implementing a range of technological solutions to reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency, including smart warehouse systems that cut energy consumption by up to 70 per cent compared to conventional models, robots that help reduce internal transport-related emissions by around 60 per cent, and heat recovery and reuse systems capable of reclaiming up to 90 per cent of the thermal energy generated during production.

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The signing took place on June 25 on the sidelines of the World Customs Organisation Council sessions in Brussels. The agreement aims to enhance risk management, improve supply chain transparency, and support balanced trade between the two economies.

Under the MoU, the two sides will exchange electronic cargo manifest data in real time, or as quickly as practicable, to support cargo targeting, risk management and the prevention of customs violations, including trade fraud, counterfeit goods, prohibited goods, origin fraud, tax evasion and illegal transhipment.

The agreement represents a further step forward in cooperation between Vietnam Customs and US Customs, building on the Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement signed by the two governments in 2019, which entered into force in May 2020. Since then, both sides have maintained regular exchanges of information, verified suspicious cases, provided operational assistance and strengthened customs enforcement capacity.

The establishment of the electronic data-sharing mechanism comes as Vietnam-US economic and trade relations continue to expand rapidly.

According to Vietnam Customs, total bilateral trade reached $172.3 billion in 2025. Vietnam’s exports to the US exceeded $153 billion, up over 28 per cent on-year, while imports totalled more than $19.2 billion, an increase of around 28 per cent.

From January 1 to 18 June, bilateral trade continued its strong momentum, reaching close to $89.6 billion, up 23 per cent compared with the same period last year. Exports exceeded $79 billion, an increase of 22.4 per cent, while imports reached just under $10.5 billion, up more than 28 per cent.

From an operational perspective, the data connection will enable customs authorities in both countries to improve cargo verification, cross-check import and export data, detect early signs of fraud and identify attempts to circumvent trade remedy measures. At the same time, the mechanism is expected to facilitate faster customs clearance for compliant businesses, reduce inspection-related barriers at border checkpoints, and enhance the competitiveness of traded goods.

The initiative demonstrates Vietnam’s commitment to working closely with the US in addressing shared trade concerns. It is expected to strengthen transparency in customs administration, reinforce Vietnam’s credibility within global supply chains, and usher in a deeper and more substantive phase of customs cooperation between the two countries.

Vietnam Customs accelerates AI and digital transformation Vietnam’s Minister of Finance Ngo Van Tuan has assigned two key priorities to the customs sector: completing the institutional framework and accelerating the deployment of digital customs, as the country faces mounting customs clearance pressure alongside increasingly complex cargo control requirements.

Customs Law amendments to strengthen digital integration Vietnam’s proposed amendments to the Customs Law would expand automated data control, strengthen inter-agency data sharing, and establish a regulatory framework for the fast-growing cross-border e-commerce sector.

Businesses contribute to draft amended Customs Law The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in coordination with the Customs Department under the Ministry of Finance, on June 11, organised a workshop to gather business opinions on the draft law amending and supplementing several articles of the Customs Law.

The awards were announced on June 26, jointly organised by VIR and Viet Research in their second year, reinforcing their role as a credible benchmark for embedding environmental, social and governance (ESG) in Vietnam.

Photo: Chi Cuong

Based on Viet Research’s assessment methodology, the rankings recognise outstanding enterprises across 16 major economic sectors, including banking, finance and securities, real estate, construction, retail, logistics, technology and telecommunications, tourism, pharmaceuticals, high-tech agriculture, food and beverages, energy, manufacturing, and media.

The honoured companies were recognised for their business performance and for integrating ESG standards into their core strategies, demonstrating a strong commitment to responsible growth and long-term value creation.

According to a survey of ESG100 and ESG10 enterprises, 95 per cent have made concrete commitments to reducing carbon emissions in their production and business operations, while 93 per cent have established targets aligned with net-zero ambitions or broader sustainability objectives.

The findings reflect a growing shift among Vietnamese businesses as ESG moves from a compliance requirement to a strategic priority. Many companies are accelerating investments in cleaner production, technological innovation and corporate governance while strengthening their resilience amid an increasingly competitive global business environment.

Speaking at the ceremony, Le Trong Minh, VIR’s deputy editor-in-chief, said the ESG100 and ESG10 rankings reflect the Vietnamese business community’s growing aspiration for sustainable development. “The enterprises recognised today have integrated ESG standards, green growth and corporate social responsibility into their long-term development strategies,” he said.

He noted that as global competition intensifies and international markets place greater emphasis on governance, environmental performance and social responsibility, ESG has become an increasingly important measure of corporate competitiveness.

“The enterprises honoured today stand out for their long-term vision, innovative management capabilities, and their ability to create sustainable value for shareholders, employees, customers, partners, communities, and the environment,” Minh said.

He added that these achievements demonstrate Vietnamese enterprises are capable of achieving faster and more efficient growth while becoming greener, more responsible and more sustainable.

The organisers also highlighted the broader transformation taking place across Vietnam’s corporate sector. Despite continued uncertainty in the global economy and the country’s ongoing economic restructuring, many businesses have maintained strong growth by embracing innovation, improving governance, and accelerating digital transformation alongside ESG implementation.

Beyond expanding production and strengthening their brands, many companies are pursuing long-term competitiveness through green growth strategies, technological adoption and responsible business practices that generate positive impacts for society and the environment.

These efforts are contributing to the emergence of a new generation of Vietnamese enterprises that are more innovative, more proactive in international integration and more committed to balancing economic performance with social responsibility and environmental protection.

According to the organisers, the annual ESG100 and ESG10 awards honour high-performing enterprises while fostering greater collaboration within the business community. It provides a platform for companies to exchange best practices in innovation, ESG implementation and green growth while exploring new strategic partnerships.

As Vietnam continues its transition towards a greener and more sustainable economy, the programme is expected to further strengthen the competitiveness and international standing of Vietnamese enterprises, supporting the country’s ambitions for sustainable and inclusive development.

Top 10 ESG Vietnam Green Enterprises in key industries. Photo: Chi Cuong

Top 10 ESG Vietnam Green Enterprises in key industries. Photo: Chi Cuong

Top 100 ESG Vietnam Green Enterprises. Photo: Chi Cuong

Enterprises ready for ESG Eco and Environmental, Social, and Governance are essential requirements for Vietnamese enterprises to integrate into global value chains, experts revealed at the seminar “Economic Outlook 2026: FDI Businesses and the Roadmap for Vietnam’s Rise” held in Ho Chi Minh City on April 2.

Small business ESG strategies unlocked A true sustainability ecosystem requires global endorsement, genuine green financing, and technology solutions to lower the cost of implementation for businesses.

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According to the Customs Department, garment and textiles exports reached approximately $3.19 billion in May 2026, up 3.5 per cent on-year.

Vietnam’s textile apparel export value exceeded $15 billion in the first five months

Cumulative export value for the first five months exceeded $15.13 billion, a modest increase of 0.4 per cent compared to one year ago. Meanwhile, fibre and yarn exports emerged as one of the sector’s bright spots, with export value reaching nearly $1.89 billion during the period, up 8.7 per cent on-year.

According to Bui Ngoc Chau, senior research analyst at Mirae Asset Vietnam Securities, one of the main drivers supporting the industry’s growth has been the continued shift in global sourcing orders.

“US-China trade tensions are encouraging global buyers to diversify supply chains, creating opportunities for alternative exporters. Although total US import volumes are declining, Vietnam’s rising market share should allow its textiles and apparel industry to maintain growth,” he said.

However, growth remains moderate and increasingly uneven across the sector.

State-owned Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex) reported first-quarter 2026 revenue of about $179.6 million, up 5 per cent on-year. Improved gross margins helped the group post profit growth of more than 12 per cent during the period.

Meanwhile, TNG Investment and Trading JSC posted first-quarter revenue of nearly $78.1 million, up 29.2 per cent on-year. However, gross profit margin fell from 15.2 per cent to 12.1 per cent amid rising cost pressures.

The company’s selling expenses increased by 46.4 per cent as freight rates remained elevated, resulting in a slight decline in operating profit. Nevertheless, TNG’s net profit rose 39.3 per cent to $2.41 million, primarily thanks to gains recorded during the quarter.

With its two core product lines – yarn and home textile products – Phong Phu Corporation delivered stronger results. First-quarter revenue rose 5.1 per cent to $25 million. Gross profit margin improved to 20.5 per cent, helping net profit increase 16.8 per cent to $5.29 million.

Meanwhile, Century Synthetic Fiber Corporation posted a significant decline in both revenue and earnings in Q1..

The company’s revenue fell nearly 29 per cent on-year. Combined with deteriorating gross profit margins, the company reported a net loss of more than $1.36 million.

According to company chairman Dang Trieu Hoa, demand for yarn remained weak, while declining revenue and sharply rising machine shutdown costs directly eroded profit margins.

The recovery of the textile apparel industry highlights uneven progression across businesses.

Although order prospects are viewed more positively than in the previous downturn, the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS) believes one of the industry’s biggest challenges is not volume of orders but quality and profitability.

According to VITAS, most companies have secured orders through the end of Q3. Several large enterprises with stable customer bases and strong management capabilities have even received orders extending beyond that.

Vietnam is viewed as well positioned within global supply chains, supported by the ongoing relocation of manufacturing orders, political instability and energy shortages in Bangladesh, and advantages from multiple free trade agreements.

At the same time, many manufacturers are moving beyond the traditional Cut-Make-Trim model towards Free on Board and Original Design Manufacturing. The shift allows companies to take on a larger role in raw material sourcing, product design, and order management, helping improve profit margins.

However, challenges remain significant. Costs for raw materials, logistics, labour, and environmental, social, and governance compliance continue to rise, while export prices have failed to keep pace.

As a result, profit margins across the sector are under growing pressure, with many exporters facing low-priced orders, tight delivery schedules, and stricter technical and social responsibility requirements.

Even so, Nguyen Thi Trang, an analyst at KB Vietnam Securities, believes the negative impact on the industry may not be overly severe.

Under a mechanism for the sector, a certain volume of garments and textiles exports may qualify for preferential tariff rates based on the proportion of cotton and yarn imported from the United States.

“Vietnam was the largest importer of US cotton in the 2024-2025 marketing year, accounting for approximately 45 to 50 per cent of the industry’s total cotton imports. This provides an important basis for Vietnam to receive preferential tariff quotas should such a mechanism be approved,” Trang said.

However, as the US administration continues to pursue trade protectionist measures and the country’s trade deficit remains elevated, tariff-related risks are likely to remain a difficult-to-predict factor for Vietnamese exporters in the period ahead.

Vietnam continues to shine in global apparel trade By leveraging last year’s robust recovery, Vietnam’s garment and textiles sector is poised for significant growth in 2025, driven by shifting global demand, green production practices, and technological advancements.

Favourable tariff outlook offers boost for Vietnamese exporters As Vietnam and the United States advance towards a reciprocal trade agreement, expectations are growing for tariff cuts that could strengthen key export sectors and improve prospects for Vietnamese stocks.

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According to data from Metric, a Vietnam-based e-commerce data and market intelligence company, the gross merchandise value (GMV) generated by Vietnam’s four largest e-commerce platforms of Shopee, TikTok Shop, Lazada and Tiki during this year’s June 6 mega sales event could exceed $260 million

Vietnam’s e-commerce platforms are increasingly competing on customer experience rather than price

The forecast is based on the performance of the May 5 sales campaign, which recorded GMV of approximately $260 million.

Beyond growth in scale, the market is also witnessing profound changes in consumer behaviour, competitive dynamics and platform business models.

The figures highlight the continued strength of online spending in Vietnam. Earlier, a market report from Metric showed that Vietnamese consumers spent approximately $17.2 billion on Shopee, TikTok Shop, Lazada and Tiki in 2025, an average of about $47.7 million per day.

Meanwhile, a report by YouNet ECI, a Vietnamese market research and analytics company specialising in e-commerce intelligence, found that total GMV across the four major platforms exceeded $18.32 billion in 2025, growth of 26 per cent compared with the previous year.

The data suggest that e-commerce has entered a stage of large-scale expansion rather than serving merely as a supplementary sales channel, as was the case in the past.

Another notable trend is the rapid increase in average order value. According to Metric, GMV during the May 5 sales event rose 18 per cent on-year, while the number of products sold declined 6 per cent and the number of stores generating orders fell by around 10 per cent.

At the same time, the average value per product increased from $4.32 to $5.44, approximately 25 per cent growth.

This indicates that consumers are no longer focused on maximising the number of purchases, as seen during the post-COVID boom period, but are increasingly prioritising higher-quality products and higher-value segments.

Product categories posting strong growth included groceries, beauty products, mother-and-baby products, healthcare, mobile phones and home-related goods.

Notably, the beauty segment continued to demonstrate the effectiveness of livestream commerce, generating more than $47.76 million in sales on May 5 alone.

Industry experts say that Vietnam’s e-commerce sector is entering a more mature stage, where competition extends well beyond promotional discounts.

Rather than competing solely on price, e-commerce platforms in Vietnam are increasingly investing in logistics infrastructure, fulfilment centres, AI, user data capabilities, livestream commerce and creator networks.

With an annual market size measured in tens of billions of dollars and one of the fastest growth rates in the region, Vietnam’s e-commerce sector is expected to retain substantial growth potential.

However, the next phase of competition will not simply be a battle among platforms. It will increasingly be a contest among businesses capable of harnessing data, technology and the power of the creator economy to win over digital consumers.

To remain competitive, companies need to continuously upgrade their algorithms, advertising ecosystems and logistics capabilities, while making more strategic investments in branding, customer data and content development.

E-commerce race heats up with new player entering arena A new commercial platform, nongsan.buudien.vn, has made its official debut.

Southeast Asian e-commerce market hit $157 billion in 2025 Southeast Asia’s e-commerce gross merchandise value (GMV) grew 22.8 per cent on-year in 2025 to reach $157.6 billion, as leading platforms returned to growth while continuing to improve infrastructure, fulfilment, and customer experience, according to Momentum Works.

Over 200,000 OCOP items listed on e-commerce platforms More than 200,000 One Commune, One Product items have been labelled through the ‘Vietnam Goods Rise Up’ initiative launched on TikTok Shop in 2025.