Vietnam faces textbook supply shortages ahead of new school year

As the 2026-2027 school year approaches, parents in Ho Chi Minh City and several other provinces are facing difficulties securing textbooks. Many bookstores have reported shortages, leading to long queues of parents attempting to purchase printed books despite the availability of digital versions or book-lending programs.

To address the shortage, the Ministry of Education and Training has issued an urgent request for local education departments to coordinate closely with the Vietnam Education Publishing House. The goal is to ensure sufficient textbook supplies are available before August 30.

Concerns have been raised regarding the timing of school announcements for required book lists, which often leaves parents in a reactive position. Discussions involving officials from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training and the Vietnam Education Publishing House are focusing on supply chain management, the validity of previously purchased book sets, and the implementation of book-lending policies for students.