Vietnam economic activity shows growth in trade and domestic retail

Vietnam is experiencing diverse economic activity across trade, technology, and domestic consumption. In the trade sector, China's import-export turnover is projected to potentially exceed $7 trillion by 2026, driven by strong growth in markets like Hong Kong and the US. Meanwhile, Vietnamese small and medium enterprises are navigating challenges in capital and language skills to maintain export momentum.

Domestically, the Vietnamese government is focusing on the “Vietnamese Goods for Vietnamese People” program for 2026-2030 to boost local consumption and brand competitiveness. In Ho Chi Minh City, retail revenue rose by 17.2% in the first eight months of 2026, though consumers are becoming more pragmatic, prioritizing quality and value over low prices.

As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, the market is seeing a surge in demand. Businesses like Thu Hương Bakery are focusing on traditional-modern fusion gift sets, while authorities in Lạng Sơn have seized over 23,000 pieces of unidentified children's toys to ensure market safety. Additionally, the TECHFUTURE 2026 event in Hanoi is working to connect core technology enterprises with investors to build national strategic technological capacity.