Vietnam's businesses confront shifting advantages as AI and electric trucks reshape markets

Analysts note that advantages once decisive for success can become liabilities when market conditions change. In Vietnam, the film industry’s reliance on traditional distribution channels is waning as online platforms and social media give audiences direct access to content. Likewise, electronics retailers no longer enjoy a knowledge gap with consumers, who now research products online before visiting stores, pushing firms to compete on experience, service and speed.

The diamond sector faces similar pressures: lab‑grown stones, near‑equal quality at lower prices, and evolving values among Gen‑Z buyers are eroding the historic pillars of scarcity, certification and symbolic significance. Across these sectors, artificial intelligence is reducing production costs and enabling new business models, prompting companies to reassess which capabilities remain sustainable.

In parallel, Vietnam’s logistics industry is testing electric tractor‑trucks as a replacement for diesel‑powered units. Proponents cite operating costs as low as 5,000 VND per kilometre and benefits such as real‑time fleet monitoring and reduced fuel‑theft risk. Critics raise concerns about battery lifespan, charging infrastructure and the economics of high‑capacity electric vehicles. Industry leaders are evaluating fast‑charging stations and battery‑swap models to address these challenges.