Vietnam corporate and economic trends

Vietnam’s business landscape has shown mixed indicators through the third quarter of 2026. In late August, corporate activity was highlighted by significant dividend distributions, with approximately 27 companies scheduled to finalize payouts. During this period, the beverage sector experienced a recovery, with major players like Sabeco and Habeco reporting strong revenues and profits driven by hot weather.

By early September, data indicated a sharp rise in business dissolutions, which increased by 125% compared to the previous year, reaching over 40,800 companies in the first eight months. However, this trend was offset by high market entry rates, as new tax code issuances were 6.8 times higher than the number of exits. Additionally, the retail and tourism sectors demonstrated growth, with total retail sales increasing by 13.3% year-on-year.

Recent updates highlight robust Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with registered capital reaching a record $40.63 billion in the first eight months of 2026, a 55.4% increase compared to the previous year. Manufacturing remains the primary driver. Export activities also saw significant gains, reaching $374.84 billion, up 22.4% year-on-year. In the financial sector, banking liquidity has improved as VND capital mobilization growth (8.77%) began to outpace credit growth (8.38%).

Corporate performance remains varied. While Phú Mỹ Hưng recorded a profit of 1,355 billion VND, BNP Global reported a record half-year loss of nearly 793 billion VND, leading to negative equity. On the regulatory front, authorities continue to address tax compliance by targeting ‘ghost companies’ and managing significant tax debts.