On October 26, Vietnam and the United States agreed to issue a Joint Statement on the Framework for a Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade Agreement. The statement contained many encouraging details that have raised new expectations for Vietnam’s major export sectors.

Seafood, garments and textiles, and woodwork are among key export items to US market

Both sides will continue discussions and implement steps towards completing the agreement, based on principles of openness, constructiveness, equality, ensuring mutual benefit and consideration of each side’s development level.

Speaking to VIR, Nguyen The Minh, head of Research at Yuanta Vietnam Securities, noted that during the suspension of reciprocal tariffs, the US signalled its intent to impose higher duties on technology products it can manufacture domestically.

In contrast, consumer goods that the US relies heavily on imports for may see tariff adjustments.

“Key sectors such as textiles and garments, processed foods, seafood, and fine wood products are those where the US remains import-dependent,” Minh said. “If high tariffs were imposed, American consumers would bear the brunt through higher prices, adding to inflationary pressures.”

He added that higher tariffs on a wide range of products could slow US economic growth, reduce investment, and raise inflation through cost-push effects. In that context, the Federal Reserve may adopt a slower pace of interest rate adjustments.

“The US needs to reassess its tariff policy with greater differentiation across product groups. For items that depend on imports from Vietnam, such as textiles, seafood, and furniture, reducing tariffs to zero per cent is entirely feasible. In that scenario, US consumers would be the first to benefit,” Minh noted.

In the garments and textiles sector, analysts believe Vietnam holds a strong competitive edge, as it is the world’s second-largest textile apparel exporter and the third-largest supplier to the US market. As the US does not produce textiles domestically and many major global brands have manufacturing plants in Vietnam, any progress in tariff negotiations could lead to further import duty reductions, possibly even to zero per cent. Agricultural and seafood exports are also well-positioned to benefit from potential tariff cuts, enhancing their competitiveness against regional peers.

According to Saigon-Hanoi Securities JSC (SHS), concerns that tariff policies under the Trump administration might hurt Vietnam’s economy are gradually fading. Even when facing reciprocal tariffs of up to 20 per cent, local production and investment activities have continued to show strong growth momentum. A more favourable tariff regime is expected to open new growth opportunities for Vietnamese export businesses and related stocks.

Export-oriented businesses have recorded strong performance since the outset of the year, with robust nine-month results. In the first nine months of 2025, garment maker TNG Investment and Trading JSC reported revenue of $228.4 million, up 14.6 per cent on-year, and net profit of $11.2 million, up 16.6 per cent on-year.

For 2025, TNG targets $324 million in revenue and $13.6 million in net profit. With the current results, the company has achieved 70.5 per cent of its full-year revenue goal and 82.3 per cent of its full-year profit target. TNG representatives said the firm remains on track with a positive business outlook.

Another strong performer is Garment 10 Corporation. In Q3 of 2025, the company posted a net profit of $1.94 million, up 52 per cent on-year, setting a record quarterly profit since 2023. For the first nine months, its revenue reached $133.6 million, up 10 per cent, and net profit was $3.12 million, up 59 per cent on-year.

In the seafood sector, several big players like Vinh Hoan, Sao Ta Foods, and Nam Viet all reported positive results.

Accordingly, Vinh Hoan recorded consolidated Q3 net profit of $18.2 million, up 35 per cent, and a nine-month total of $48.2 million, up 38.6 per cent on-year.

Sao Ta Foods posted Q3 profit of $4.47 million, up 18 per cent and a nine-month total of $10.05 million, up 6.7 per cent on-year. Nam Viet stood out with Q3 profit of $11.32 million, surging 917 per cent on-year, and nine-month profit of nearly $29.9 million, 17 times higher than one year ago. .

In the wood export segment, Phu Tai JSC has already met its full-year 2025 profit plan after just nine months, with pre-tax profit reaching $1.4 million. For Q4, the company targets an additional $200,000 in profit, which, if achieved, would exceed the annual target by 14 per cent.

Nguyen The Minh believes the likelihood of a favourable tariff outcome is high as both sides enter the framework negotiation phase.

“A well-designed policy could open new growth opportunities for Vietnamese exporters and related stocks, with some goods potentially seeing tariffs cut below 20 per cent – or even to zero,” Minh said. “Investors should focus on companies with solid fundamentals, leading positions in strategic sectors, strong growth potential, and reasonable valuations.”

Businesses shift to local supply chains and market diversification amid new US tariffs Vietnamese businesses are adapting to new US tariffs by investing in local supply chains, exploring new export markets, and innovating to maintain competitiveness in a challenging global landscape.

Diversification lends to turnover advances Diversifying export markets is increasingly viewed as a strategic pathway for Vietnam to achieve its target of $70 billion in agricultural, forestry, and fishery export turnover.

Garment and textile firms eye exports and domestic market for growth Amid global uncertainties, garment and textile firms are exploring new growth avenues – expanding export markets while also turning their focus inward to reclaim the domestic market through branding and green supply chains.

The country’s export turnover in October was estimated at $42 billion, down 1.5 per cent from the previous month. Of this, the domestic sector contributed $8.6 billion, while foreign-invested enteprises (FIEs) (including crude oil) accounted for $33.45 billion. Compared to the same period last year, total export value increased by 17.5 per cent, with the domestic sector declining 17.4 per cent and FIEs rising sharply by 31.8 per cent.

In the first 10 months of 2025, Vietnam’s total export value reached $391 billion, up 16.2 per cent on-year. The domestic economic sector contributed $94.17 billion (24.1 per cent of total exports), while FIEs reached $296.83 billion, up 22.5 per cent and accounting for 75.9 per cent of the total. Notably, 36 export items recorded revenues exceeding $1 billion, representing 94.1 per cent of total exports.

Vietnam’s import turnover in October was estimated at $39.45 billion, down 1 per cent from September. The domestic sector imported $11.38 billion (up 4.2 per cent), while FIEs saw imports of $28 billion (down 2.9 per cent). Compared to the same month last year, total imports increased 16.8 per cent.

For the 10-month period, total imports were estimated at $371.4 billion, up 18.6 per cent on-year. The domestic sector accounted for $117 billion, while FIEs imported $254.4 billion worth of goods.

In terms of import structure, production materials continued to dominate, reaching $348.23 billion, or 93.8 per cent, of total imports. Machinery, equipment, and spare parts made up 52.6 per cent, while raw materials, fuels, and supplies accounted for 41.2 per cent. Consumer goods totalled $23.21 billion, equivalent to 6.2 per cent of the total.

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Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien delivers a report to the National Assembly on a draft Law on E-commerce. Photo: National Assembly

In a report to the National Assembly on November 3, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien said that the move seeks to institutionalise the Party’s new orientations on e-commerce and the digital economy, align with Vietnam’s international commitments, and address existing legal shortcomings. It is also designed to foster rapid and sustainable e-commerce growth, safeguard domestic production and consumer rights, and contribute positively to national socioeconomic development in the digital era.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s report, e-commerce in Vietnam has been expanding strongly, accounting for around 10 per cent of total retail and consumer service revenue in 2024. However, the sector still lacks a dedicated legal framework. Existing regulations have revealed various limitations, particularly in managing sellers, collecting taxes, combating counterfeit goods, and protecting personal data.

The draft law comprises seven chapters and 48 articles, introducing new provisions that mandate the identification of domestic sellers through VNeID and foreign sellers via legal documentation. It also defines responsibilities related to information transparency, transaction traceability, violation handling, and consumer protection.

It also expands the responsibilities of social networks that engage in e-commerce and integrated digital service platforms, along with provisions to prevent abuse of market dominance and ensure fair competition.

Under the proposal, domestic sellers will be required to undergo identity verification via VNeID, while foreign sellers must provide valid legal documentation. Livestream sellers and affiliate marketers will be subject to specific requirements on identification, information transparency, and consumer protection.

For foreign e-commerce platforms operating in Vietnam, the draft mandates the establishment of, or authorisation for, a legally competent entity within the country to handle tax obligations, dispute resolution, and consumer protection issues.

Reviewing the draft, Phan Van Mai, Chairman of the National Assembly’s Economic and Financial Committee, said the necessity of developing a stronger legal framework for e-commerce.

He recommended that the government further clarify the classification of e-commerce as a conditional business line and make corresponding revisions to the amended Law on Investment. The committee also called for a clearer distinction between pre-check and post-check conditions to ensure effective management.

Regarding platform operators, the committee proposed refining responsibilities to ensure they are reasonable, feasible, and tailored to the nature of each platform and its level of involvement in online contract transactions.

For social networks conducting e-commerce activities, the committee suggested defining their scope of responsibility based on specific functions such as online ordering, livestream sales tied to order placement, or payment and logistics support, to create proportionate regulatory obligations.

It also urged clearer delineation between livestream and affiliate marketing activities regulated under the draft law and those covered by other legislation, including the Law on Cyber Information Security, the Law on Cybersecurity, the Law on Advertising, and the Law on Consumer Rights Protection.

Finally, for e-commerce support service providers, the committee recommended clearer rules on their responsibilities and operating conditions, ensuring consistency with laws governing electronic transactions, postal services, payment systems, and banking, while maintaining practical and enforceable obligations.

The grand opening ceremony, held at FujiMart in Hanoi, welcomed distinguished guests from the Malaysian Embassy, ​​the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi City, and senior representatives from FujiMart Vietnam Retail Co., Ltd.

Taste of Malaysia group tour visit at FujiMart

The event, jointly organised by MATRADE and Fujimart, is part of an initiative under the Cross-Border e-Commerce Development Programme (eBizLink). “Taste of Malaysia” offers Vietnamese consumers a unique opportunity to explore and enjoy a wide selection of authentic Malaysian products.

This year’s event marks the first time Malaysian culinary culture is being showcased across the FujiMart supermarket chain in Hanoi. Shoppers can explore a diverse range of products from well-known Malaysian brands such as Hwa Tai, BOH, and FIGO. From flavourful snacks and traditional pastries to refreshing beverages and wellness products, the offerings reflect the depth and diversity of Malaysia’s multicultural heritage.

The opening ceremony was graced by high-level dignitaries, including Malaysian Ambassador in Vietnam Dato’ Tan Yang Thai, Zaimah Osman, trade commissioner at MATRADE, and executives from FujiMart Vietnam.

In his remarks, the ambassador said the event marked another important milestone in strengthening economic and cultural ties between the two countries. Beyond promoting products, it reflected shared values of collaboration, mutual respect, and growth.

“As you explore the selection of Malaysian products today, I invite you to experience the unique blend of flavours and traditions that define Malaysia’s culinary heritage, a delicious reflection of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous influences. From aromatic spices to tropical desserts, from traditional biscuits to modern snacks, each product tells a story of Malaysia’s vibrant culture and craftsmanship” he said.

Trade commissioner at MATRADE Zaimah Osman and the representative of Fujimart at the opening ceremony

Sharing at the ceremony, Zaimah Osman expressed her excitement about bringing the event to Hanoi for the first time, following the success of the 2024 edition in Ho Chi Minh City. She highlighted the programme also represented an important milestone in the continuous efforts to enhance the visibility and accessibility of Malaysian products in Vietnam. She also emphasised that the goal aimed to introduce a wider range of Malaysian-made food, beverages, lifestyle, and wellness products celebrated for their quality and value to Vietnamese consumers through trusted retail partners such as FujiMart.

In celebration of the event, FujiMart has transformed its stores with festive Malaysian-themed decor and created dedicated display areas to showcase the featured products. A representative from FujiMart shared the company’s commitment to offering Vietnamese shoppers greater variety and access to premium international goods. “We are proud to bring the flavours of Malaysia to our customers and hope this event will further strengthen the bond between our two nations,” the representative said.

With more than 20 locations across Hanoi, FujiMart ensures that customers can easily participate in the celebration. Whether shopping for groceries or simply exploring new tastes, visitors can immerse themselves in the colourful and flavourful world of Malaysian culture, right in their neighbourhoods.

“Taste of Malaysia” is more than just a shopping event; it’s a celebration of friendship, culture, and shared culinary passion. Don’t miss the chance to experience the best of Malaysia, available now at FujiMart stores throughout Hanoi until November 13.

MATRADE successfully wrapped up the 1st taste of Malaysia in Vietnam The first “Taste of Malaysia” event wrapped up at MM Mega Market in Ho Chi Minh City on December 11.

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For Jabil, sustainability is the integration of environmental health, social responsibility, governance, and economic growth to create thriving, diverse, and resilient business operations for employees and the communities in which the company operates.

Jabil’s site in Ho Chi Minh is a shining example of the company’s commitment to building a sustainable future from the inside out.

Established in 2007, Jabil in Vietnam has made remarkable strides in creating a healthier environment, empowering its local communities, and nurturing a thriving, resilient workforce, areas Jabil believes it can make the biggest impact.

Environmental responsibility at the core of operations

Rooted in that belief, environmental responsibility begins from the ground up at Jabil in Vietnam. The site continuously initiates energy-saving solutions, waste reduction initiatives, and wastewater recycling to minimise its operational footprint.

Tree-planting campaigns and green workspace efforts such as the “Go Healthy, Go Smoke Free” campaign to raise awareness around smoking cessation, a “Green Road” initiative promoting public transportation and electric vehicle use, and other projects are carried out frequently at Jabil Vietnam to strengthen environmental awareness among employees and reduce the site’s CO₂ footprint.

In July, Jabil was presented with the Ho Chi Minh City Environmental Award 2025 in recognition of these efforts to build a cleaner, greener future.

Khanh Nguyen, operations director at Jabil in Vietnam (second from right), received the Ho Chi Minh City Environmental Award 2025

“We treat sustainability as a long-term investment. Whether it’s through reducing energy consumption or optimising waste management, every effort we make can help shrink our environmental impact and improve operational efficiency,” said Khanh Nguyen, operations director at Jabil in Vietnam.

Beyond the factory walls, Jabil in Vietnam aims to make a lasting social impact. Through the company’s Jabil Cares community engagement platform, the site participates in volunteering, charity campaigns, and education-based initiatives throughout the year.

Jabil in Vietnam also contributes to Jabil’s global goal of giving back 500,000 volunteer hours annually to local communities and organises career workshops to inspire and guide the next generation.

As part of its initiative to support and invest in talented young leaders, each year Jabil in Vietnam supports around 20 university students in their third year and last year of studies in either science, engineering, technology, or business courses by covering their tuition and educational expenses.

Additionally, the scholars will also be offered training, internships, and potential career opportunities at Jabil.

“It’s inspiring to see how our teams continuously deliver quality for customers while also making time to give back to their community and develop themselves,” said Tin Phung, senior business unit manager. “This culture of purpose and progress is what makes Jabil’s Vietnam site special.”

A sustainable company starts with a sustainable workforce. At Jabil in Vietnam, employees are supported through internal scholarship programmes, structured development plans for engineering talent, and career path initiatives across all levels.

Special focus is placed on creating an inclusive culture, where women are encouraged to pursue leadership roles and all employees are given opportunities to grow. This strong people-first culture earned Jabil in Vietnam the Sustainable Workplace Award 2025 and a place among the Best Companies to Work For in Asia 2025 by HR Asia this August.

“At Jabil, sustainability is both a responsibility and a strategy,” said Huu Binh, senior finance controller at Jabil in Vietnam. “We believe our success lies in how well we care for our environment, our people, and our communities. These achievements are a reflection of the collective heart and effort of our entire team.”

Jabil’s employees in Vietnam join hands on a tree-planting campaign, showing that a sustainable future starts from within

As industries around the world seek to redefine what responsible business looks like, Jabil in Vietnam demonstrates that a sustainable future starts from within.

Jabil Vietnam marks 15-year journey in Vietnam This year marks the 15th anniversary of Jabil in Vietnam. On this occasion, Victor Brizuela, operations director of Jabil Vietnam, spoke with VIR’s Thanh Van about the company’s 15-year journey in the country with a focus on manufacturing operations and talent strategy.

Jabil Vietnam champions diversity, prioritizes wellness, and leads in innovation Khanh Nguyen, Jabil’s human resources manager in Vietnam, delves into this inspiring evolution with VIR’s Thanh Van, highlighting the company’s unwavering dedication to career progression and top-tier operational standards through strategic collaborations and technological innovation.

Jabil awards 30 Vietnamese students scholarships On April 1, Jabil announced that the company has recently awarded 30 local university students with its Jabil Vietnam Scholarship, the company’s initiative to support and invest in the talented young leaders of tomorrow.