Market

With the 2026 Lunar New Year approaching, consumer shopping demand is rising rapidly, especially for essential goods.

In 2025, the import–export turnover between the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China and Viet Nam surpassed the threshold of 300 billion yuan (nearly 43 billion USD) for the first time.

Global gold prices reversed course and cooled down on January 17, falling to 4,595.4 USD per ounce due to short-term profit-taking by investors after the precious metal repeatedly reached historical highs. Domestically, SJC gold bar and ring prices continued to remain high, traded at 162.8 million VND per tael and 159.7 million VND per tael, respectively.

Viet Nam's benchmark VN-Index rose 0.77% to 1,879.13 points on January 16. 

Global gold prices on January 16 slipped below 4,608 USD per ounce as strong inflows into equities cooled demand for gold. In Viet Nam, prices were temporarily steady as SJC bullion was traded at 162.8 million VND per tael, while SJC ring gold remained unchanged at 159.7 million VND per tael.

Viet Nam's benchmark VN-Index fell by 1.56% to 1,864.80 points on January 15.

Retail fuel prices were increased from 15:00 on January 15 following the latest adjustment by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Ministry of Finance.

Global gold prices on January 15 reversed course and declined to 4,587.3 USD per ounce, coming under profit-taking pressure after a prolonged strong rally. Domestically, prices of SJC gold bar and SJC gold rings both fell by 700,000 VND per tael, to 162.8 million VND per tael and 159.7 million VND per tael, respectively.

Global gold prices on January 14 extended their upward momentum to a new record of 4,619 USD per ounce. Domestically, SJC gold bar prices rose by 900,000 VND to a new peak of 162.9 million VND per tael, while SJC gold ring prices increased to 159.9 million VND per tael.

Viet Nam's benchmark VN-Index fell by 0.45% to 1,894.44 points on January 14.

Scheduled from February 2 to 8 at the Viet Nam Exposition Centre (VEC) in Dong Anh commune, Ha Noi, the National Spring Fair 2026 is expected to create vibrant trading momentum from the beginning of the year.

Viet Nam has recorded a new five-year high in realised foreign direct investment (FDI), reaching 27.62 billion USD, while total registered capital exceeded 38 billion USD. Having completed its “historic mission” in the early stage of industrialisation, the FDI sector is now facing the need to redefine its role.

Viet Nam's benchmark VN-Index rose by 1.36% to 1,902.93 points on January 13.

Global gold prices on January 13 reversed slightly lower to 4,591.5 USD per ounce. In the domestic market, prices of SJC gold bars and SJC gold rings continued to hold firm at historic highs, quoted at 162 million VND per tael and 159 million VND per tael, respectively.

On January 12, global gold prices continued their rapid rise, reaching a new record high of 4,607.8 USD per ounce. Domestically, SJC gold bar prices increased by 2.2 million VND to a new peak of 162 million VND per tael; SJC gold ring prices rose to 159 million VND per tael.

The year 2025 marked in-depth development of the commodity trading market amid a highly volatile global economic situation. Direct connectivity with international exchanges has helped the domestic market closely track global commodity prices, while improving risk management efficiency for investors and businesses.

Viet Nam's benchmark VN-Index rose by 0.5% to 1,877.33 points on January 12.

Viet Nam exported more than 8.06 million tonnes of rice in 2025, earning over 4.1 billion USD, according to the latest statistics from the Department of Customs.

The Department of Domestic Market Management and Development under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, said it has set up seven working teams to inspect, urge and provide guidance on the prevention of smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods, and to help keep supply and demand in balance and stabilise the market in many provinces and cities.

As global seafood markets adjust to tightening supplies and shifting demand, Viet Nam’s pangasius industry is entering 2026 with cautious optimism, buoyed by improving prospects in key export destinations.