Vietnam news in brief - May 13

Vietnam’s seafood exports to China hit US$640 million

Vietnam earned $640 million from seafood exports to China from January to April, marking a 60% year-on-year increase and establishing China as its largest seafood importer. Notably, exports of bivalve mollusks in the first quarter alone reached $63 million, a sharp 109% increase from the same period last year. Demand surged for snails, clams, and scallops, driven by China’s appetite for high-quality fresh and frozen products.

US remains Vietnam’s largest export market for wood

In the first four months of 2025, Vietnam exported over $5.38 billion worth of wood and wood products, up 9.7% year on year. The US remains Vietnam’s largest export market, accounting for nearly 54% of total shipments, over $2.9 billion, primarily in furniture. Supportive US policies that exempt these goods from extra tariffs have given Vietnam’s wood industry an advantage, helping businesses adapt and grow.

Over 100 Vietnamese firms attend US investment summit

More than 100 Vietnamese companies took part in the SelectUSA Investment Summit from May 11 to 14, 2025, with the aim of deepening trade ties and exploring strategic investment opportunities. The summit provided a platform for them to interact with high-tech sectors and expand into areas such as energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing. As of April 30, Vietnam had 252 investment projects in the US worth $1.36 billion across various industries.

Vietnam exports $547 million worth of goods to Cambodia in Q1

Vietnam exported $547 million worth of textiles, steel, and other materials to Cambodia in the first quarter of 2025, accounting for 41% of total exports. Meanwhile, the country imported $496 million valued in cashew nuts and $237 million in rubber, making up 38% of total imports. These figures highlight Vietnam’s significant role as a major trade partner in Cambodia’s consumer goods and agricultural sectors.

Vietnam's home appliance market to hit US$13 billion in 2025

Vietnam’s home appliance market is projected to reach $12.5–$13 billion this year, growing at an average rate of 6% annually. This growth is driven by rising incomes, rapid urbanization, and changing consumer preferences. Consumer tastes are leaning toward products that are aesthetically pleasing, convenient, and health-conscious, especially among the growing middle class.

Vietnam to host regional women’s football tournament

Vietnam will host the 2025 ASEAN Women’s Cup, the premier women’s soccer tournament in Southeast Asia, featuring eight national teams. Matches will be held in Viet Tri City of the northern province of Phu Tho, and the northern port city of Haiphong in August. This event highlights Vietnam’s increasing involvement in regional sports cooperation and demonstrates its dedication to promoting women’s soccer in the ASEAN region.

Vietnam wins four medals at world’s toughest chemistry olympiad

Four Vietnamese students won two gold and two silver medals at the 59th International Mendeleev Chemistry Olympiad, widely regarded as the world’s toughest chemistry competition, held in Brazil from May 5 to 12. This outstanding result affirms Vietnam’s growing strength in global science education and its commitment to nurturing young talent through international academic exchanges.

Nearly 600 Nissan Kicks recalled in Vietnam

Nissan has announced a recall of 587 Kicks vehicles made in Thailand and sold in Vietnam due to a software issue affecting the lithium-ion battery management system. This issue can cause the vehicle to lose power and become inoperable. The update takes approximately 36 minutes per vehicle and is free at all authorized Nissan dealerships. The recall period is from May 8, 2025, to May 8, 2030.