Vietnam · Country watch

Vietnam Plans Tax Cuts, EFTA Deal Expands Trade

Vietnam considers tax cuts on fuel and electricity; EFTA deal opens new trade avenues.

Florent Kalfon · 27 October 2026 · 7 articles read

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Vietnam's potential tax cuts on fuel and electricity and the EFTA trade deal expansion improve business conditions. These changes promise cost reductions and new market access.

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In this briefing Nguyễn Văn Thắng · Vietnam · EFTA · US · EU

Regulation

Energy
Public sector

Vietnam considers tax cuts on fuel and electricity

Vietnam is considering reducing the special consumption tax on fuel to 0% and lowering retail electricity prices starting November 1, according to VnExpress. Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Văn Thắng chaired a meeting discussing scenarios for managing fuel and electricity prices. The proposed measures aim to support economic growth and reduce costs for businesses and consumers over the next five months.

Impact Energy consumers and businesses in Vietnam will benefit from reduced fuel and electricity costs, enhancing competitiveness.

Watch The new pricing measures are expected to take effect on 1 November. · 1 November 2026

Sources: VnExpress ↗

Trade

Manufacturing
Technology

Vietnam–EFTA deal boosts trade opportunities

The Vietnam–EFTA Free Trade Agreement is set to enhance trade relations by eliminating tariffs on nearly all goods exported by EFTA countries to Vietnam, according to VietnamPlus. The agreement, involving Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, will also open access to advanced European manufacturing technologies. This development is expected to foster cooperation in electronics and mechanical components, offering significant strategic potential for Vietnam.

Impact Manufacturers and technology firms in Vietnam gain access to advanced European technologies and reduced tariffs, boosting competitiveness.

Sources: VietnamPlus ↗

Manufacturing

Vietnamese wood products face trade remedy risks

Vietnamese wood products, including upholstered wooden-frame seats and wooden bedroom furniture, may face trade remedy investigations in the US and EU, reports Vietnam News Economy. The scrutiny could extend to wood mouldings, processed wood products, and hardwood plywood. These investigations could impact Vietnam's export market, which is significant for the country's manufacturing sector.

Impact Exporters of Vietnamese wood products to the US and EU face potential trade barriers, affecting revenue streams.

Sources: Vietnam News Economy ↗

Nothing significant reported today in Disruption · Internal tension · Safety & health · Companies · Markets · Politics.

Also today in the local press

Autumn Economic Forum 2026 promotes green logistics and advanced manufacturing — VietnamPlus
Lawmakers weigh wider corporate liability, narrower death penalty in Penal Code overhaul — VietnamPlus
Vietnam, China seek to boost economic, investment and financial cooperation — VietnamPlus
NA discusses removal of time-limited suspension of operations for certain corporate offences — VietnamPlus
From scale to value: Việt Nam’s agro-forestry exports need control of the value chain — Vietnam News Economy
Vietnam’s textile, garment exports top 36 bln USD in nine months — VietnamPlus
Indonesia strengthens Southeast Asia’s fashion links — VietnamPlus
Reference exchange rate up 6 VND on October 27 — VietnamPlus

Sources in this briefing

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