HCM City’s retail sales, service revenue down in first four months

HCM City’s total retail sales of goods and service revenue fell 11.2 percent year-on-year to 387.5 trillion VND (16.5 billion USD) in the first four months of this year, primarily due to travel restrictions and changes in consumption.

HCM City’s total retail sales of goods and service revenue fell 11.2 percent year-on-year to 387.5 trillion VND (16.5 billion USD) in the first four months of this year, primarily due to travel restrictions and changes in consumption.

Retail sales and service revenue in April totalled 68.4 trillion VND (2.9 billion USD), down 22.8 percent month-on-month and 34.2 percent year-on-year, the city’s Department of Industry and Trade reported.

Despite the major holidays of the Hung Kings’ death anniversary and the 45th anniversary of National Reunification taking place during the month, revenue from trade and services declined as people refrained from travel and only purchased essential goods amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

It also noted one encouraging highlight last month, when social distancing was being practiced - growth in online transactions and cashless payments. Many shopping centres, supermarkets, and caterers launched promotions to stimulate purchasing via telephone, websites, or mobile apps. They also offered support in delivery.

Changes in sales methods introduced since the beginning of the year helped retailers earn revenue despite the lower purchasing power resulting from COVID-19. The difficult period was also an opportunity for enterprises to restructure their corporate governance, distribution networks, and marketing strategies, according to the department.

Retailers in HCM City forecast that if the situation surrounding COVID-19 improves shortly then the consumption market will recover and goods supply and prices will become more stable.

VNA

Other News

SBV raises short-term capital lending cap to 40%

SBV raises short-term capital lending cap to 40%

The new circular will help credit institutions have more room to provide capital to businesses and investment projects to support high economic growth in the next few years, while increasing flexibility in the SBV’s monetary policy management.

Business confidence in Vietnam rebounds strongly: UOB

Business confidence in Vietnam rebounds strongly: UOB

The study found that 85% of Vietnamese enterprises reported positive business sentiment, a sharp increase from 48% in 2025, when business confidence was weighed down by uncertainties surrounding US tariff policies and related trade developments.

Bac Ninh seeks high-quality foreign investment for sustainable growth

Bac Ninh seeks high-quality foreign investment for sustainable growth

According to Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Pham Van Thinh, the province aims to maintain stable and sustainable growth, improve the competitiveness of both the economy and local businesses, and make better use of free trade agreements (FTAs) to expand and diversify export markets.

Green building trend flourishes in Ho Chi Minh City's real estate landscape

Green building trend flourishes in Ho Chi Minh City's real estate landscape

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) highlighted the city's dominance in green-certified building floor space in Vietnam, reflecting the rapid expansion of the green building market with 780 completed green buildings encompassing over 18.69 million sq.m by 2025, predominantly certified by EDGE and LEED.

UK supports Vietnam in wind power and green finance development

UK supports Vietnam in wind power and green finance development

The United Kingdom officially announced two new climate cooperation initiatives to support Vietnam in its energy transition and green growth journey. These programs focus on offshore wind power development and the creation of a sustainable green financial ecosystem.

Ample room remains for Vietnam–India logistics cooperation

Ample room remains for Vietnam–India logistics cooperation

The GTTCI expert noted that alongside logistics and integrated warehousing, e-commerce is expected to be a particularly high-growth sector in the coming years. He described it as a multi-billion-dollar market with significant untapped opportunities for cooperation between Vietnam and India.

Exports gain momentum from high-tech growth drivers

Exports gain momentum from high-tech growth drivers

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam’s exports reached 215.66 billion USD in the first five months of 2026, up 19.5% year-on-year. Twenty-six export items generated more than 1 billion USD in revenue each, including seven with turnover exceeding 10 billion USD.

Vietnam–China crossings see spike in ASEAN fresh produce

Vietnam–China crossings see spike in ASEAN fresh produce

Since the start of the summer harvest season, China's two major border gates with Vietnam, Youyi Guan in Pingxiang and Beilun 2 Bridge in Dongxing, have entered their peak period for handling imports of fresh agricultural and seafood products from member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Cargo handling operations at Berths 3 and 4 of the Hai Phong International Gateway Port. (Photo: VNA)

AI reshapes logistics, raising bar for workforce skills

According to the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA), the logistics sector will require around 2.2 million workers by 2030, including 1.6 million employees for logistics service providers and nearly 600,000 personnel supporting logistics operations in manufacturing and trading enterprises.

Robust dispute resolution framework key to Vietnam's IFC ambitions

Robust dispute resolution framework key to Vietnam's IFC ambitions

The development strategy for VIFC-HCMC envisions a comprehensive financial ecosystem encompassing green finance, carbon credits, financial technology (fintech), blockchain technology, digital assets, digital banking and other innovative business models. These highly internationalised sectors involve complex cross-border transactions and sophisticated legal structures.