Vietnam’s strong CPI increase in May poses risks

Vietnam’s consumer price index (CPI) in May rose by 0.55% against the previous month, the largest monthly increase in the last six years, according to the General Statistics Office.

One of the primary reasons behind such a sharp rise was the impact of two rounds of petrol price hikes on May 8 and 23, which contributed a 0.16% increase. The month also saw a 0.88% increase in food and catering services as a result of higher rice and meat prices.

There is no room for complacency amid a strong CPI increase in May.
There is no room for complacency amid a strong CPI increase in May.

These figures show that the CPI has been rebounding, a stark contrast to a 0.27% drop in March which saw price falls in 8 out of 11 categories of goods and services used to calculate inflation, with the biggest fall recorded by transport costs at 0.77%, before returning to an increase of 1.14% as a result of fuel price rises in April.

In April, the CPI only rose by a slight 0.08% before soaring by 0.55% in May.

The prospects of inflation being brought under control in 2018 are supported by positive macroeconomic factors but there is no room for complacency amid a strong CPI increase in May. In the near future, efforts to keep a rein on inflation will still face plenty of pressure due to hidden risks.

One of the risks is the unpredictable variation in global oil prices, especially in the context of heightened geopolitical tensions. It is estimated that if domestic fuel prices go up by 25%, the CPI in 2018 will increase by 1.34%.

Furthermore, attention should be given to the delayed effects of monetary growth in recent years, the US Federal Reserve’s rate hikes, the continued upward adjustments to the prices of government-regulated goods and services and the prospects of recovering food prices.

If healthcare costs in 2018 are raised in accordance with the minimum wage, they would increase by 4% and contribute a 0.14% increase to the CPI. The contribution to the CPI would be 0.28% if management costs are included in healthcare costs. In addition, if pork prices rose by 10%, the CPI in 2018 would increase by 0.42%.

NDO

Other News

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

More than a year after the Politburo's Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private sector development came into effect, expectations now extend beyond increasing the number of enterprises. The goal is to build a stronger business community with greater resilience, larger ambitions and the capacity to compete in global supply chains.

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam is expected to remain one of ASEAN’s fastest-growing economies in 2026, supported by resilient exports, strong investment inflows and an ambitious reform agenda, despite mounting global uncertainties, according to the World Bank’s latest Vietnam Economic Update released on May 15.

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Under a new circular, the exchange of greenhouse gas emission quotas and carbon credits is conducted on the domestic carbon credit exchange through the carbon trading system, which is interconnected with the national registration system.

Biofuel ready for nationwide rollout

Biofuel ready for nationwide rollout

For biofuels, particularly E10, to develop successfully, stronger and more coordinated policies are needed, especially pricing mechanisms capable of creating a sufficiently attractive gap between E10 and mineral-based petrol, an expert has said.

Vietnamese farm produce promoted at African investment, trade forum

Vietnamese farm produce promoted at African investment, trade forum

The 12th Africa Forum for Investment & Commerce (AFIC 12) opened in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, on May 9, drawing around 2,000 participants, including officials, economists, businesses, financial and development organizagtions from 43 African countries and international partners, including Vietnam.

Int'l medical, pharmaceutical expo opens in Hanoi

Int'l medical, pharmaceutical expo opens in Hanoi

The exhibition, which runs until May 9 at the Hanoi International Centre for Exhibition, showcases advanced products and technologies across a range of fields, including pharmaceuticals, drug manufacturing machinery and equipment, medical devices, hospital and clinic services and dental equipment.

Mega projects to transform Ho Chi Minh City urban landscape

Mega projects to transform Ho Chi Minh City urban landscape

Leading the charge in this massive building spree is the new central city square in the core of the Thu Thiem new urban area. Spanning more than 20 ha, it’s the crown jewel of the Central Square and new administrative center complex.

Vietnam establishes itself as one of region’s most dynamic manufacturing and supply bases

Vietnam establishes itself as one of region’s most dynamic manufacturing and supply bases

The country’s stable political and economic environment provides a critical foundation for long-term sourcing strategies. At the same time, Vietnam has demonstrated a strong ability to scale up manufacturing, supported by a continuously expanding industrial base capable of meeting both high-volume demand and increasingly complex technical and quality requirements.

Vietnamese pomelos gain broader access to Australian market

Vietnamese pomelos gain broader access to Australian market

The update by Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to its Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) on April 10, officially setting out import conditions for Vietnamese pomelos, is regarded as a major milestone in market access efforts.

Vietnam's industry spearheads transition to circular economy

Vietnam's industry spearheads transition to circular economy

The circular economy is no longer just a policy choice. It has become an inevitable trend for delivering sustainable and green growth, sharpening competitiveness at home and abroad, and meeting Vietnam’s net-zero emissions target by 2050. It is now a prerequisite to sustain long-term economic expansion, particularly in industrial production and supporting industries.

Nearly 100 tonnes of Vietnamese fruits, vegetables airlifted to UAE

Nearly 100 tonnes of Vietnamese fruits, vegetables airlifted to UAE

Vietnamese fresh produce and processed foods are increasingly recognised for their quality, with items such as cashew nuts, coffee and spices gaining popularity among Middle East consumers. In 2025, Vietnam’s farm produce exports to the UAE exceeded 445 million USD, up nearly 24% year-on-year.