According to the General Statistics Office's economic and social report for January 2025, nearly 10,700 new businesses were established across Vietnam, marking a 6.6% increase from the previous month but a 30.3% decline compared to the same period last year.

In addition, around 22,800 businesses resumed operations, 2.6 times higher than in December 2024 and up 65.2% from January 2024. This brought the total number of newly established and reactivated businesses in January 2025 to over 33,400, an increase of 15% compared to the same period last year.

The industrial production index (IIP) for January 2025 is estimated to have dropped by 9.2% compared to the previous month but increased by 0.6% year-on-year. The manufacturing and processing sector grew by 1.6%, electricity production and distribution increased by 0.4%, and water supply, waste management, and wastewater treatment rose by 9.2%. Meanwhile, the mining industry recorded a decline of 10.4%.

Public investment disbursement from the state budget reached approximately $1.39 billion, equivalent to 4.1% of the annual plan and up 9.6% from the same period last year.

Strong growth in foreign investment

Total registered foreign direct investment (FDI), including new capital registrations, adjusted capital, and capital contributions through share purchases, reached $4.33 billion as of January 31, reflecting a 48.6% increase year-on-year.

The actual FDI disbursed in Vietnam in January 2025 was estimated at $1.51 billion, up 2.0% from the same period last year.

Vietnam’s outbound investment also saw significant growth, with 10 new overseas investment projects granted investment certificates in January. The total capital invested abroad reached $83.0 million, representing a 5.1-fold increase compared to the same period last year.

State budget revenue and economic activity

Total state budget revenue in January 2025 was estimated at $10.85 billion, accounting for 14.0% of the annual estimate and increasing by 3.5% year-on-year.

Retail sales of goods and services reached approximately $22.56 billion, up 2.7% from the previous month and 9.5% year-on-year. When excluding price factors, retail sales rose by 6.6% compared to the same period last year.

Vietnam’s total trade value reached $63.15 billion, representing a 10.5% decrease from the previous month and a 3.5% decline compared to January 2024.

Vietnam’s tourism sector saw strong growth, with nearly 2.1 million international visitors arriving in January 2025, up 18.5% from the previous month and 36.9% from the same period last year. This surge was attributed to favorable visa policies, aggressive tourism promotion programs, and international tourism awards recognizing Vietnam’s attractiveness.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) in January 2025 rose by 0.98% from the previous month and 3.63% year-on-year, while core inflation increased by 3.07%.

Gold prices in January 2025 climbed 1.03% from the previous month and surged 29.13% compared to the same period last year.

The USD exchange rate index in January 2025 edged up 0.21% from the previous month and increased by 3.98% year-on-year.

Duy Anh