Report socio-economic performance in August and 8 months of 2026

1. Agriculture, forestry and fishing

a) Agriculture

Summer-Autumn rice: As of August 20^th, 2026, localities nationwide cultivated 1,870.0 thousand hectares of summer-autumn rice, a year-on-year (YoY) drop of 29.1 thousand hectares. Specifically, the Northern localities reached 167.5 thousand hectares (-4.9 thousand hectares) and the Southern localities reached 1,702.5 thousand hectares (-24.2 thousand hectares). So far, there was 723.7 thousand hectares of summer-autumn rice reached maturity and ready for harvesting nationwide, representing 38.7% of the sown area and 77.5% compared to the same period last year.

Winter rice: As of August 20^th, 2026, localities nationwide cultivated 1,312.5 thousand hectares, a year-on-year decrease of 50.7 thousand hectares; specifically, the Northern localities reached 938.5 thousand hectares (-38.2 thousand hectares), while the Southern localities reached 374.0 thousand hectares (-12.5 thousand hectares).

Autumn-winter rice: As of August 20^th, 2026, the Southern localities cultivated 292.3 thousand hectares of autumn-winter rice, equal to 64.2% compared to the same period last year.

Annual crops: The area of some primary annual crops saw a year-on-year drop due to long lasting sunny and heat weaves causing shortage of irrigating water in southern localities negatively affected to production condition resulting the farmer reduced cultivating area.

Livestock: Buffalo and cattle farming continued a downward trend, due to shrinking grazing areas and low economic efficiency. Pig and poultry farming represented positive results. At the end of August, the total pig number was estimated to increase by 4.2% YoY, and the poultry number rose by 2.8% YoY, while the cattle number and the buffalo number decline by 2.1% and 6.2%, respectively.

b) Forestry

The area of newly planted forests nationwide in August was estimated to reach 21.3 thousand hectares, a year-on-year drop of 4.9%; the number of scattered forestry trees reached 6.0 million, (-4.8% YoY); Wood production reached 2,372.3 thousand cubic meters, (+4.4% YoY), the forest damaged  area in august was 240.6 hectares, a year-on-year increase of 7.6 fold including 37.4 hectares of forest cut or damaged                     (+64.8% YoY), 203.2 hectares of forest fire, a 23.1 fold.  Generally, in the eight months of 2026, the area of ​​newly planted concentrated forests was estimated at 180.8 thousand hectares, a year-on-year decrease of 3.4%; the number of scattered forestry trees reached 63.9 million, (+1.6% YoY); Wood production reached 16,662.9 thousand cubic meters, (+6.5% YoY); and the area of ​​damaged forest was estimated at 1,086.0 hectares, (+13.1% YoY), of which 374.5 hectares of forest damage (-42.8% YoY) and 711.5 hectares of forest fire (+ 2.3-fold).

c) Fishing

Capture fisheries and aquaculture production: in August were estimated to reach 991.3 thousand tones, a year-on-year growth of 4.4%, of which aquaculture production was estimated at 629.3 thousand tones, a year-on-year jump of 6.6%; Production of capture fisheries in August was estimated at 362.0 thousand tones, a year-on-year increase of 0.7%. Generally, in the eight months of 2026, total fisheries production was estimated at 6,949.4 thousand tones, a year-on-year expansion of 3.8%, of which fish reached 4,816.3 thousand tones (+2.6% YoY), shrimp reached 1,184.2 thousand tones (+7.4% YoY), and other aquatic products reached 948.9 thousand tones (+5.8% YoY).

2. Industrial production

Industrial production in August continued to maintain positive growth momentum. The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) for the month recorded an estimated expansion of 1.5% MoM and 14.4% YoY. Cumulatively, for the eight months of 2026, the IIP advanced by 11.9% over the corresponding period last year, marking the highest growth rate achieved during the eight months of the year across the past years[1].

The IIP in the 8 months of 2026 experienced a year-on-year increase in all 34 provinces and municipalities.

Number of employees in industrial enterprises as of August 1^st, 2026, expanded by 1.0% MoM and 3.8% YoY.                                                                                     

3. Enterprise registration

In August, the country had nearly 12.2 thousand newly established enterprises (-14.4% MoM and -40.5% YoY); nearly 9.5 thousand resumed operations enterprises (-6.5% MoM and -23.8% YoY); 5,322 enterprises registered to temporarily suspended for a definite time (-39% MoM and -18.5% YoY); 7,566 enterprises suspended operation waiting for dissolution procedures (-27.1% MoM and +10.1% YoY); 9,631 enterprises completed procedures for dissolution (+33.6% MoM and +151.2 YoY).

Overall, in the eight months of 2026, the whole country had nearly 206.4 thousand newly established and resumed operation enterprises, (-1.4% YoY); over 88.0 thousand enterprises temporarily suspending for a definite time (-7.3% YoY); nearly 28.6 thousand enterprises suspended operation waiting for dissolution procedures (-40.3% YoY); over 40.8 thousand enterprises completed procedures for dissolution (+125.5% YoY). On average, 25.8 thousand newly established and resumed operation enterprises; 19.7 thousand enterprises withdrew from the market per month.

4. Investment

In August alone, disbursed investment from the State budget was estimated to reach 105.7 trillion VND (+24.1% YoY). Cumulatively, for the eight months of 2026, overall disbursed State budget investment was estimated at 546.8 trillion VND, equivalent to 50.5% of the annual plan and a representing (+18.5% YoY) (corresponding figure in 2025 were 45.3% of the plan and +26.4% YoY).

Total inward foreign investment in Viet Nam[2] as of August 31^st, 2026, including newly registered capital, adjusting registered capital, and the value of capital contribution and purchasing shares by foreign investors reached 40.63 billion USD, a year-on-year increase of 55.4%

Total disbursed FDI in Viet Nam in the eight months of 2026 was estimated at 17.25 billion USD (+12.0% YoY).

Viet Nam’s outward investment activities during the eight months of 2026, 113 projects were granted new investment certificates with a total combined capital value of 1.21 billion USD, a 2.8-fold increase over the corresponding period last year; 29 turns of projects adjusted their investment capital upwards an additional 1.41 billion USD, a 10.9-fold rise. In aggregate, total Viet Nam’s outward FDI (comprising both newly registered and adjusted capital) reached 2.62 billion USD, expanding 4.7 times compared to the same period last year.

5. State budget revenue and expenditure

Total state budget revenue in August 2026 was estimated at 150.4 trillion VND. The total state budget revenue accumulated in the eight months of 2026 was estimated at 2,023.8 trillion VND, reaching 80.0% of the annual estimate and going up by 16.0% over the same period last year.

Total state budget expenditure in August 2026 was estimated at 238.1 trillion VND. The total state budget revenue accumulated in the eight months of 2026 was estimated at 1,608.3 trillion VND, reaching 50.9% of the annual estimate and going up by 13.3% over the same period last year.

6. Trade, prices, transport and tourism

a) Retail sales of goods and services

The retail sales of goods and services at current prices in August 2026 were estimated at 679.8 trillion VND, (+1.6% MoM and +14.9% YoY). Generally, for the eight months of 2026, the retail sales of goods and services at current prices were estimated at 5,235.5 trillion VND, a year-on-year shoot of 13.3%; excluding the price factor, the growth rate stood at 7.6% (compared to an increase of 7.5% in 2025).

b) Export and import of goods[3]

In August, the total export and import turnover of goods[4]  reached 109.7 billion USD (-0.1% MoM and +31.7% YoY). Generally, in the eight months of 2026, the total export and import turnover of goods achieved 770.14 billion USD, the highest eight-month figure on record, a year-on-year spike of 28.7%, of which exports and imports shot up 22.4% and 35.3%[5], respectively. The trade balance of goods recorded a trade deficit of 20.46 billion USD.

The export turnover of goods in August reached 54.79 billion USD (+3.2% MoM, +26.0% YoY). Overall, the export turnover of goods in the eight months of 2026 obtained 374.84 billion USD (+22.4% YoY). Of which, the domestic economic sector recorded 74.47 billion USD (+7.4% YoY), consisting of 19.9% of total export turnover; the FDI sector (including crude oil) reached 300.37 billion USD, an increase of 26.9%, accounting for 80.1%.

Regarding the structure of exported goods in the eight months of 2026, the group of manufactured products reached 337.99 billion USD, accounting for 90.2%.

Import turnover of goods in August reached 54.91 billion USD (-3.1% MoM, +37.9% YoY). Overall, the import turnover of goods in the eight months of 2026 attained 395.3 billion USD, a year-on-year surge of by 35.3%, of which the domestic economic sector obtained 105.07 billion USD (+23.7% YoY); the FDI sector recorded 290.23 billion USD (+40.1% YoY).

Regarding the structure of imported goods in the eight months of 2026, the group of capital goods reached 372.04 billion USD, accounting for 94.1%.

Regarding export and import markets of goods in the eight months of 2026, the United States was Viet Nam’s largest export market with a turnover of 122.0 billion USD. China remained Viet Nam’s largest import market with a turnover of 161.9 billion USD.

According to preliminary data, the trade balance of goods recorded a deficit of 0.12 billion USD in August. Overall, in the eight months of 2026, the trade balance of goods posted a deficit of 20.46 billion USD[6]  (a surplus of 14.02 billion USD in the same period last year). Of which, the domestic economic sector recorded a trade deficit of 30.6 billion USD; while the FDI sector (including crude oil) recorded a trade surplus of 10.14 billion USD.

c) Consumer price index, gold and US dollar price index

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) in August witnessed a month-on-month increase of 0.47%, a rise of 3.57% compared with that in December 2025 and a year-on-year surge of 4.89%. In general, the CPI in the eight months of 2026 possessed a year-on-year expansion of 4.45%; core inflation experienced an upturn of 4.24%.

Price index of gold in August saw a month-on-month decrease of 0.65%; a year-on-year surge of 16.98%; and a shrink of 6.27% compared to that in December 2025. The average gold price index in the eight months of 2026 possessed a year-on-year spike of 46.98%.

The US dollar price index in August experienced a month-on-month drop of 0.38%; a year-on-year shrink of 0.36%; and a fall of 0.38% compared to that in December 2025. The average US dollar price index in the eight months of 2026 possessed a year-on-year upturn of 1.31%.

d) Passenger and cargo transport

Passenger carried: in August 2026 was estimated at 658.6 million turns of passengers (+17.9% YoY); and passenger carried (passenger-kilometers) reached 32.1 billion passenger-kilometer (+16.0% YoY). Generally, in eight months of 2026, the passenger carried was estimated at 4,687.5 million turns of passengers (+18.6% YoY) and passenger carried (passenger-kilometers) reached 234.3 billion passenger-kilometer (+13.1% YoY).

Freight transported in August 2026 was estimated at 324.0 million tones (+17.6% YoY); and freight transported (ton-kilometers) reached 63.0 billion ton-kilometer (+17.3% YoY). Generally, in eight months of 2026, freight transported was estimated at 2,285.1 million tones (+16.7% YoY) and freight transported (ton-kilometers) reached 450.5 billion ton-kilometer (+12.9% YoY).

đ) International visitors to Viet Nam

Vietnam maintained its appeal as a prime destination for international travelers underpinned by favorable visa policies, intensified promotional campaigns, diversified tourism products, as well as distinct advantages in natural landscapes, cultural heritage, gastronomy, and competitive travel costs. In August 2026, international visitors to Viet Nam reached an estimated 1.99 million arrivals (+19.7% MoM) and (+18.4% YoY). Generally, in eight months of 2026, international visitors were estimated at 15.9 million arrivals (+14.4% YoY), marking peak for the eight-month period across multiple years.

7. Social situation

According to preliminary results of the Labour Force Survey, people’s living conditions in August generally remained stable. The proportion of households reporting that their income in the month remained unchanged or increased compared to the same period last year was 96.5% (a decrease of 0.2 percentage points compared to the July reporting period and a year-on-year decrease of 0.1 percentage points); 3.5% of households reported that their income decreased or was undetermined.

Social security activities have always been prioritized and implemented by authorities at all levels and sectors. From the beginning of the year to date (as of August 26^th, 2026), the Government provided 18.1 thousand tons of rice to the people, of which: nearly 9.1 thousand tons for hunger relief during the Lunar New Year for 604.6 thousand persons; more than 8.2 thousand tons for pre-harvest hunger relief for 547.2 thousand persons; and over 887.4 tons for natural disaster and flood relief for 59.1 thousand persons.

Gratitude and support to national devotees: As of August 22^nd, 2026, towards the 80^th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day, under the “500-day-and-night campaign to accelerate the search, collection, and identification of martyrs’ remains”, authorities found and collected 1,863 martyrs’ remains, including 839 remains found domestically, 174 remains in Lao PDR, and 850 remains in Cambodia.

Health: Overall, from the beginning of the year to date, there were over 78.3 thousand cases of dengue fever (13 deaths^[7]); over 67.3 thousand cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (11 deaths); 5,005 cases of rash fever suspected of measles; 210 cases of viral encephalitis (1 death); 33 cases of meningococcal meningitis (5 deaths); and 46 deaths from rabies in the whole country.

Traffic accidents: In August (from July 15^th to August 14^th, 2026), there were 1,280 traffic accidents nationwide, causing 805 deaths and 748 injuries. In eight months 2026, there were 12,347 traffic accidents nationwide, causing 7,048 deaths and 8,130 injuries. Compared to the figures of the same period last year, the number of traffic accidents cases, deaths, and injuries decreased by 17.2%, 9.4%, and 27.1%, respectively. On average, during eight months of 2026, there were 42 traffic accidents occurred a day, causing 26 deaths and 24 injuries.

Disaster-induced losses in August were mainly caused by rainstorms, thunderstorms and lightning. Overall, in eight months of 2026, natural disasters caused 50 deaths and missing persons, 91 injuries; damaged 80.4 thousand hectares of rice and crops; destroyed, swept away, or damaged 12.5 thousand houses. The total property losses caused by natural disasters were estimated at 2,681.9 billion VND (-83.5% YoY).

Environmental violation and fire and explosion prevention: During the month (from July 26^th to August 23^rd, 2026)[8], authority detected 1,221 cases of environmental violations in 31 out of 34 localities. Overall, in eight months of 2026, authorities detected 12,770 cases of environmental violations, of which, 10,015 cases were addressed with total fines of 187.7 billion VND, representing a year-on-year increase of 31.7%; there were 2,001 cases of fire and explosion nationwide, causing 64 deaths and 94 injuries, with estimated damages of 618.6 billion VND, nearly 3.2-fold year-on-year./.

[1] The year-on-year changes in the industrial production index for the first eight months during the 2019–2026 period were 9.5%, 2.2%, 5.5%, 9.2%, -0.2%, 8.4%, 8.5%, and 11.9%, respectively

[2] According to the report of the Foreign Investment Agency, Ministry of Finance, received on September 2^nd, 2026.

[3] The value of export turnover was calculated at F.O.B. price and import turnover was calculated at C.I.F. price (including transport and insurance costs of imported goods).

[4] Preliminary data on exports and imports of goods in August were provided by the Viet Nam Customs on 1 September 2026.

[5] The total export and import turnover of goods in the eight months of 2025 amounted to 598.25 billion USD, going up 16.4% year-on-year, of which exports reached 306.14 billion USD, increasing by 14.9%; imports reached 292.12 billion USD, increasing by 18.0%.

[6] Some commodities recorded high trade deficits: electronic goods, computers and their parts posted a deficit of 60.6 billion USD; petroleum products (7.4 billion USD); plastics materials (6.7 billion USD); coal of all kinds (6.2 billion USD); crude oil (5.3 billion USD); chemical products (3.9 billion USD); and chemicals (3.9 billion USD).

[7] An additional three deaths were recorded in May, June and July 2026.

[8] According to data compiled by Provincial and centrally-governed cities Statistics Offices from the reports of Provincial Departments of Agriculture and Environment and Provincial Police Departments.