Vietnam's Exports Surge, but High Logistics Costs Squeeze Business Profits

Vietnam's import-export turnover continues to show remarkable growth, with projections for 2025 reaching $930.1 billion, an 18.2% increase year-on-year. In the first eight months of 2026 alone, this figure hit $770.14 billion, a significant jump of 28.7% compared to the same period last year. Imports and exports remain a crucial engine for Vietnam's economic growth. However, behind this robust trade performance, businesses are grappling with the challenge of soaring logistics costs. This increase in costs is a factor reducing corporate profit margins, necessitating strategies to retain value generated from exports within the country. This is a critical point for Vietnam to maintain its competitiveness in the international market and sustain economic development. In the domestic education sector, changes to the evaluation method for foreign language proficiency in university admissions are proposed from 2027. Specifically, the current system of directly adding points from foreign language certificates (e.g., IELTS) is expected to be revised to better position actual foreign language competence as an appropriate assessment item for university entrance. This is explained as a refinement of the evaluation method rather than an abolition of IELTS, as has been partially misunderstood. Additionally, the article touches upon a wide range of socio-economic topics. These include the issue of rebuilding aging apartment buildings and the impact of delayed urban development projects on residents' lives, such as the unfinished renovation of Ho Sen Lake in Hai Phong, which has caused hardship for local residents and businesses. The importance of branding in the international competition of agricultural products is highlighted, noting a silent race for symbolic recognition. The banking sector faces challenges with interest burdens, where large profits are insufficient to cover interest expenses. The global challenge of electronic waste management, containing hazardous materials like lead and mercury but also valuable elements like copper and gold, is discussed. Furthermore, the issue of transboundary haze pollution within ASEAN, which has persisted for over two decades despite an agreement, is framed as a non-traditional security challenge requiring more decisive regional action. The "Thoi Nay" publication also features a report on "Flowers Blooming on the Rocky Outcrop of Ma Cha Va," a cautionary note on trekking during the rainy season, and a nostalgic piece on the 70-year history of the song "Chiếc đèn ông sao" (The Star Lantern).