Vietnam's Steel Output Surges on Domestic Demand, Enters Global Top 10

In April, Vietnam’s crude steel output was estimated at 2.1 million tonnes, up 4% year-on-year. With this result, Vietnam surpassed Italy to secure a place among the top 10 global producers. The European Union’s (EU) Steel Regulation introduces a “melt and pour” traceability rule, forcing importers to declare the country where steel was originally melted and cast, not just where final processing took place. According to the MRB, the 42-metre-long steel cage weighs more than 38.5 tonnes. The operation was carried out under strict technical and safety controls to ensure the cage was positioned accurately in accordance with the approved design. Through the “FOODS OF VIETNAM” pavilion, nine Vietnamese businesses are showcasing a range of high-value processed food products to Australian consumers and importers. According to the airport’s management, AirAsia Flight AK571 from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, landed at Lien Khuong International Airport at 10:58 a.m. on September 2, bringing the first international passengers back to Da Lat of Lam Dong. VIFA ASEAN aims to bring together furniture businesses from ASEAN countries in Ho Chi Minh City and help establish the city as a regional trading hub for indoor and outdoor furniture. Finance Minister Ngo Van Tuan highlighted Vladivostok's important role as a gateway connecting Russia with the Asia-Pacific region, including Vietnam. He noted that 2026 marks the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia relations. Phu Tho now has 32 industrial parks covering more than 7,000ha, 18 of which are operational. It is home to major international groups such as Honda, Toyota and Piaggio, as well as more than 70 supporting enterprises supplying global technology groups including Samsung, Dell and Apple. According to Customs Division at the Lao Cai International Border Gate, total import-export turnover had reached nearly 1.6 billion USD as of August 26, up 75% year-on-year. Exports rose 162% to nearly 887 million USD, while imports increased 22% to nearly 685 million USD. The drive is expected to bolster growth in Vietnam’s economic hub through year-end while expanding urban space and improving living standards. As Vietnam continues to expand its investment pipeline, diversifying funding sources will become increasingly important. Turning capital into viable projects will depend not only on market demand, but also on project quality, investment structures and execution capabilities. For businesses, every unit of energy saved helps lower production costs and improve operational efficiency. At the economy-wide level, efficient energy use reduces pressure on the supply system and the need for new investment. Hanoisme proposed support programmes for green transition, intellectual property, traceability and cross-border e-commerce, as well as credit packages specifically for exporters. Airlines face a market in which fuel and foreign-exchange volatility, high fleet costs and constrained aircraft supply are increasingly shaping competition alongside passenger growth and market share. Following last year's provincial mergers, Lam dong has become Vietnam’s largest province by area, opening up significant development potential across industry, agriculture, tourism, services and the marine economy. Held both in person and online, the seminar focused on the current status and opportunities for Vietnam’s nuclear power programme, human resources development, global trends in small modular reactors (SMRs), experience in ensuring safety and extending the operational life of nuclear power plants, and ways to mobilise Vietnamese experts abroad to contribute to the programme. The strong performance followed a series of measures to optimise port capacity and improve the competitiveness of the city’s seaport system, with a focus on maximising the efficiency of the Lach Huyen international gateway port as new berths came into operation. Vietnam’s rice export value for the full year is forecast at around 3.94 billion USD, about 4% lower than in 2025. While work has progressed, several projects still face delays in site clearance and shortages of construction materials. Some projects due to be completed in 2026 also have a substantial volume of work remaining. The visit opened initial channels for cooperation between Phu Tho and Belgian partners, with the province hoping to translate these contacts into practical projects in high-tech agriculture, culture, heritage tourism and investment. Products made by Vietnamese small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and cooperatives, including those certified under the One Commune, One Product (OCOP) programme, are emerging as popular online offerings. Through the German–Vietnam Hub, Leipzig plans to build a concentrated business advisory system to facilitate economic cooperation, investment, and knowledge transfer between the two countries. The city also aims to reinforce its position as a venue for promoting cultural exchange and dialogue with Vietnam. As countries tighten rules on crypto assets and investors increasingly favor assets with clear legal backing, Vietnam’s approach is opening a new funding channel while strengthening investor protection. Copyright, VietnamPlus, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) Editor-in-chief, Mr. Tran Tien Duan.