Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam has, for the first time, broken into the world’s top 10 crude steel producers, marking a major milestone for its fast-growing steel industry, according to the World Steel Association (Worldsteel).
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.
In the first four months, Vietnam produced 8.5 million tonnes of crude steel, representing an increase of 8.4% from the same period last year. According to Worldsteel, the country’s steel sector has expanded rapidly in both scale and product range. In the early 2000s, domestic producers largely depended on imported billets for producing construction steel. Since 2010, the industry has made significant strides toward self-sufficiency, now capable of producing a full spectrum of steel products serving mechanical engineering, shipbuilding, energy, and defence industry.
Large-scale and modern steel complexes have been put into operation, notably the Hoa Phat Dung Quat Iron and Steel Integrated Complex of Hoa Phat Group, which leads in manufacturing high-quality and specialised steel products, including engineering steel, tyre cord steel, welding wire, spring steel, crane steel, prestressed steel, and even rail steel for high-speed railways.
In 2023, Vietnam ranked 12th globally in crude steel production with 20 million tonnes. By 2025, output had risen to 24.6 million tonnes, making it the largest producer in Southeast Asia and 11th worldwide. Hoa Phat Group accounted for the largest share, producing 11 million tonnes, or 44.7% of the total.
In 2026, Hoa Phat Group’s crude steel output is projected to exceed 14 million tonnes, up 30% from 2025, further reinforcing Vietnam’s position among the globe’s leading steel-producing nations./.
See more
☕ Afternoon briefing on May 25
The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.
Vietnam, Japan advance ODA cooperation, push ahead with new projects
The Vietnamese Ministry of Finance highly appreciates JICA’s close and effective cooperation, which contributed significantly to the successful conclusion of recent loan agreements.
Green economy could contribute over 10% of Vietnam’s GDP by 2030
The exhibition is expected to gather more than 50 enterprises and startups operating in smart technologies, landscape materials, clean energy, ecological greenery, architectural design and healthcare solutions.
An Giang subsidises VMS upgrades to fight illegal fishing
The provincial budget will cover 50% of actual invoiced costs, capped at 5 million VND (192 USD) per vessel for upgrades and 11 million VND for replacements, with vessel owners paying the remainder. The policy is framed as a shared state-citizen responsibility aimed at driving regulatory compliance. The support runs through December 31, 2026.
Vietnam urged to shift mindset in attracting foreign direct investment in new period
He stressed that domestic firms must proactively improve corporate governance, technological capabilities and workforce quality in order to participate more deeply in global supply chains. “Vietnamese enterprises cannot enter the supply chains of multinational corporations unless they meet required standards,” Cuong said.
Vietnam's fruit, vegetable exports exceed 2.67 billion USD in five months
Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable export turnover in May was estimated at 614.79 million USD, bringing the total to more than 2.67 billion USD in the first five months of 2026, up 16% year-on-year.
Vietnam, China add cross-border rail link in trade push
China Railway Nanning Group said a container train hauling 170 tonnes of calcium hydroxide left Guigang station in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on May 23 afternoon. The shipment transited through Nanning International Railway Port before heading to Vietnam’s Yen Vien station. The corridor is a new cross-border logistics addition following the launch of the Liuzhou-Nanning-Vietnam rail service.
SOE equitisation urged to improve quality, attract foreign capital
Major policies have been introduced to strengthen the financial market and improve the role of SOEs. Notably, Politburo Resolution No.79-NQ/TW dated January 6, 2026 on State economic development requires SOEs to serve as the core force of the State economy, operate effectively under market principles and adopt modern, transparent governance standards with regional and international competitiveness.
Reference exchange rate rises slightly at week’s beginning
With the current trading band of +/- 5%, the ceiling rate applicable for commercial banks during the day is 26,393 VND/USD, and the floor rate 23,879 VND/USD.
Seminar on Vietnamese garment-textile digitalisation, automation solutions to be held
Under a theme on smart manufacturing for the future, the seminar will provide a platform for policymakers, industry experts and businesses to discuss technological breakthroughs at a time when the global textile and apparel market is facing significant changes and challenges.
Seminar on circular economy in agriculture to be held in Hanoi
The seminar is held in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Vietnam and the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Agriculture and Environment (ISPAE).
Vietnam seeks to promote cooperation with UK in capital market, financial centre development
Vietnam always wishes to continue strengthening cooperation with UK partners in capital market development, green transition, green finance, and the establishment of Vietnam international financial centre (VIFC), said Minister of Finance Ngo Van Tuan.
From tradition to digitalisation: Elevating Vietnamese goods
For many years, the campaign “Vietnamese people prioritise using Vietnamese goods” has played an important role in promoting domestic consumption and supporting local businesses. Today, alongside traditional trade fairs and distribution channels, digital platforms are creating new opportunities for Vietnamese products to increase their competitiveness.
Vietnam, EU promote substantive, effective economic cooperation
The NA always attaches importance to improving institutional frameworks and building a comprehensive, transparent and development-enabling legal environment to support both domestic and foreign businesses, including European enterprises operating in Vietnam, said NA Vice Chairman Nguyen Hong Dien.
Direct Phu Quoc – Hong Kong air route launched to boost tourism ties
In the initial phase, the route will operate five flights per week, with plans to gradually increase the frequency in the coming time.
Vietnam seen as attractive investment destination for 2026–2035
The article described Vietnam as strategically positioned along major regional maritime routes, including the East – West corridor linking the Americas, the Middle East, India and Europe, and the North – South corridor connecting China and Southeast Asia, helping make the country a gateway for international trade.
Vietnam taps venture capital for innovation: Deputy Finance Minister
To secure double-digit growth over the next two decades, the official said the Vietnamese Government will maintain political and macroeconomic stability while building a transparent legal environment that treats domestic and foreign investors equally and cuts red tape to attract quality private and foreign capital.
Agriculture reputation index launched to improve market trust, funding access
The VARI initiative is designed to research, survey and assess the credibility of enterprises and entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector in a scientific, objective and transparent manner. It aims to create a reliable reference system that helps consumers, farmers, partners and investors identify responsible businesses that uphold commitments and pursue sustainable development.
Eco-industrial parks seen as catalyst for higher-quality FDI
The eco-industrial park model will help Vietnam meet international environmental standards while creating opportunities to improve growth quality and economic competitiveness. Many multinational corporations now view green standards, emissions reduction and energy efficiency as key conditions when selecting investment destinations.
Work starts on 600-million-USD electronic components plant in Ninh Binh
Work starts on 600-million-USD electronic components plant in Ninh Binh