Vietnam: Industrial activity rebounds in November
Industrial output rebounded 5.6% year-on-year in November, contrasting October’s 5.9% decline. The figure marked the first month of growth after four consecutive months of falling output, and reflected a return to growth in the all-important manufacturing sector.
Meanwhile, annual average industrial production growth fell to 3.8% in November (October: +3.9%), signaling a slight worsening trend in the industrial sector.
Looking ahead, industrial production is projected to accelerate in 2022 from this year’s estimated level, as the pandemic abates and associated restrictions are eased. Moreover, the underlying strength of Vietnam’s industrial sector remains intact: Vietnam is an attractive low-cost base for manufacturing firms, including those looking to relocate from China due to the U.S.-China trade tensions. That said, general uncertainty regarding the pandemic poses a downside risk to the outlook.