Vietnam: Industrial output rebounds in September
Industrial output grew 3.8% compared to the same month a year earlier in September, which contrasted August’s 0.6% decrease. September’s rebound was largely due to an upturn in manufacturing and electricity output.
Meanwhile, the trend pointed down, with the annual average growth of industrial production coming in at plus 3.6%, down from August’s 4.1% reading.
Looking ahead, industrial production should recover as economic activity ramps up abroad. Moreover, the underlying strength of Vietnam’s industrial sector remains intact despite Covid-19: Vietnam is an attractive low-cost base for manufacturing firms, including those looking to relocate from China due to the U.S.-China trade spat, thanks to a cheap workforce and business-friendly government. However, the possibility of flare-ups in infections, both in Vietnam and abroad, is a risk to the sector.