ADB raises Viet Nam GDP growth forecasts during 2026-2027

According to the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) September 2026 released on August 23, Viet Nam's economy maintained robust and broad-based momentum in the first half of the year, with gross domestic product expanding by 8.2 percent, up from 7.5 percent in the same period in 2025.

Growth was underpinned by continued expansion in manufacturing, buoyant domestic consumption, and sustained foreign direct investment.

Viet Nam's strong first-half performance demonstrates the economy's resilience and potential to sustain robust growth, said Shantanu Chakraborty, ADB Country Director for Viet Nam.

To maintain this momentum and achieve high-quality growth, Viet Nam will need prudent macro-economic management to contain inflation, safeguard financial stability, and accelerate structural reforms while ensuring that investment-led growth translates into productivity gains, he added.

The growth forecast for 2026 was revised up from 7.2 percent in ADO July 2026, while the 2027 forecast was raised from 7 percent, reflecting stronger domestic demand, accelerated investment, and robust manufacturing. Inflation is projected at 4.3 percent in 2026 and 4 percent in 2027, amid sustained demand pressures and higher energy and import costs.

While Viet Nam's near-term growth prospects remain robust, risks are tilted to the downside. Weaker global demand and heightened external uncertainty could weigh on growth, while higher energy prices and tighter global financial conditions could add to inflation and exchange-rate pressures.

ADO September 2026 also underscored the importance of maintaining macroeconomic stability, improving public investment execution, deepening capital markets, strengthening the private sector, and boosting productivity to support Viet Nam's transition toward high-income status./.