Several international financial institutions have upgraded their forecasts for Vietnam's economic growth after the economy performed strongly in the first half of 2026, despite continued global uncertainty.
Standard Chartered expects Vietnam's GDP to grow 8.7 per cent year on year in the third quarter, up from 8.4 per cent in the second quarter. The bank maintains its full-year forecast at 9.5 per cent and expects the economy to expand 10.6 per cent in the second half of 2026.
The bank said external uncertainties remain, but continued policy support is expected to strengthen Vietnam's economic outlook.
September economic indicators are also expected to reflect continued expansion. Industrial production is forecast to rise 13.2 per cent year on year, while exports and imports in the third quarter are projected to increase 27.2 per cent and 40 per cent respectively from the same period in 2025.
September inflation is forecast at 4.5 per cent year on year.
Tim Leelahaphan, Standard Chartered's senior economist for Vietnam and Thailand, said the economy continued to show resilience, supported by domestic demand, industrial production and trade.
Ho Chi Minh City during a fireworks display at night (Photo: Nam Anh).
UOB raises forecast to 8.5 per cent
Singapore-based United Overseas Bank has raised its forecast for Vietnam's 2026 GDP growth from 7 per cent to 8.5 per cent following stronger-than-expected economic performance.
UOB said robust demand linked to artificial intelligence and positive foreign direct investment flows were supporting the outlook. The increase in registered FDI also provides a basis for expecting disbursements to remain positive in the coming period.
ADB also upgrades its outlook
The Asian Development Bank has raised its forecast for Vietnam's GDP growth to 7.8 per cent in 2026 and 7.6 per cent in 2027, from previous forecasts of 7.2 per cent and 7 per cent respectively.
The upgrade followed stronger-than-expected first-half performance, when Vietnam's GDP expanded 8.2 per cent year on year, supported by manufacturing, domestic consumption and sustained FDI inflows.
