Vietnam’s economy is projected to expand 7.2 per cent in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2025, bringing full-year growth to around 7.7 per cent, according to United Overseas Bank (UOB). The bank expects growth momentum to moderate towards year-end due to a high base effect and persistent uncertainty around global tariffs.

Looking ahead, UOB forecasts Vietnam’s GDP growth to ease further to about 7 per cent in 2026 as the boost from export front-loading diminishes.

The Vietnamese dong is also expected to underperform regional peers, with UOB projecting the USD-VND exchange rate at 26,300 in the first quarter of 2026, gradually strengthening to 25,900 by the end of the year, said Vietnamese media reports quoting UOB.

Vietnam’s economy is forecast to grow 7.2 per cent in Q4 2025, taking full-year expansion to about 7.7 per cent, according to UOB.
The growth is expected to ease in 2026 to around 7 per cent as export front-loading fades.
Strong exports, manufacturing and domestic demand supported 2025 performance, though high export dependence and productivity challenges remain key risks.

Suan Teck Kin, executive director of global economics and markets research at UOB, said Vietnam’s strong 2025 performance places it among ASEAN’s fastest-growing economies, supported by manufacturing strength, robust exports, improving domestic consumption and public investment. He noted that supply-chain realignments linked to US–China tensions have benefitted Vietnam, with the US now accounting for around 30 per cent of total exports.

Meanwhile, Suan cautioned that Vietnam’s heavy reliance on exports increases vulnerability to a global slowdown, particularly weaker US demand. Rising wages without corresponding productivity gains could also weigh on competitiveness, underscoring the need for continued infrastructure investment, skills development and market diversification in 2026.

Vietnam’s exports rose 16.8 per cent year on year in January–October 2025, building on the strong growth seen a year earlier. Exports to the US jumped 28.1 per cent, aided by the lowering of reciprocal tariffs to a global base rate of 10 per cent, which prompted buyers to advance orders.

Vietnam’s trade surplus narrowed to $18.7 billion by October from $22.4 billion in 2024, reflecting higher imports of raw materials and components amid strong export demand. Manufacturing output rose 10.8 per cent in the first nine months of 2025, up from 9.4 per cent a year earlier, while four consecutive PMI readings above 50 signalled continued expansion, said UOB.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)

German companies have grown more cautious about hiring, and the majority are cutting jobs. Reflecting this trend, the ifo Employment Barometer fell to 91.9 points in December from 92.5 in November, its lowest level since May 2020.

Job cuts are continuing across most industrial sectors, with clothing manufacturers in Germany particularly planning staff reductions, according to the ifo Institute.

The ifo Employment Barometer fell to 91.9 in December, its lowest level since May 2020, reflecting ongoing job losses, especially in industry.
Job cuts are continuing across most sectors in Germany, with clothing manufacturers particularly reducing staff, according to the ifo Institute.
Companies are increasingly cautious about hiring as the weak economy weighs on the labour market.

The picture is similar in trade, with companies planning to employ fewer staff in the new year.

“In 2025, we experienced gradual job cuts, especially in industry,” said Klaus Wohlrabe, head of surveys at ifo. “The weak economy is continuing to slow down the labour market.”

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)

Luxury menswear brand Paul Stuart has been acquired by private investment group, Middle West Partners (MWP).

MWP partnered with apparel manufacturer, Peerless Clothing Inc. to acquire the New York City-based fashion brand from Mitsui & Co., which has been with the brand for more than 50 years.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

As part of the deal, John Hutchison, former chief executive officer of Bonobos, has been appointed the new CEO of Paul Stuart, according to a press release.

“The Paul Stuart name continues to resonate with a discerning client 87 years later, and we still see so much more potential for this luxury heritage brand,” said Kevin Kelleher, managing partner of MWP.

“Our goal is to protect its unmatched quality and amplify its unique attributes on a global scale.”

Earlier this year, MWP acquired high jewelry house, David Webb, as the private equity firm looks to expand its portfolio of brands.

“Paul Stuart has been one of my family’s favorite brands for more than 25 years. It has a look that’s distinctly its own—when you walk down the street, you know it’s Paul Stuart,” said co-founding partner at MWP, Michael Hamp.

“My father and now my brothers and I have worn Paul Stuart for as long as I can remember. It is both a privilege and honor to take on the responsibility of stewarding this brand.”