Vietnam's GDP grew 9.95% in Q3 2026 (the fastest since Covid), driven by exports and infrastructure spending. To hit its 10% full-year target, Q4 needs at least 12.5%, which the statistics office calls very challenging. Vietnam's trade deficit widened to a record on costlier energy imports linked to the Iran conflict, and inflation reached 5.08% in September. For a Thai SME, the signal is stronger Vietnamese demand and regional trade, but also higher fuel and input costs to watch in pricing and sourcing.