According to the Vietnam edition of the e-Conomy SEA 2026 report by Google, Temasek and Bain & Company, the gross merchandise value (GMV) of Vietnam's digital economy is estimated at US$49 billion in 2026, up 20% from US$41 billion in 2025. That pace ties with Malaysia as the fastest in Southeast Asia, above the regional average of 17%.
Main segments
- E-commerce: US$32 billion, up 22%, about two-thirds of the total; forecast to reach US$61 billion by 2030.
- Online media: US$7 billion (+17%); mobility and food delivery: US$6 billion (+17%); online travel: US$5 billion (+15%).
- Digital payments: transaction value up 21% to US$197 billion.
- Digital lending: loan book up 34% to US$14 billion.
Vietnam: a vibrant AI market
The report counts about 45 million generative AI users in Vietnam. Two in five use AI daily, the highest share among the six markets surveyed, and 44% of consumer shopping journeys start with AI. Notably, Vietnamese accounts for 80% of AI conversations, the highest local-language share in the group, showing AI models increasingly serve Vietnamese users well.
Policy foundations
- Resolution 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation targets a growing digital share of GDP.
- The Digital Technology Industry Law provides a legal framework for AI, semiconductors and digital assets.
- Infrastructure: the 2027 plan aims to operate the National Data Centre, expand 5G and pilot 6G.
- Tax transparency: abolishing lump-sum tax for household businesses from 2026 encourages e-invoices and cashless payments.
Impact on Vietnam's economy
- Productivity: digital payments and e-commerce let small firms reach nationwide customers at low cost.
- Financial inclusion: fast-growing digital lending widens access to credit for household businesses and freelancers.
- Listed companies: technology, telecoms, digital infrastructure, omnichannel retail and e-commerce logistics have long-term growth room.
- Investment: the first half of 2026 saw 11 private deals in digital sectors; more reasonable valuations may draw capital back as capital markets improve after the upgrade.
The 2030 outlook
The report projects Vietnam's digital GMV could reach US$90 billion by 2030. Getting there requires continued investment in digital skills, user data protection and faster digital adoption among SMEs.
vietnamii.com view: the digital economy is becoming an independent growth engine for Vietnam. With a young population, high AI adoption and clear policy support, the US$90 billion goal for 2030 is well within reach.