Trade and service sector stagnation in Western Lam Dong.

From the perspective of business owners, the service sector in some western localities of Lam Dong province shows that trade and services in the area are experiencing a certain "stagnation"; however, within this overall context, there have been adaptations.

Some locations along major thoroughfares in Gia Nghia city, formerly bustling business and service areas, are now deserted.

Business is facing difficulties.

Ms. D.T.T.'s family in Dong Gia Nghia ward has been in the food and beverage business for many years. She reported that for several months now, their business has not been as successful as before, with increased fuel costs and a decrease in customers. To maintain business and product/service quality, she has had to reduce staff and mobilize additional family members to contribute to profitability. Ms. T. added that recently, the government 's regulation raising the threshold for personal income tax and value-added tax for household businesses from 500 million VND to 1 billion VND per year has eased some of the pressure on her family's business and morale.

Similarly, Ms. NTM, who owns several shops specializing in commercial and service rentals along major roads in the Gia Nghia urban center, said: "Previously, my family's rental properties were always full, but in recent months many have been vacant. Some locations have been empty for over three months without any inquiries." She believes the reason is that business is no longer as favorable as before, and many tenants are choosing other options to cut losses and ensure income for their families.

According to Ms. NTT, the owner of a service business, she partially vacated her premises because business expenses increased significantly, but sales were insufficient to cover those costs. She scaled down production and shifted her business model from both in-store and online to primarily online, processing products at home to reduce expenses.

While there are no specific statistics, from the perspective of business owners and service providers in some western localities of Lam Dong province, it appears that trade and services in the area are experiencing a certain "stagnation." The immediate reasons are clearly due to concerns about policies, tax procedures, rising fuel and raw material costs, and a segment of customers cutting back on consumption.

Mr. Nguyen Nhu Thanh said that even though the number of customers has decreased, he still focuses on the quality of his goods.

Adapt to change

However, within that overall context, there have been adaptations, selections, and diversification of services in order to survive, develop, and maintain the industry.

Mr. Nguyen Nhu Thanh, owner of Hoang Hao General Store in Bac Gia Nghia ward, said that his family has been operating in the trade and service sector for many years. The family sells a wide variety of food, groceries, and consumer goods. In the first few months of 2026, the family business experienced some unfavorable periods compared to previous years; however, the number of regular customers has remained stable. This is likely due to his consistent attention to sourcing goods with clear origins and good quality to improve service, and his consistent tax obligations each year.

Mr. Thanh believes that there are currently great opportunities for individual business households to develop. Especially from January 2026, when the Government raises the threshold for personal income tax and value-added tax for business households from 500 million VND to 1 billion VND per year, this has had a significant impact on his family's business.

Currently, communes and wards continue to promote the development of commercial and service establishments, diversifying products and services (including entertainment, recreation, sightseeing, tourism , etc.), especially supplying necessary materials for production and daily life, consuming products, and providing market information. Local authorities effectively manage and utilize markets and supermarkets to increase purchasing power, exchange goods, and provide food and consumer goods to the people.

In addition, coordinate with higher-level specialized agencies to improve the effectiveness of market inspection and control, and strictly handle cases of manufacturing and trading counterfeit and substandard goods, especially gasoline, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas, and other essential goods serving production and people's lives.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/diem-chung-thuong-mai-dich-vu-o-tay-lam-dong-445535.html