Vietnam is in its workforce golden age

Vietnam is in its workforce golden age

April 14, 2026 · 25 min

About this episode

The episode explores Vietnam's young workforce and its economic implications as the U.S. population ages.

As the U.S. population ages, our economy will rely more on nations with younger workforces. Nations like Vietnam, where there are two working-age adults for every dependent. As part of our ongoing Age of Work series, host Kai Ryssdal and ADP chief economist Nela Richardson visit a garment factory and outdoor vendor market in Ho Chi Minh City to learn more about Vietnam’s economy. But first: Companies contend with higher transportation costs and the Fed faces oil industry demand destruction. Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter. Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

People in this episode

Host: Kai Ryssdal

Guest: Nela Richardson

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ADP

Places: Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City

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