A 2026 guide to sea and air freight from Vietnam: the ports and airports goods move through, the trade agreements and tariffs that affect your costs, and how to ship confidently to the US, EU, UK and beyond.

Vietnam is rapidly becoming a major player in global manufacturing, with huge multinational companies like Nike, Samsung, Hyundai and Pepsi producing and shipping their goods there. This has dramatically boosted Vietnam's position on the industrial value chain.

Combine this with Vietnam's accessibility to China, the South China Sea, and other major international shipping routes, and it becomes clear that shipping from Vietnam is an incredibly viable option — wherever in the world your business is shipping to.

In this guide we break down everything you need to know about shipping from Vietnam, from the pros and cons of air and sea freight, to the specific ports and airports goods are shipped from and to, the trade agreements and tariffs that shape your landed costs, and broader advice for shipping successfully out of the country.

Contents of this guide:

• An introduction to our Vietnam freight services
• Sea freight from Vietnam: a global guide
• Air freight from Vietnam: a global guide
• What to expect from Vietnam's clearance process
• Tips for successful shipping from Vietnam
• DCM technology
• Frequently asked questions
• The benefits of working with SEKO in Vietnam

An Introduction to Our Vietnam Freight Services

SEKO Vietnam offers comprehensive logistics and shipping solutions from Vietnam to markets around the world. Within these solutions, we also manage customs compliance, clearance processes, and other considerations specific to your destination country.

Below we discuss our sea freight and air freight options. If you would like to learn more, please keep on reading our guide. If you would like to discuss shipping directly, please get in touch now.

Sea Freight From Vietnam: A Global Guide

Ocean freight uses large shipping vessels to transport goods from port to port, and accounts for around 90% of all international goods shipments. While it can be slower than air freight, it's incredibly cost-effective for large volumes especially from a country like Vietnam, which has exceptional access to international shipping routes.

LCL vs FCL Meanings

Less than Container Load (LCL)

Less than Container Loads are where the shipment does not fill the entire container it is being shipped in.

For smaller businesses, LCL shipping can be less expensive, as they only pay for the space they need within the container.

On the other hand, there is a risk that your shipment may be held up by customs due to the mixed load of the container, or take longer to arrive due to the unloading of other goods.

With this in mind, you should ensure that any time-sensitive shipments are planned and put into action well ahead of time.

When you speak to a member of our team, they will be happy to run you through LCL shipping costs, and can advise on shipment consolidation options.

Full Container Load (FCL)

Full Container Loads are where the shipment fills the entire container, and as such there is only one consignee to that container, and the container space is not shared with another shipment.

Depending on the volume rate, FCL shipping is likely to be cheaper than LCL shipping. It is worth bearing in mind, though, that you will be solely responsible for the fixed rates that accompany FCL shipping, such as the chassis fee and handling charges.

When you speak to a member of our team about FCL shipping, they will run through all costs, container sizes (20' or 40' containers), and any other variables.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Sea Freight Shipping

Advantages

• For large volume rates, sea freight shipping is much more economical than other shipping methods like air, road, or rail.
• Industrial goods, cars, machinery, and other larger shipments benefit from sea freight where weight costs are less impactful.
• It is easier to ship sensitive materials via sea freight, thanks to options like reefer containers that can control airflow, humidity, and temperature.
• Compared to planes, shipping vessels have a much lower carbon footprint, which can benefit businesses aiming toward net-zero or reduced carbon emission goals.

Disadvantages

• Sea freight is susceptible to bad weather at sea, which can slow down shipments.
• Similarly, port congestion can also slow down shipments.
• Not all countries have well-developed port infrastructure. Even some ports in Vietnam can only accept small vessels.
• Other shipment methods, in particular air freight over long distances, can be much faster than sea freight.

Major Ports in Vietnam

1. Hai Phong Port

Hai Phong Port is located in the city of Hai Phong, in Northern Vietnam. It's one of the largest ports in the north, with connections to strategic trading points like the Red River Delta.

Hai Phong also serves the Kunming-Haiphong Transport Corridor, a free trade route between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), making it critical to Vietnam's regional trade.

The port handled approximately 7.1 million TEU in 2024, up 12.8% year-on-year, making it the world's 29th-busiest container port according to Lloyd's List. Recent expansion at the deep-water Lach Huyen terminal — including a new joint venture between Hai Phong Port and MSC — has increased the port's capacity to handle vessels of up to 165,000 DWT.

The city of Hai Phong itself also has great connections, and can transport goods via railway, road, airways, inland waterways, or maritime.

2. Da Nang Port

Da Nang Port is one of the largest ports in central Vietnam, and includes Tien Sa Port and its subsidiaries. The port is based in Da Nang Bay, at the mouth of the Han River.

The port handled just over 14 million tonnes of cargo in 2024, including 762,191 TEU of container traffic. Central Vietnam's capacity is set to grow substantially with the $1.76 billion Lien Chieu Port project — a new deep-water terminal under construction that will accommodate vessels of up to 18,000 TEU and is targeted to handle 10 million TEU a year once fully built out by 2030.

3. Ho Chi Minh City Port (Saigon Port / Cat Lai)

Ho Chi Minh City's port system — including Cat Lai, Vietnam's single busiest terminal — is managed primarily by Saigon Newport Company, with excellent connections via the Saigon River, the Mekong River Delta, and the South China Sea.

It's Vietnam's largest port by volume, handling more than 9.1 million TEU in 2024, an increase of 23.8% on the year before, which put it 22nd on Lloyd's List's ranking of the world's busiest container ports — the highest of any Vietnamese port.

4. Cai Mep Port (Ba Ria-Vung Tau)

The Cai Mep-Thi Vai deep-water port complex, around 67km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, is Vietnam's gateway for the largest vessels calling at the country, capable of handling ships of up to 214,000 DWT. It's one of a small number of ports worldwide able to load and discharge ultra-large container vessels on direct services to North America and Europe, without transshipping through a regional hub like Singapore.

The complex handled around 6.5 million TEU in 2024, up 33% on the year, while the wider Cai Mep grouping recorded more than 7 million TEU — enough to rank 30th on Lloyd's List's global ranking. A new $6 billion transshipment port at nearby Can Gio, approved in 2025, is planned to add capacity for a further 16.9 million TEU a year by 2045.

5. Quang Ninh Port

Quang Ninh Port is based in Northern Vietnam, and is well-connected, with railways, roads and maritime routes to other parts of the country.

The port is capable of handling exports on a huge volume, with 36 kilometres of berth, and channel depths of 10-20 metres. Continued infrastructure and service investment has helped the port grow throughput by more than 10% a year on average in recent years.

Key Destination Ports Around the World

Where your cargo lands depends on where it's headed. Here are some of the major gateway ports handling Vietnamese exports into the world's biggest import markets.

1. Los Angeles & Long Beach (United States)

The twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach form North America's largest container gateway, together handling close to 19 million TEU a year and processing the majority of Vietnam-origin cargo bound for the US West Coast. Direct services from Ho Chi Minh City and other Vietnamese ports typically reach Los Angeles in around three to four weeks.

2. Port of New York & New Jersey (United States)

The busiest port on the US East Coast, handling more than 7.5 million TEU a year. It's an increasingly popular routing for Vietnam-origin cargo destined for the eastern half of the US, though the longer sailing distance — usually via the Panama Canal — adds to transit time compared with West Coast routings.

3. Port of Rotterdam (Netherlands)

Europe's largest port by a wide margin, handling somewhere in the region of 14-15 million TEU a year. Rotterdam's position at the mouth of the Rhine gives it exceptional onward barge, rail and road connections deep into continental Europe, making it a natural gateway for Vietnamese goods entering the EU under the EVFTA.

4. UK Ports: Felixstowe, Southampton & London Gateway

The UK remains one of Vietnam's fastest-growing trading partners, and Felixstowe — the UK's largest container port, handling around 3 million TEU a year — is the most common entry point for Vietnamese cargo, alongside Southampton and London Gateway. All three connect onward into the UK's road and rail network, and goods entering under the UKVFTA benefit from preferential tariff rates on most product categories.

Vietnam Sea Freight Statistics

• Container freight rates have settled well below their 2021-2022 pandemic peaks, but remain elevated compared with pre-pandemic norms. Ongoing Red Sea security concerns also mean many Asia-Europe sailings are still being rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope rather than through the Suez Canal, adding roughly 10-14 days to that route.
• Vietnam is one of the leading shipowners in the world, with a shipping fleet of 959 national-flagged vessels and 167 international-flagged vessels, as of the most recently published figures.
• Vietnam has a very long coastline, which allows easy access to the Gulf of Tonkin, the South China Sea, and the Gulf of Thailand.

Air Freight From Vietnam: A Global Guide

Air freight is a particularly fast method of transporting goods, and is well suited to smaller volumes of high-value goods.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Air Freight Shipping

Advantages

• Ideal for perishable goods that will not last the journey on alternate shipping methods.
• Where coastlines or port infrastructure is not always available, air freight is global, and most countries have suitable airports for landing a cargo plane.
• Air freight is comparatively safer and more reliable than other methods, and is the fastest way to transport goods over long distances.
• There are a greater range of express options which can see your goods delivered much quicker.

Disadvantages

• Much like sea freight, air freight can be subject to poor weather conditions which may slow the delivery down.
• It is not as easy to transport high volume rates by air. Compared to cargo ships which may hold over 20,000 TEU, cargo planes are much smaller.
• Compared to sea freight, air freight is generally much more expensive, although there may be circumstances where it is as cost-effective, if not more so, than LCL shipping.

Other Considerations for Air Freight From Vietnam

When considering exporting from Vietnam via air freight, you should think about the following.

Documentation Requirements

There are a number of documents required for shipping from Vietnam, whichever country you're shipping to. These include:

Packing List

The packing list should include the volume of the cargo, alongside its weight and value. It is essential for customs clearance inspections.

Commercial Invoice

The commercial invoice acts as a customs declaration for items shipped internationally. It should include:

• Information on the transaction between the supplier and customer.
• Information on the shipped goods.
• The value of the shipped goods.

This information should be as comprehensive as possible.

Bill of Lading

The Bill of Lading is another important document for international shipping. In essence, it is the contract between the shipper, the consignee, and the carrier. It should include:

• The shipping destination.
• The type of goods.
• The quantity of goods.

This document also acts as a receipt of shipping, and details the agreed conditions for the goods to be transported.

Shipper's Letter of Instruction (SLI)

The purpose of this document is to convey the instructions of the exporter to the freight forwarder. This is to reduce any misunderstandings in getting the goods to foreign markets.

Letter of Credit

This document is a guarantee of payment from the buyer to the seller when conditions are met. The importer or buyer's bank issues this document.

Certificate of Origin

The certificate of origin verifies the product's country of origin. It should include:

• Contact information and name of the exporter
• Contact information and name of the producer (if different to the exporter)
• Contact information and name of the receiver
• The HS code, quantity, weight, and a description of the goods
• The country of origin
• The means of transport and route
• A commercial invoice number and date
• The Air Waybill number
• Any other remarks

Customs Procedures by Destination

Customs procedures differ significantly depending on where your goods are headed, but a few things are near-universal: you'll need accurate HS (or destination-specific HTS) codes for every product, a valid certificate of origin, and any import licence required for restricted categories like medicines, chemicals, or animal products. Beyond that, here's what to expect in a few of Vietnam's biggest export markets.

Shipping to the UK

UK customs procedures are precise, with automation making up a large part of the process. Your goods arrive, paperwork is checked, and duties are calculated and collected before your goods can move on. A few specifics to know:

• EORI numbers: checked by customs on arrival. It starts with 'GB' for England, Wales, or Scotland, or 'XI' for Northern Ireland.
• Customs duty: charged on excise goods, or any goods worth more than £135. Gifts between £135 and £630 carry a 2.5% duty rate; above that, the rate depends on the goods and their origin.
• VAT: applied to all goods except gifts worth £39 or less, usually charged to the delivery company before you receive the shipment or when you initially buy the goods.
• Registered importers: required for medicines, textiles, plants, chemicals, and animal products, with a licence or certificate needed for higher-risk categories.

Vietnamese goods entering the UK benefit from the UKVFTA (UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement) — see the FAQ section below for more on how that works alongside the UK's CPTPP membership.

Shipping to the EU

EU member states use their own EORI system, and VAT is charged on essentially all commercial imports regardless of value. As with the UK, the EVFTA removes or reduces tariffs on most goods originating in Vietnam — correct paperwork proving Vietnamese origin is essential to claim it.

Shipping to the US

US customs procedures run through Customs and Border Protection (CBP), using HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) codes to classify goods and determine duty rates. Tariff policy toward Vietnam has moved more than once since mid-2025, and the details matter for landed-cost planning: an initial 46% "reciprocal tariff" threat in April 2025 was negotiated down to a 20% rate that summer, before a February 2026 Supreme Court ruling struck down the legal authority behind it. Tariffs briefly dropped to a flat 10% under a separate, time-limited authority — itself under legal challenge — before further talks in August 2026 pointed back toward a 20% baseline, with the possibility of 0% rates on specific product categories under an aligned-partner arrangement.

One thing has stayed constant throughout: a much steeper 40% penalty rate applies specifically to goods transshipped through Vietnam to disguise a different true country of origin, largely aimed at Chinese-origin goods rerouted via Vietnam. Genuinely Vietnamese-made goods aren't subject to that penalty, but CBP enforcement on origin claims remains active.

Cost Considerations

Air freight is by far the most expensive method of shipping, and can sometimes cost up to 20 times more than other shipping methods. This is because elements like jet fuel, labour, landing fees and maintenance are all taken into account for a shipment.

Which Freight Forwarder You Will Use

Choosing the right freight forwarder is crucial for successful international shipping. At SEKO Logistics, we offer air freight forwarding solutions that cater to diverse needs and timelines. With over 40 years of experience, SEKO delivers exceptional service across the globe, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Get in touch with SEKO today to kickstart your experience.

The Best Possible Airport Routing

When shipping goods via air freight from Vietnam, selecting the right airport routing is crucial for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. A few factors decide the best route for your requirements:

Cargo Type

Different airports may specialise in handling specific types of cargo, such as perishables, hazardous materials, or oversized freight. Choose an airport equipped to handle your specific cargo needs.

Cost Considerations

Evaluate landing fees, handling charges, and potential discounts through airport alliances or freight forwarder agreements. Balancing cost with service quality is important.

Time Sensitivity

For urgent shipments, direct flights and airports with frequent schedules are ideal. Consider airports known for minimal delays and efficient turnaround times.

Customs Efficiency

Airports with streamlined customs processes can expedite cargo clearance, reducing overall transit time. Choose destinations known for their efficient customs operations.

Airports in Vietnam

1. Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)

Located in the capital city, this airport is ideal for shipments originating from northern Vietnam. It offers robust cargo handling facilities and frequent international flights.

2. Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)

Serving the southern region, this airport is a major hub for international cargo. It's close to many manufacturing hubs, making it a strategic choice for exporters.

3. Long Thanh International Airport (upcoming)

Vietnam's newest and largest airport is under construction around 40km from Ho Chi Minh City, with the first phase targeted for completion in 2026. Once operational, Long Thanh is designed to handle up to 1.2 million tonnes of cargo a year, adding significant new air freight capacity for southern Vietnam alongside Tan Son Nhat.

Key Global Cargo Airports

1. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

Hong Kong has held the title of the world's busiest cargo airport for 15 of the last 16 years, handling just over 5 million tonnes of freight in 2025. Its position within a five-hour flight of roughly half the world's population makes it a natural transshipment hub for cargo moving between Vietnam and destinations across Asia, the Middle East and beyond.

2. Memphis & Louisville (United States)

Memphis, built around FedEx's global superhub, and Louisville, home to UPS Worldport, are the backbone of express air cargo into the US. Both handle several million tonnes of freight a year and are typically the fastest route for time-critical Vietnam-origin shipments needing next-day delivery across the country.

3. Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

Frankfurt is Europe's leading cargo airport, handling more than 2 million tonnes of freight annually, and connects onward across the EU via an extensive road-feeder network — a key routing option for Vietnamese goods entering Europe by air.

4. London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Heathrow remains the UK's busiest cargo airport, with five terminals and connections to more than 180 destinations worldwide, and continues to handle the bulk of Vietnam-to-UK air freight.

Vietnam Air Freight Statistics

The air freight industry in Vietnam has shown resilience and continued growth potential, even as trade patterns shift in response to global tariff changes. A few key statistics and insights into Vietnam's air freight sector:

• Vietnam's aviation sector remains in strong growth overall, with passenger numbers up 14.8% to 80.9 million in 2025 — a useful proxy for the belly-cargo capacity that carries a meaningful share of Vietnam's air freight.
• Global air cargo volumes hit a fresh record in 2025, but the picture varies by lane: demand on Asia-North America routes has softened under the weight of new tariffs, while Asia-Europe volumes have grown strongly as businesses diversify away from the US market — worth factoring in when comparing routing options.
• Vietnam's air freight market is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of around 6.2% through 2034, as manufacturing continues to shift into the country and e-commerce volumes keep climbing.
• Vietnam still has no airline dedicated solely to cargo transport; passenger airlines carry freight in belly space and, in some cases, on converted wide-body aircraft, which is one reason dedicated new cargo capacity like Long Thanh matters so much for the sector.

What to Expect From Vietnam's Clearance Process

Navigating the customs clearance process in Vietnam involves several key steps and an understanding of the regulations. Here's what you need to know.

Regulatory Compliance

• Imported and exported goods must follow Vietnam's classification list.
• Follow preferential import tariffs and export tariff nomenclature.
• Adhere to the six general rules of the Harmonised System (HS) Convention.

Import Guidelines

• Companies, including those with foreign investment, must hold a registered operating licence.
• Ensure goods meet specific quality and performance standards set by Vietnamese authorities.

Essential Documentation

• Bill of lading.
• Import goods declaration form.
• Import permit for restricted items.
• Certificate of origin.
• Cargo release order.
• Commercial invoice.
• Customs import declaration form.
• Inspection report.
• Packing list.
• Delivery order (for seaport imports).
• Technical standard / health certificate.
• Terminal handling receipts.

Standards and Certification

• QUACERT (Vietnam Certification Center).
• TCVN (Vietnamese Directorate for Standards and Quality).
• QUATEST 3 (Quality Assurance and Test Center 3).

At SEKO Logistics, we streamline the entire logistics process. We handle everything from packaging to customs clearance, ensuring an efficient and cost-effective solution tailored to your needs.

Tips for Successful Shipping From Vietnam

Successfully shipping goods from Vietnam requires careful planning and adherence to regulations. Here are some tips to ensure your shipping process is smooth and efficient.

1. Choose the Best Shipping Method

Selecting the right shipping method is crucial. Air freight offers faster delivery, making it ideal for time-sensitive shipments — usually required in industries like fashion, tech, and e-commerce. Sea freight is more cost-effective but takes longer, typically 20-35 days depending on destination, and is more suitable for bulk shipments and less urgent deliveries.

2. Understand and Comply With Your Destination's Customs Regulations

Compliance with customs regulations is vital to avoid delays and extra costs, and requirements vary considerably by market — see the customs procedures section above for what to expect when shipping to the UK, EU, or US specifically. Whatever the destination, commodity or HS/HTS codes are essential, since they determine duty rates and whether an import licence is needed.

3. Prepare Essential Documentation

Accurate and complete documentation is critical for a smooth shipping process. The air waybill (AWB) serves as the shipment's ID tag, detailing the shipper and receiver's contact information, a description of the goods, and the shipment's weight and dimensions. The commercial invoice, a detailed record of the transaction, should include addresses, contact details, transaction costs, and the currency code used, and must also state the reason for export and the Incoterm applied.

A customs declaration is required at destination, listing all goods being imported. Requirements can run to 50 or more fields depending on the country, so a customs compliance provider is often hired to ensure accuracy. Certain goods may also need a licence or certification specific to the destination market.

4. Be Aware of Shipping Restrictions

You need to understand what can and cannot be shipped. Prohibited items generally include controlled drugs, offensive weapons, self-defence sprays, endangered species, and indecent materials.

Restricted items require special permissions or certifications to be shipped. These often include alcohol, batteries, electronic devices with lithium batteries, hazardous substances, cosmetics, and rough diamonds. Exact rules vary by destination, so it's worth checking early — adhering to the right guidelines helps avoid complications such as goods confiscation or penalties.

5. Use Proper Packaging and Labelling

Proper packaging and labelling are vital for protecting goods and ensuring efficient customs clearance. Packaging should safeguard goods from damage during transportation, and clear labels ensure proper storage and handling.

Product marking requirements also vary by destination — for example, goods entering the UK generally need the UK Conformity Assessment (UKCA) mark, while CE marking continues to be recognised for many goods in that market too. Always check the specific labelling standards for your destination and product category; certain goods, like wine and food, carry additional requirements, such as stating the importer or bottler, or confirming suitability "for food contact."

DCM Technology

DCM technology at SEKO Logistics enhances supply chain efficiency and visibility, crucial for businesses shipping from Vietnam.

Our SEKO 360 Demand Chain Management (DCM) software streamlines supply chain operations with:

• Enhanced visibility: tracks shipments from booking to delivery at the SKU level.
• Workflow management: ensures efficient handling and optimised processes.
• Business intelligence: provides insights into supplier performance and carbon footprint.

The SEKO 360 Warehouse Management System (WMS) boosts inventory management with:

• Flexible integration: supports process automation for adaptable supply chains.
• Stock management: monitors inventory and supports asset tracking.
• Real-time data: enhances performance reporting with real-time analytics.

End-to-End Supply Chain Visibility

Combining DCM and WMS, SEKO Logistics offers seamless, global supply chain management through MySEKO. Our platform ensures efficient shipment tracking and comprehensive logistics management, crucial for importing from Vietnam — wherever your business is based.

Transform Your Supply Chain With SEKO Logistics

SEKO Logistics simplifies your global supply chain with advanced technology, supporting your business growth from Vietnam to the world. Contact us to learn how SEKO can enhance your logistics operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Vietnam's Key Exports?

According to trade statistics of Vietnam Customs, Vietnam' the country's leading 2025 export categories were:

• Electronics, computers and components — Vietnam's single largest export category, worth US$96.9 billion in the first 11 months of the year alone
• Machinery and equipment — around US$53.4 billion over the same period
• Mobile phones and components — around US$52.6 billion over the same period
• Textiles and garments — US$39.64 billion for the full year, up 7%
• Agricultural and forestry products — US$39.46 billion for the full year
• Footwear and leather goods — US$28.8 billion for the full year, up 6.5% despite new US tariffs
• Seafood — US$11.29 billion for the full year

How Successful Is Vietnam's Economy and Trade Sector?

Vietnam's economy grew an estimated 8.02% in 2025, taking GDP to around US$514 billion, among the fastest growth rates in the region. Total exports reached US$475 billion for the year, up 17% year-on-year, while total trade in goods topped US$930 billion, a jump of 18.2%, leaving Vietnam with a trade surplus of roughly US$20 billion.

The United States remains Vietnam's single largest export market by some distance, taking US$153.2 billion of goods in 2025 and leaving Vietnam with a trade surplus of nearly US$134 billion against the US, even with new tariffs in place for part of the year. Trade with the UK has grown even faster in percentage terms: total UK-Vietnam trade reached roughly £10.4 billion in the year to Q3 2025, nearly double the £5.9 billion recorded for the same period back in 2023 — a shift significant enough that the two countries upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in October 2025. The EU tells a similar story, with Vietnam's trade surplus against the bloc widening to US$38.6 billion.

What Free Trade Agreements and Tariffs Apply to Vietnam's Exports?

Vietnam has built one of the world's most extensive networks of trade agreements — more than 16 in force by 2026 — and several directly reduce the cost of shipping goods out of the country:

• EVFTA (EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement): in force since August 2020, eliminating or reducing tariffs on close to 99% of goods traded between Vietnam and the EU's 27 member states.
• UKVFTA (UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement): in force since January 2021, eliminating 85.6% of tariff lines immediately and on track to reach 99.2% by 2027. The UK's own accession to the CPTPP in 2024 gives UK importers a second route to preferential rates on Vietnamese goods, so it's worth checking which agreement offers the better terms for a given product.
• CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership): covers Vietnam alongside Canada, Australia, Japan, Mexico, the UK and others.
• RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership): links Vietnam with ASEAN, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, and is particularly useful for simplifying rules of origin across a regional supply chain.

Trade with the United States works differently. Reciprocal tariffs on Vietnamese goods have moved between roughly 10% and 20% since mid-2025 as the legal basis for them has been challenged and revised, with a fixed 40% penalty applying specifically to goods transshipped through Vietnam to disguise a different true origin. Because the US picture keeps changing, see the customs procedures section above, and SEKO's US Trade Tariffs 2026 resource, for the current position before finalising pricing.

How Long Does It Take to Ship a Container From Vietnam?

Transit time depends heavily on the destination and routing. As a rough guide:

• To the US West Coast (Los Angeles / Long Beach), port-to-port transit typically runs 20-30 days; door-to-door, including inland trucking, is usually more like 25-38 days.
• To the US East Coast, or wherever a shipment is transshipped through an intermediate port, transit commonly stretches to 30-40+ days.
• To the UK and mainland Europe, direct sailings usually take 25-35 days; with transshipment through hubs like Singapore, Hong Kong or Rotterdam, that extends to roughly 30-40 days.

Ongoing Red Sea security concerns mean many Asia-Europe sailings are still being rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope rather than through the Suez Canal, which is currently adding around 10-14 days to that route on top of the usual transit time. Weather, port congestion, and the time needed for customs clearance at both ends can all add further delays, so it's worth building in a buffer for time-sensitive shipments.

The Benefits of Working With SEKO in Vietnam