Importing from Vietnam

Why Import from Vietnam?

Vietnam has emerged as one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing manufacturing destinations, benefiting from the 'China Plus One' strategy adopted by global brands diversifying their supply chains. The country's manufacturing strengths center on three key sectors: electronics and mobile phone components (led by Samsung and LG), textiles and footwear (major exporters to the EU and US), and furniture and wood products. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and the surrounding Binh Duong province form the economic powerhouse of the south, while Hai Phong and Hanoi anchor the north near the China border. Key export ports include Ho Chi Minh City Port, Hai Phong, and Da Nang. Importers appreciate Vietnam's competitive labor costs (typically 30-40% lower than coastal China), improving infrastructure, and a young workforce. The EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) provides preferential tariff rates for many product categories. However, importers should note that Vietnam's supply chain depth is narrower than China's — many raw materials and intermediate components are still sourced from China, which can affect lead times and cost stability.

Key Advantages

• ✓Fast-growing 'China Plus One' destination with strong government incentives for foreign investment
• ✓Competitive labor costs combined with improving infrastructure and industrial park development
• ✓Leading export sectors: electronics, textiles/footwear, furniture, and agricultural products
• ✓Favorable trade agreements including EVFTA (EU) and CPTPP providing reduced import tariffs

Main departure hubs in Vietnam

Most Vietnam export freight moves through Ho Chi Minh City, Haiphong. The hub you book from drives transit time, departure frequency and often the rate itself — two gateways in the same country can differ by hundreds of dollars on a container.

Sea freight loads at the container port, air freight at the international airport. Ask your forwarder which hub the quote is based on before comparing rates.

Main Export Ports and Shipping Times

Typical sea freight transit times from Vietnam's main export ports:

• Hai Phong

  Importing from Hai Phong: 32-40 days to Rotterdam, 35-42 days to New York.

• Ho Chi Minh City (Cat Lai)

  Importing from Ho Chi Minh City (Cat Lai): 34-42 days to Rotterdam, 37-45 days to New York.

• Da Nang

  Importing from Da Nang: 33-41 days to Rotterdam, 36-43 days to New York.

Typical port-to-port ranges. Actual transit time varies with carrier, season and routing.

Import Guides (3)

Import Routes from Vietnam (32)