Vietnam’s logistics market stayed in motion during the week of August 17–23, 2026. A major Singapore-listed logistics group announced plans to deepen its presence in Vietnam, Hanoi reinforced its stance against origin fraud and illegal transshipment, and drone incursions at the country’s busiest airport reminded shippers that operational risk can appear from unexpected places. For B2B importers, e-commerce sellers, and SMEs moving goods out of Vietnam, these developments have direct implications for capacity, compliance, and contingency planning.
This weekly round-up from VNForwarder highlights the stories that matter for anyone shipping from Vietnam to global markets, plus practical takeaways for your supply chain.
What Caught Our Attention
Cosco Shipping International Doubles Down on Southeast Asia
Singapore-listed Cosco Shipping International — the logistics arm of Chinese state-owned giant China Cosco Shipping Corporation — is preparing to invest more heavily in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia over the next three to five years. President Jiang Kai told The Business Times that Southeast Asian manufacturing is holding up well despite global trade turbulence, and that demand for specialized cargo such as industrial machinery, automobiles, and new-energy equipment is rising as the region develops.
The move matters because Vietnam and Indonesia already account for roughly a quarter of the group’s pre-tax profit, even though Singapore and Malaysia still generate the bulk of consolidated revenue. More carrier and logistics capacity flowing into Vietnam should gradually improve slot availability and service options for exporters. Specialized cargo — oversized machinery, automotive parts, and new-energy components — will also benefit from stronger regional networks.
That said, competition among international players is intensifying. For importers, the real differentiator remains local execution: reliable pick-up, export customs handling, bonded operations, and last-mile coordination. Vietnam is no longer a temporary sourcing alternative. It is becoming a deeper node in global supply chains, and forwarders with boots-on-the-ground networks will matter far more than those that simply sell rates.
Hanoi Tightens Its Stance on Origin Fraud and Illegal Transshipment
On Aug. 20, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang reiterated that Vietnam is resolute in preventing origin fraud and the illegal transshipment of goods. The statement came after the United States identified Vietnam as one of more than 40 trading partners at risk of being used to circumvent American tariffs. Hang stressed that Vietnam supports healthy trade cooperation based on free, fair, and mutually beneficial terms, in line with bilateral, multilateral, and WTO commitments, and that the country is strengthening institutions and enforcement capacity to combat origin fraud more broadly.
For importers, this means rules of origin are being scrutinized more closely. Anyone relying on Vietnam-origin certificates to access preferential tariffs must ensure that real transformation — not just repackaging or minor assembly — actually happens in Vietnam. Documentation accuracy has become a compliance issue, not just a customs formality. Incorrect commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, or certificates of origin can trigger inspections, penalties, or denial of preferential duty treatment. Transshipment through Vietnam to mask Chinese origin is also a high-risk practice, with both Vietnamese and U.S. authorities tightening controls.
A knowledgeable Vietnam freight forwarder can help importers prepare clean, audit-ready paperwork. At VNForwarder, we verify export documents, advise on origin requirements, and coordinate with customs brokers to reduce clearance delays.
Drone Incursions at Tan Son Nhat Airport Disrupt Air Cargo
Two unauthorized drone intrusions at Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat airport on Aug. 11 disrupted more than 100 flights and caused preliminary losses of about VND60 billion (US$2.28 million), according to Airports Corporation of Vietnam. Tan Son Nhat is Vietnam’s busiest airport, handling about 48 flights per hour. The incursions forced the airport to suspend operations for roughly two hours, with dozens of domestic and international flights circling or holding. Full recovery took nearly half a day, and the preliminary loss figure does not include additional airline costs from extra fuel, longer flight times, and reduced aircraft utilization.
For shippers, the incident is a reminder that air freight from Vietnam is fast but not immune to disruption. Time-critical shipments should include buffer time, especially when routing through Tan Son Nhat or Noi Bai. Diversification also matters: for urgent cargo, consider splitting shipments across multiple flights or combining air and sea modes. Tracking and communication become essential during irregular operations, and a forwarder with 24⁄7 support can reroute or reschedule cargo quickly when incidents occur.
VNForwarder offers air freight solutions from Vietnam with 3–7 day transit times to major global destinations, backed by 24⁄7 customer support and a dedicated account manager who can react to unexpected events.
Also Worth Watching
U.S. cherry prices nearly doubled in Vietnam, with retail prices reaching up to VND800,000 (US$30.62) per kilogram, up 50–95% year-on-year. Importers cited higher U.S. prices, lower harvest volumes, and elevated logistics costs linked to the Middle East conflict. The case shows how fuel and freight rate volatility feeds directly into landed costs for temperature-sensitive, time-critical cargo.
Elsewhere, Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison is seeking more than US$1.5 billion in damages after Panama took control of the Balboa and Cristóbal port terminals. The dispute highlights how geopolitical friction can reshape port ownership and, by extension, container flow through one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints.
Practical Takeaways for Importers This Week
- Audit your origin documentation. If you claim Vietnam-origin benefits under EVFTA, CPTPP, RCEP, or GSP programs, review your supplier’s manufacturing process and paperwork now.
- Plan for peak-season air cargo. With capacity tightening and operational risks like drone incursions possible, book air freight earlier and confirm contingency plans with your forwarder.
- Lock in sea freight rates where possible. FCL and LCL rates remain sensitive to fuel surcharges and regional demand. If your shipment schedule is firm, ask for a rate validity period.
- Build buffer into delivery promises. Whether you sell B2B wholesale or run Amazon FBA, account for potential delays at origin ports, airports, or destination customs.
How VNForwarder Can Help
VNForwarder is a Vietnam-based freight forwarder helping B2B importers and e-commerce sellers move cargo from Vietnam to global markets. Our services include:
- Sea freight: FCL and LCL shipments with weekly consolidation and competitive rates.
- Air freight: 3–7 day express and standard air cargo services.
- Door-to-door shipping: DDP and DDU solutions covering pick-up, export customs, international transport, import clearance, duties, and final delivery.
- Amazon FBA logistics: Quality inspection, FNSKU labeling, compliant packaging, and direct delivery to FBA warehouses.
- Customs clearance: Export and import documentation support, including certificates of origin, commercial invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading.
We quote within 2–4 hours, provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and assign a dedicated account manager supported by 24⁄7 customer service. Whether you need a one-time LCL shipment or a long-term Vietnam sourcing logistics partner, we can structure a solution around your timeline and budget.
Final Word
This week’s developments show that Vietnam’s logistics landscape is evolving quickly — more investment, stricter compliance, and new operational risks. For importers, the winners will be those who combine reliable suppliers with a forwarder that understands the local market and can adapt when conditions change.
Need a freight quote from Vietnam? Contact VNForwarder today and receive a clear, competitive quotation within hours.