A COMPREHENSIVE SHIPPING GUIDE FROM CHINA TO VIETNAM
China and Vietnam have strengthened trade ties, with container shipping volumes growing significantly. In the first half of 2025, Guangxi-initiated China-Vietnam rail freight saw a 283% year-on-year increase, transporting 18,870 TEUs of export goods. Major exports include automotive parts, fiberboard, electronics, and textiles. Vietnam’s imports from China are diverse, covering machinery, electronics, raw materials, and consumer goods, while exports to China include agricultural products, electronics, and textiles.
Ocean Freight from China to Vietnam
Transit Time
Full Container Load (FCL): 5-7 days door-to-door.
Less than Container Load (LCL): 5-7 days door-to-door.
Direct sailing from Chinese ports to Vietnamese ports takes 3–5 days
Pricing
FCL (20GP): CNY 5,500–7,500 per container.
LCL: CNY 600–900 per CBM.
Specialized routes for sensitive goods (e.g., batteries): CNY 800–1,100 per CBM
Key Factors Affecting Rates
Fuel Surcharges (BAF): Fluctuate with global oil prices.
Port Congestion: Cat Lai Terminal in Ho Chi Minh City often faces delays.
Seasonal Demand: Rates increase by 10%–30% during peak seasons (July–September, December–January).
Cargo Type: Special cargo (e.g., hazardous goods, oversized items) incurs extra fees.
Major Ports
China: Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Guangzhou.
Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, Haiphong, Da Nang.
Air Freight from China to Vietnam
Transit Time
1–2 days for major routes (e.g., Shanghai to Ho Chi Minh City)
Pricing
≥45 kg: CNY 23.5/kg (Shanghai to Ho Chi Minh City).
≥100 kg: CNY 13.5/kg (discounts for larger volumes).
Shenzhen to Hanoi: Rates include fuel surcharges but exclude customs fees
Key Factors Affecting Rates
Fuel Prices: Direct impact on surcharges.
Exchange Rates: USD-CNY fluctuations affect pricing.
Cargo Weight: Higher volume discounts apply.
Major Airports
China: Shanghai (PVG), Shenzhen (SZX).
Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Hanoi (HAN), Da Nang (DAD).
Rail Transport from China to Vietnam
Transit Time
Nanning (China) to An Yen (Vietnam): ~14 hours
Pricing
Cost-effective compared to road transport; saves ~CNY 1,500-1,800 per container
Key Factors Affecting Rates
Cargo Type: mixed goods and fiberboard show significant growth.
Infrastructure: Enhanced rail capacity (30% increase in load capacity).
Major Rail Hubs
China: Nanning International Railway Port.
Vietnam: Yen Vien Station (Hanoi), Dong Dang Station (border).
Import Taxes in Vietnam
Vietnam’s Import Tax Policies
Vietnam plans to abolish tax exemptions for low-value imports (previously ≤VND 1 million, ~CNY 288). All imported e-commerce goods will face full import taxes and a 10% VAT
Estimated Tax Rates for Key Goods
Electronics: ~10% VAT + import duty.
Textiles: 5–15% import duty.
Machinery: 3–10% import duty.
How to Find Tax Rates for Your Goods
Consult Vietnam’s customs database or use platforms like Vietnam Customs Online.
Engage a local customs broker for accurate classification.
How to Pay Import Taxes
Taxes are paid during customs clearance.
Logistics providers often handle this for a fee (e.g., double-clearance services)
Anti-Dumping Duties on Chinese Goods
Vietnam imposed a 27.83% anti-dumping duty on Chinese steel products in 2025.
This targets hot-rolled coil steel, which holds a 43% market share in Vietnam.
Bilateral Favorable Trade Policies
China-ASEAN FTA 3.0: Aims to upgrade trade protocols by end-2025, focusing on digital trade, green energy, and tariff reductions.
RCEP Agreement: Facilitates tariff reductions for member countries, including China and Vietnam.
Steps to Ship from China to Vietnam
Confirm Cargo Details: Identify goods type (general, sensitive, or prohibited).
Book Shipping: Choose between FCL, LCL, air, or rail.
Customs Clearance: Provide a commercial invoice, packing list, and COO.
Transportation: Monitor via real-time tracking.
Delivery: Unloading and optional door-to-door service
FAQs
Q1: Does shipping include unloading and loading?
A: Yes, most services include loading/unloading (e.g., free ground-floor unloading; higher floors incur extra fees).
Q2: Can sensitive goods (e.g., batteries) be shipped?
A: Yes, via specialized routes (96% clearance rate).
Q3: What happens if shipping is delayed?
A: Compensation of 8% per day for delays beyond 1 day (excluding force majeure).
Q4: Are there storage options in Vietnam?
A: Yes, free storage for 3 days, then CNY 20/CBM/day.
Q5: How to avoid tax issues?
A: Ensure accurate HS codes and work with experienced logistics providers.