Logistics bottlenecks and connectivity challenges
Current realities show that the competitiveness of Vietnamese goods in the international market is under pressure from bottlenecks in the logistics system. According to a representative of the Vietnam Food Association (VFA), logistics costs currently account for as much as 30% of the cost structure of rice in particular, as well as several of Vietnam’s other key export commodities, becoming a major barrier for exporters.
According to a representative of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), the root cause lies in geographic fragmentation: key raw-material production areas in the Mekong Delta are located far from major seaport systems, forcing goods to move through multiple intermediate stages and thereby generating significant transport and handling costs.
In addition, excessive dependence on road transport has led to direct consequences: prolonged congestion at the gateways to Ho Chi Minh City and shortages of empty containers during peak seasons not only slow delivery schedules but also drive up operating costs. Furthermore, businesses must shoulder additional costs caused by overloaded infrastructure, including storage fees, waiting charges, and stringent preservation requirements for cold-chain cargo and agricultural products. These bottlenecks not only consume financial resources but also directly erode the competitive advantage of Vietnamese agricultural products on the global trade map.
Opportunities and strategic advantages from new connectivity infrastructure
In 2026, logistics activities are being accelerated thanks to the synchronized development of national infrastructure projects. The Ho Chi Minh City Ring Road 3, expected to be completed in June 2026, will create a new economic corridor directly linking key industrial zones and the Southwestern region with the Hiep Phuoc port area. This project is expected to shorten transport time by 30-40%, while significantly reducing road logistics costs for businesses.
Alongside this are pilot efforts to allow vessels to navigate over fluid mud in the Soai Rap channel under the direction of the Ministry of Construction and the Vietnam Maritime Administration. This not only expands the ability to receive larger vessels but also creates greater stability for international service routes. It gives businesses an advantage in establishing more stable supply chains and reducing waiting risks caused by draft limitations. In practice, when costs are reasonable and services are organized in a synchronized manner, businesses tend to shift cargo flows from older operating points to more efficient areas. With cargo throughput growth reaching +86.5% in 2025, Tan Cang Hiep Phuoc clearly demonstrates how an effective cargo-flow shift can ease pressure on the Cat Lai area, offer customers additional delivery options, and optimize the regional logistics chain as a whole.
Integrated service ecosystem at Tan Cang - Hiep Phuoc
To comprehensively address cost and time challenges for businesses, Tan Cang Hiep Phuoc (TCHP) has deployed an integrated service ecosystem guided by the strategic orientation: “Elevating Connectivity - Accelerating Investment - Optimizing Services - Effective Business.” At the core of this ecosystem is a shift toward a more substantive and sustainable operating model through solution groups such as:
Building on-site logistics capacity: TCHP is accelerating the implementation of Phase 1 of its Depot project (1.22 hectares) within the port to establish on-site depot capacity. This step enables the port to proactively secure empty-container supply, directly reduce transport costs and time from facilities within the TCSG system, improve customer service efficiency, and create optimal conditions for businesses in organizing production and commercial activities.
Optimizing receiving capacity and maritime infrastructure: The port is focusing on restructuring its operational capacity through maintenance dredging of berth-front draft levels to ensure maritime safety and improve vessel turnaround productivity. In particular, coordination in piloting vessel navigation over fluid mud in the Soai Rap channel, as directed by the Vietnam Maritime Administration, is a key solution for expanding the port’s ability to receive larger vessels. At present, Tan Cang Hiep Phuoc receives an average of around 10 vessel calls per week (excluding additional calls). Shuttle transport operations between Cat Lai and Hiep Phuoc for laden containers, empty containers, and dangerous-goods containers continue to be maintained at high efficiency.
TCHP continues to enhance its service capacity through its centralized IMDG dangerous-goods delivery area and by maintaining practical support policies such as free lifting and handling, as well as free storage for laden and empty containers. These policies not only reduce cost pressure but also encourage the business community to shift cargo flows toward more efficient operating points. One of the top priorities is to increase the proportion of direct cargo delivery at the port itself and reduce pressure on external shuttle transfers. TCHP is committed to shortening cargo-handling time and coordinating with shipping lines to maintain stable service routes, thereby building supply chains that are more convenient, efficient, and competitive for customers. By organizing logistics services in a synchronized manner and leveraging new infrastructure connections, Tan Cang Hiep Phuoc expects to turn current challenges into competitive advantages, further strengthening the position of Vietnamese goods in the international market.
