Sea transport continues strong growth trend

Cargo transport through seaports and inland waterways showed positive signals in the first four months of 2025, with cargo volume reaching 370.5 million tons, an 11% increase compared to the same period last year. 

The Vietnam Maritime and Inland Waterway Administration (Ministry of Construction) was quoted by the Government News as reporting that  this increase reflects the recovery of export-import activities and domestic trade after a period of slowdown.

Throughput of container cargo alone reached 10.52 million TEUs, up 11% year-on-year. Within this, export and import cargo both increased by 14%, reaching 3.29 million TEUs and 3.4 million TEUs respectively; domestic cargo reached 3.82 million TEUs, an increase of 6%.

Statistical data shows that major seaports continue to play a leading role in the national logistics chain. Cargo throughput at Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) port increased by 12.96%, Vung Tau port by 9%, and Hai Phong port by 5.5%.

Container cargo in these areas also saw corresponding increases: HCMC by 9.22%, Vung Tau by 15%, and Hai Phong by 9.77%.

By the end of April 2025, there were over 17,000 foreign vessel calls at the seaport system, an increase of 7%. Domestic vessel calls reached nearly 19,800, up 17%.

Regulatory agencies estimated that in the first five months of the year, total cargo volume through the port system will reach 464 million tons, an increase of 13% year-on-year.

Domestic cargo is expected to remain the main driver, with a projected 21% increase to nearly 254 million tons. Export cargo is estimated at 89.6 million tons, and import cargo at 119 million tons (up 7%).