As Vietnam enters the final peak of the 2025 export season, logistics continues to be one of the most influential factors shaping the competitiveness of cashew shipments. Although demand from the U.S., EU, Middle East and Asia remains stable, exporters face new challenges in container availability, freight rates and shipping schedules.
The logistics situation in November shows improvement compared to Q3, but pressures remain high — especially for food exporters and cashew processors.
📦 1. Container Shortage Persists Across Major Ports
Major ports including Cát Lái and Cái Mép continue to experience imbalances in container availability:
- 20ft containers remain limited for bulk kernels
- 40ft HC containers for PET jar shipments show inconsistent supply
- Occasional 2–5 day delays in receiving empty equipment
- Some carriers prioritize high-value cargo, pushing food shipments to later sailings
This impacts loading schedules, particularly for exporters shipping to Europe and the Middle East ahead of early-2026 demand.
🚢 2. Freight Rates Stabilize but Remain Higher Than Expected
Data from forwarders and shipping lines shows November freight rates remain above historical norms:
- U.S. West Coast routes face congestion and schedule changes
- EU-bound freight is influenced by environmental surcharges and ETS policies
- Middle East routes have risen due to increased food commodity demand
Most lines have adjusted BAF, fuel, and peak season surcharges, keeping overall transport costs elevated.
💰 3. Impact on Cashew Exporters
Cashew exporters face three major logistics pressures:
• Increased FOB Cost Structure
Higher freight pushes FOB prices up, reducing competitiveness against India and Africa.
• Delayed Shipments
Late ETD schedules affect supermarket deadlines, private-label programs and foodservice contracts.
• Capital Flow Pressure
Delays increase warehouse costs, logistics fees and working capital requirements.
For buyers, logistics uncertainty becomes a key factor influencing purchasing decisions in Q4.
🏭 4. How SVC Ensures Logistics Stability for Global Buyers
Despite pressures, SVC maintains consistent export delivery thanks to a proactive logistics model:
1. Priority agreements with shipping lines & forwarders
Secures predictable space and more stable freight levels.
2. Flexible port operations: Cát Lái & Cái Mép
Minimizes congestion risk, providing alternative ETDs for time-sensitive orders.
3. Optimized container loading plans
Maximizes carton utilization, lowering logistics cost per kg for buyers.
4. Real-time shipment visibility
Clients receive updated ETD, ETA, and documentation — reducing warehouse and retail delays.
5. Certified export compliance
BRC, HACCP, FSPCA, Halal, Kosher and FDA standards ensure no customs issues or shipment rejections.
This operational stability helps SVC deliver reliably to more than 63 global markets.
🌍 5. Outlook for the Rest of November & Early December
Market indicators suggest:
- Container supply will remain inconsistent
- Freight rates are unlikely to decrease before early 2026
- Demand from EU and Middle East remains strong for whole grades and retail cashews
- Exporters with strong logistics networks — like SVC — will maintain a strategic advantage
For global buyers, November remains a critical window for securing shipment capacity ahead of Q1/2026.
📧 Contact for OEM & Export Coordination: thanh@svc.vn
📱 WhatsApp: (+84) 909 432 477
🌍 Think Cashew Vietnam, Think SVC.