As global trade enters the final quarter of 2025, Vietnam’s export logistics sector is once again under pressure due to container shortages and fluctuating freight rates.
For cashew exporters — where delivery timelines are critical and margins depend heavily on shipping efficiency — these changes are shaping the market outlook for the rest of the year.
⚓ Current Situation in Vietnam’s Major Ports
At Cat Lai and Cai Mep ports, forwarders report an intermittent shortage of empty containers since mid-September. This shortage mainly affects 20-foot and 40-foot high-cube containers, the preferred options for cashew exports.
While vessel capacity has recovered compared to 2023–2024, imbalanced global container flows and slower return cycles from Europe and the U.S. have led to temporary bottlenecks.
Local freight forwarders indicate that average waiting times for container allocation have risen by 15–20%, particularly for short-notice bookings. In parallel, freight rates on Asia–Europe routes have increased by 3–5% since late September, reversing the downward trend seen earlier in the year.
💰 Impact on Cashew Exports
Cashew exporters like SVC International JSC have experienced moderate logistical pressure, especially on long-haul shipments to the U.S. and EU.
While inland transport and port operations in Vietnam remain stable, the combined effect of higher freight rates, THC surcharges, and terminal congestion has added cost pressure equivalent to 2–3% of FOB value.
Despite these challenges, SVC has maintained on-time deliveries thanks to:
- Long-term freight contracts with major carriers and logistics partners.
- Diversified port options between Cat Lai and Cai Mep.
- Optimized packing density and container utilization.
- Real-time shipment tracking for OEM and private-label clients.
These strategies ensure export reliability and safeguard product quality during extended transit times.
🌍 Global Logistics Trends
Freight rate volatility continues to be influenced by several macro factors:
- Geopolitical tensions in key shipping lanes, including the Red Sea.
- Environmental surcharges (ETS & Carbon Tax) applied on routes to the EU.
- Port congestion and labor shortages in North America during peak season.
Analysts expect the logistics market to remain tight through Q4/2025, especially for containerized agricultural goods, before easing slightly in early 2026.
✅ Outlook for SVC and Exporters
With its integrated logistics network and multi-market supply chain, SVC Cashew Factory continues to deliver over 700 MT of cashew kernels monthly to 63+ countries.
The company’s commitment to freight stability and quality assurance helps international buyers plan confidently for the year-end season.
📧 For OEM & Export Coordination: thanh@svc.vn | thanh@svcfoods.vn
📱 WhatsApp: (+84) 909 432 477