​High logistics cost a hindrance to competitiveness of Vietnamese goods

Nov 1st at 07:54
01-11-2024 07:54:19+07:00

​High logistics cost a hindrance to competitiveness of Vietnamese goods

High logistics costs have made it harder for Vietnamese producers to sell their goods, becoming an obstacle to local goods competing against low-cost Chinese items.

​High logistics cost a hindrance to competitiveness of Vietnamese goods

Goods are transported from China to Vietnam via e-commerce platforms with low shipping fees. Photo: Bong Mai / Tuoi Tre

It is surprising to see products shipped from China to Vietnam via cross-border e-commerce platform Temu at a low shipping fee, while domestic delivery from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi costs around VND30,000 (US$1.20).

Many Vietnamese sellers are calling for relief from high logistics costs, which make up as much as 17 percent of the Southeast Asian country’s GDP, compared to the global average of 10.6 percent, according to the Vietnam Logistics Business Association.

Besides, orders from China are divided into low-value packages before being shipped to Vietnam via e-commerce platforms to enjoy the exemption of value-added tax (VAT) on imports, versus Vietnamese goods being subject to all local taxes and charges.

As per the prime minister’s Decision 78 dated 2010, imports worth less than VND1 million ($39.5) sent via express delivery services are exempted from any import tax and VAT.

Therefore, Vietnamese products are deemed unable to compete with Chinese commodities.

A representative from Express Delivery Services Corporation noted that shipping fees in China have dropped to as low as three Chinese yuan ($0.4) per order, while in Vietnam, the fees have decreased to VND25,000 ($0.98) per order over the past decade.

To attract customers, Vietnamese vendors have covered 10 percent of the shipping costs.

Khuu Kim Ngan from Binh Minh Garment JSC said that domestic companies struggle to compete with Chinese goods due to these high logistics costs and taxes.

Ngan explained that the Vietnamese logistics system has yet to reach a high automation level and is facing a lack of standardization, leading to high logistics charges and prolonged delivery time.

She highlighted that packaging in Vietnam is not as highly automated as it is in China, contributing to pushing shipping costs and extending delivery time.

Thanks to standardization and big warehouses, orders are handled quickly in China, so products are shipped to Vietnam even faster than items transported from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, said a representative of a local courier.

Than Duc Viet, general director at Garment 10 Corporation - JSC, highlighted high logistics costs as a major barrier for local firms competing with foreign exporters.

Several economic experts and enterprises have suggested that Vietnam should improve its logistics system and introduce suitable tax policies to help local firms counter the prevalence of low-cost Chinese goods.

Nguyen Xuan Hung from the Vietnam Logistics Business Association hinted at building bonded warehouses to help reduce intermediary costs and delivery time, driving up domestic goods’ competitiveness.

He suggested investing in satellite warehouse systems and logistics automation which would expedite the packaging process and shorten shipping time.

Vu Duc Giang, chairman of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association, proposed the government consider cutting VAT and import taxes on some strategic commodities as well as giving land and financial support to warehouse projects.

Tuoi Tre News



NEWS SAME CATEGORY

Logistics sector must embrace innovative trends to stay competitive

The Vietnamese logistics industry must adapt to new trends and enhance infrastructure to remain globally competitive, speakers said at an event in HCM City on...

Việt Nam spent over US$1.54 billion importing LPG in nine months

Việt Nam imported 208,338 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in September, valued at about US$136.06 million.

​Vietnam says Saudi Aramco wants to invest in oil refining, petrol distribution

Oil giant Saudi Aramco wants to invest in the oil refinery sector and petroleum distribution in Vietnam, the Southeast Asian country's government said in a...

Chemical industry sees shift in Q3 results

The Vietnamese chemical industry saw a drastic change in business performance in the third quarter of 2024, as mid-sized players like Southern Basic Chemicals JSC...

260 enterprises participate in IEAE in Hà Nội

The Vietnam International Electronics and Smart Appliances Expo (IEAE) 2024 opened in Hà Nội on October 30 at Hanoi's International Exhibition Centre.

Cơ Tu ethnic’s farm produce debuts in supermarket system

Organic farm produce from the Cơ Tu ethnic group in the central province’s Tr’hy commune has been introduced at the Mena Gourmet Market in HCM City - the first time...

Moving global supply chains brings opportunities to VN

After the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, along with natural disasters have led to shortages of goods and raw materials, congestion of supply chains and...

Small traders turn to Chinese products

With cheap Chinese goods flooding Việt Nam, many small traders who want to survive in business have gradually turned their backs on Vietnamese products, selling...

Central city expands CIT zone

The government has approved the expansion of the centralised information technology zone on the base of the already operational Đà Nẵng Software Park No 1 and...

​Influx of low-cost goods equals increasing environmental concerns in Vietnam

A high volume of low-cost goods is inundating the Vietnamese market via e-commerce platforms. With unclear origins, it is raising concerns over the increasing waste...


MOST READ


Back To Top