Seaport speeds up customs clearance of goods before "tax blow"

Cai Mep-Thi Vai port cluster, Vietnam's main export hub to the US, is operating 24 direct shipping routes. In the photo: A corner of the CM-TV port cluster seen from CMIT port.

CM-TV plays a key role in exporting to the US

On April 10, the US announced a 90-day suspension of tariffs on 75 countries, including Vietnam, and only imposed a 10% tariff while awaiting negotiations. This information is considered a temporary “lifesaver” for businesses exporting to the US and seaport businesses.

Mr. Le Do Muoi, Director of the Vietnam Maritime and Waterways Administration, said that the country has two deep-water ports with direct shipping routes to the US, Cai Mep-Thi Vai (CM-TV) and Lach Huyen. Every week, 31 ships from these two ports go directly to US ports. Of which, CM-TV plays a key role, handling almost all exports to the US. CM-TV currently has 5 ports operating 24 direct shipping routes to the US, with modern infrastructure, deep shipping channels and strategic locations.

The volume of imported and exported goods to the US via CM-TV accounts for about 50 to 55% of the total container throughput in the entire region. Statistics in 2024 show that the volume of container exports to the US via CM-TV reached approximately 4 million TEUs. In the first 3 months of 2025 alone, the output reached about 1 million TEUs, continuing to affirm its key role in the global supply chain.

In addition to its operational capacity, CM-TV is also highly appreciated by international shipping lines for its shortened transit time, logistics cost savings and reduced dependence on intermediate ports. With this advantage, many large export enterprises in the fields of electronics, textiles, and footwear have chosen CM-TV as the main gateway to access the US market, Vietnam's largest export market.

Therefore, if the US policy of imposing high tariffs on goods exported from Vietnam is implemented, the output of goods to the US may decrease, putting pressure on port operations and supply chains.

SSIT Port operates around the clock, ensuring a smooth export supply chain.

Make the most of your time

Mr. Phan Hoang Vu, General Director of SSIT Port, said that the volume of seaborne import and export goods between Vietnam and the US ranks second in Asia, after China. In the context of the US imposing import tariffs of up to 145% on many products from China, Vietnam has a certain advantage in maintaining an effective supply chain for the US market thanks to competitive production costs and an increasingly complete supporting industry system.

However, experts also said that strictly controlling rules of origin, improving product quality and expanding export markets will be key factors to maintain sustainable growth.

“According to statistics, in the first quarter of 2025, container cargo through CM-TV increased by more than 30%. This is a positive sign, but businesses are still cautious with new orders due to the unclear results of tax negotiations between Vietnam and the US after the 90-day suspension period,” said Mr. Vu.

On the government side, the Ministry of Industry and Trade coordinated with the Customs Department to shorten customs clearance time and expand the electronic data portal to facilitate enterprises in submitting export dossiers. The Maritime and Inland Waterways Department also coordinated with enterprises operating at CM-TV to develop flexible operating scenarios, closely monitor the container situation to regulate effectively and reduce the risk of backlog.

To make the most of the 90-day period, port enterprises at CM-TV have also urgently implemented many solutions to speed up customs clearance of goods. The focus is on reorganizing the port operation process in a streamlined and interconnected manner. Specifically, the port closely coordinates with shipping lines to coordinate reasonable ship schedules, reducing overlap and congestion at the wharf. At the same time, data exchange with import-export enterprises is enhanced to prepare documents and papers before goods arrive at the port, thereby shortening the time for inspection and supervision.

The ports also proactively work with customs, quarantine, and port authorities to speed up the inspection and licensing process, and apply digital technology in port management to automate many steps from registration to loading and unloading. At the same time, they proactively monitor the developments of tax policy negotiations between Vietnam and the US to have timely response scenarios. A representative of Gemalink port said that the proportion of goods going to the US at Gemalink is currently below 20%, helping the port maintain a low level of risk. However, to increase market resistance, Gemalink has rapidly expanded its connection network. In April 2025 alone, the port received 4 new service routes to Europe, Canada, and Brazil, strategically helping to diversify cargo flows and reduce dependence on the US market. These efforts demonstrate Gemadept's proactive and flexible role in the context of global trade fluctuations.

Article and photos: TRA NGAN

Source: https://baobariavungtau.com.vn/kinh-te/202504/cang-bien-day-nhanh-toc-do-thong-quan-hang-hoa-truoc-don-thue-1039496/