Vietnam has been Canada’s largest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region since 2015. In 2022, two-way merchandise trade between Canada and Vietnam totaled over $13 billion. This article will take a closer look at ways of shipping from Vietnam to Canada, discussing the pros and cons, as well as other details.
Canada imports from Vietnam
- Electronics
- Machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers
- Furniture
- Agricultural products
- Fish and seafood products
- Metals and minerals
- Fertilizers
- Footwear.
How to ship goods from Vietnam to Canada?
Sea Freight from Vietnam to Canada
Sea freight is a cheaper shipping method than air freight and allows for the shipping of heavier loads. However, shipping by sea freight can take quite a long time. There is also a high risk that the cargo may get lost or damaged.
How long does it take to ship from Vietnam to Canada by sea?
You can choose FCL (Full Container Load) or LCL (Less than Container Load) mode. Shipping from Vietnam to Canada by sea freight FCL takes about 40-60 days, LCL about 30-50 days.
Shipping from Vietnam to Canada – Major Seaports in Vietnam
When choosing the port of origin, important factors are location, cost, and transit time. Here are the top ports for exporting from Vietnam:
Ho Chi Minh City
The Port of Ho Chi Minh City is located on the Saigon River. It is a network of ports functioning as a hub for importing and exporting goods in South Vietnam. It’s the country’s most important economic center, contributing to over two-thirds of its economy. It caters to many industries, including mining, seafood processing, and agriculture.
Haiphong
Hai Phong Port is located in Haiphong City. It has the largest cargo throughput in the North of Vietnam, a system of modern equipment, and a complete and safe infrastructure suitable for international trade and transport modes.
Da Nang
Da Nang Port is located in Da Nang Bay. It has a large area, a convenient transportation system, and the capacity to handle large cargo shipments. It is an important gate in the logistics service chain of Central Vietnam.
Shipping from Vietnam to Canada – Major Seaports in Canada
These are the top ports for importing into Canada:
Vancouver
The Port of Vancouver is Canada’s largest port. Located on the southwest coast of British Columbia, it extends from Roberts Bank and the Fraser River up to and including Burrard Inlet. Home to 29 major terminals, the port can handle the most diversified range of cargo in North America. As the country’s gateway to over 170 trading economies around the world, the port handles $1 of every $3 of Canada’s trade in goods outside of North America.
Montreal
The Port of Montreal is the largest in Eastern Canada. It handles all types of goods and operates in many industries. With direct connections to more than 140 countries, the Port of Montreal handles goods from all over the world.
Toronto
The Port of Toronto, one of Canada’s largest major inland ports, is situated on the northwest shore of Lake Ontario. Serving primarily as a bulk cargo destination, the port boasts a seamless network of cost-effective intermodal links to road, rail, and air transportation, serving as a unique and crucial piece of the city’s economic infrastructure.
Air freight from Vietnam to Canada
Air freight is a much faster mode of shipping than sea freight. It is also safer, with minimal chance of losing or damaging the goods. It is, however, more expensive and does not allow for shipping heavier loads.
How long does air freight from Vietnam to Canada take?
Shipping by air freight from Vietnam to Canada usually takes 8-18 days.
Shipping from Vietnam to Canada – major airports in Vietnam
The two main airports in Vietnam for shipping cargo are:
Tan Son Nhat International Airport
Located in the Tan Binh District in Ho Chi Minh City, Tan Son Nhat International Airport Is the gateway from Ho Chi Minh City and southeastern Vietnam to the rest of the world.
Noi Bai International Airport
Noi Bai is the second biggest and busiest international airport in Vietnam. It is located in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, and boasts a large number of imported and exported cargo every year.
Other major cargo airports in Vietnam:
- Da Nang International Airport
- Cam Ranh International Airport
- Phu Bai International Airport
Shipping from Vietnam to Canada – major airports in Canada
Major air cargo ports in Canada include:
Toronto Pearson International Airport
Rated among the top 30 airports worldwide for cargo activity, Pearson Airport processes over 45% of Canada’s air cargo and serves 175 international destinations. It is located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Vancouver International Airport
Vancouver International Airport is a central port between Asia and the Americas. It has easy access to North American highways, a dedicated truck border crossing, and proximity to the Vancouver Harbor. It means efficient, low-cost, sea-to-air, and air-to-ground cargo transfers. Also, export distribution legislation means companies can re-export without duties or taxes.
Calgary International Airport
Calgary International Airport is one of the fastest-growing cargo airports in Canada. Located in Western Canada, Calgary enjoys a strategic location and provides a single hub location specializing in receiving, transferring, storing, and distributing cargo domestically and internationally.
Essential documents needed when shipping from Vietnam to Canada
Correct packaging and cargo labeling are essential for a smooth journey through the customs clearance process. Having the necessary documents is also key.
The documents needed when shipping from Vietnam to Canada include:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
- Certificate of Origin
- Letter of Credit or other payment terms
You may also need a special permit if you ship certain goods like hazardous materials.
How much does it cost to ship from Vietnam to Canada?
The cost of shipping from Vietnam to Canada depends upon many factors, like the chosen method of transport, transit time, the distance between ports, etc. On Shiphub.co it is easy to check the possible prices and find freight forwarders by filling out a simple form.
Shipping from Vietnam to Canada
- The main products shipped from Vietnam to Canada include electronics, machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers, furniture, agricultural products, fish and seafood products, metals and minerals, fertilizers, and footwear.
- When shipping from Vietnam to Canada, the available shipping modes are sea and air freight. Depending on the type of shipment, it is crucial to choose the most suitable one.
- Major seaports in Vietnam include Ho Chi Minh City, Haiphong, and Da Nang; major seaports in Canada include Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto.
- Major airports in Vietnam include Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Noi Bai International Airport, Da Nang International Airport, Cam Ranh International Airport, and Phu Bai International Airport; major airports in Canada include Toronto Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, and Calgary International Airport.
- When shipping from Vietnam to Canada, it is important to prepare the right documentation, like a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, and letter of credit or other payment terms.
- On Shiphub.co, you will find freight forwarders for free.
