Shipping cargo from Vietnam to Karachi is necessary for creating valuable trade opportunities for numerous businesses. The most opted method of shipping cargo is via sea, whose route connects ports like the Port of Ho Chi Minh City, Port of Haiphong, etc. to Pakistan’s largest seaports, Karachi Port or Port Qasim.
The country Vietnam has strengths in manufacturing textiles, electronics, and agricultural products. These domains of products perfectly complement Pakistan’s market especially because of its agricultural state. The trade of shipping cargo from Vietnam to Karachi benefits the local community along with major firms in Pakistan and Vietnam.
Both countries have different regulatory frameworks that shippers must navigate carefully. That’s where Alliance Shipping takes its bold personality. This blog aims to help you understand the practical aspects of shipping cargo from Vietnam to Karachi from the beginning till the very end.
Sourcing Cargo from Vietnam to Karachi
Vietnam and Pakistan have developed a steady flow of goods between their economies over the past decade. Trade volume of cargo from Vietnam to Karachi reached $274 million in 2023, showing consistent growth despite global supply chain disruptions. Vietnamese electronics, coffee, pepper, and synthetic fabrics flow westward, while Pakistani textiles, surgical instruments, and leather goods make the journey east.
Seaports in Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City (Cat Lai) handles nearly 70% of Vietnam’s container traffic. This southern hub processes most manufactured goods heading to Pakistan, with weekly sailings connecting to major shipping lanes. The port has expanded its cold storage facilities, making it ideal for perishable cargo.
Haiphong Port in northern Vietnam serves as the main exit point for goods manufactured in the industrial zones surrounding Hanoi. Its recent deep-water terminal expansion allows larger vessels, reducing the need for transshipment and cutting 4–7 days from typical transit times to Karachi.
Da Nang Port in central Vietnam offers an alternative for shipments from the central regions. Though smaller than its counterparts, its streamlined operations often mean less congestion and more predictable handling times.
Seaports in Karachi
Karachi Port welcomes most Vietnam-origin cargo through its three main terminals. Its East Wharf specializes in conventional cargo while West Wharf and newer South Asia Pakistan Terminal handle containerized shipments. The port processes over 65% of Pakistan’s international trade volume despite urban congestion challenges.
Port Qasim, located 35 kilometers east of Karachi, serves as an important secondary entry point. Its specialized terminals for coal, grains, and liquid cargo complement Karachi Port’s operations, with growing container handling capacity reducing pressure on the main port.
Shipping Methods Used in Cargo from Vietnam to Karachi
Sea Freight:
The sea shipping route used in shipping cargo from Vietnam to Karachi forms the backbone of trade between these nations. Ocean vessels carry over 95% of all goods exchanged between the two countries, making this the dominant shipping method.
Container ships departing from Vietnamese ports typically sail southwest through the South China Sea, navigate the Strait of Malacca, cross the Bay of Bengal, and finally approach Karachi via the Arabian Sea. This journey covers approximately 4,500 nautical miles, with transit times ranging from 4–7 days depending on vessel speed and port stops.
Estimated Costs of Sea Cargo from Vietnam to Karachi
S/N | PORT OF LOADING | DESTINATION PORT | OCEAN FREIGHT 20′ ($) | OCEAN FREIGHT 40’HC ($) |
1 | Port of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon Port), Vietnam | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | Contact on Whatsapp | Contact on Whatsapp |
2 | Port of Haiphong, Vietnam | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | Contact on Whatsapp | Contact on Whatsapp |
3 | Port of Da Nang, Vietnam | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | Contact on Whatsapp | Contact on Whatsapp |
4 | Port of Nha Trang, Vietnam | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | Contact on Whatsapp | Contact on Whatsapp |
5 | Port of Quy Nhon, Vietnam | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | Contact on Whatsapp | Contact on Whatsapp |
6 | Port of Cam Ranh, Vietnam | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | Contact on Whatsapp | Contact on Whatsapp |
7 | Port of Vung Tau, Vietnam | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | Contact on Whatsapp | Contact on Whatsapp |
8 | Port of Cai Mep, Vietnam | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | Contact on Whatsapp | Contact on Whatsapp |
Transit Times for Cargo from Vietnam to Karachi via Sea:
S/N | PORT OF LOADING | DESTINATION PORT | TRANSIT TIME |
1 | Port of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon Port), Vietnam | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | 4–7 Days |
2 | Port of Haiphong, Vietnam | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | 4–7 Days |
3 | Port of Da Nang, Vietnam | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | 4–7 Days |
4 | Port of Nha Trang, Vietnam | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | 4–7 Days |
5 | Port of Quy Nhon, Vietnam | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | 4–7 Days |
6 | Port of Cam Ranh, Vietnam | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | 4–7 Days |
7 | Port of Vung Tau, Vietnam | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | 4–7 Days |
8 | Port of Cai Mep, Vietnam | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | 4–7 Days |
Air Freight:
When time matters more than cost, air freight becomes the preferred option for shipping cargo from Vietnam to Karachi. This method works best for high-value, low-weight items like electronics, fashion samples, urgent spare parts, and perishable goods that can’t survive the longer sea journey.
Vietnam’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) and Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) offer regular cargo connections to Pakistan. On the receiving end, Jinnah International Airport in Karachi handles most air shipments from Vietnam, with dedicated cargo facilities to process incoming freight. Air shipments typically arrive within 1–3 days, compared to the weeks required for sea transport, making this option invaluable for time-sensitive business needs.
Estimated Costs of Air Cargo from Vietnam to Karachi
S/N | DEPARTURE TERMINAL | DISCHARGE LOCATION | Air Cargo ($/Kg) |
1 | Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | Contact on Whatsapp |
2 | Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | Contact on Whatsapp |
3 | Da Nang International Airport (DAD) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | Contact on Whatsapp |
4 | Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | Contact on Whatsapp |
5 | Phu Bai International Airport (HUI) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | Contact on Whatsapp |
6 | Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | Contact on Whatsapp |
7 | Can Tho International Airport (VCA) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | Contact on Whatsapp |
8 | Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | Contact on Whatsapp |
Transit Times for Cargo from Vietnam to Karachi via Air:
S/N | PORT OF LOADING | DISCHARGE LOCATION | TRANSIT TIME |
1 | Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | ~ 1–2 Days |
2 | Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | ~ 1–2 Days |
3 | Da Nang International Airport (DAD) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | ~ 1–2 Days |
4 | Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | ~ 1–2 Days |
5 | Phu Bai International Airport (HUI) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | ~ 1–2 Days |
6 | Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | ~ 1–2 Days |
7 | Can Tho International Airport (VCA) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | ~ 1–2 Days |
8 | Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | ~ 1–2 Days |
Factors to Consider When Choosing:
Cost vs. Speed
- A tradeoff between cost & speed drives decisions for shipping cargo from Vietnam to Karachi.
- Sea freight costs 5-8 times less than air freight but takes weeks.
- Air shipping may be justified for high-profit margin products or urgent demand due to premium rates.
Cargo Size and Type
- Physical characteristics of shipments influence shipping options.
- Heavy machinery, materials, and bulk commodities typically prefer sea freight.
- Lightweight, compact items may be more economical by air, considering total landed cost including inventory financing.
Urgency of Delivery
- Business timeline determines appropriate shipping method.
- Seasonal products, emergency replacements, and market-sensitive goods often require air freight despite higher costs.
- Regular inventory replenishment or large-volume orders with predictable demand can accommodate sea freight’s longer transit time through proper planning and inventory management.
List of Documents and Customs Clearance
Properly documenting cargo from Vietnam to Karachi requires several key papers. Every shipment needs a commercial invoice detailing prices and quantities, a packing list showing cargo distribution, and either a Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air). A Certificate of Origin proving Vietnamese manufacturing is essential, as Pakistan offers preferential duties on certain Vietnamese goods. Specific cargo may require additional documentation – textiles need textile certificates, while electronics need safety compliance paperwork.
Pakistan’s customs clearance system, WeBOC (Web-Based One Customs), processes all imports through Karachi. Working with experienced customs brokers familiar with both Vietnamese export procedures and Pakistani import requirements can prevent costly delays. Common clearance issues include incomplete documentation, incorrect HS code classification, and undervaluation concerns.
Pakistan maintains strict regulations on food imports (requiring health certificates), electronics (needing PSQCA approval), and textiles (subject to quality standards). Certain Vietnamese goods face anti-dumping duties, while others enjoy reduced tariffs under trade agreements. These are the essentials to make your cargo from Vietnam to Karachi successfully shipped without any disturbance.
Your Logistics Expert for Cargo from Vietnam to Karachi
With over 15 years of connecting cargo from Vietnam to Karachi, our team brings unmatched expertise to every shipment. We’ve successfully managed hundreds of consignments across this trade lane, building reliable partnerships with carriers, port authorities, and customs officials at both ends.
Alliance Shipping facilitates the entire logistics process from factory pickup in Vietnam to final delivery in Karachi. We maintain competitive rates through our established carrier relationships and volume agreements, passing these savings directly to you.
Get in touch with our shipping team via email at manager.pk@theallianceshipping.com or call +971 56 649 5103, we will listen to your needs, suggest the best cargo from Vietnam to Karachi solutions, and offer you best packages.
FAQs
What are the advantages of using sea freight over air freight for shipping cargo from Vietnam to Karachi?
Sea freight is significantly more cost-effective, costing 5-8 times less than air freight. It is ideal for bulk shipments and non-urgent delivery, allowing savings to be realized on larger shipments or inventory.
Are there specific regulations or requirements for shipping cargo from Vietnam to Karachi?
Yes, certain goods may have specific regulations, including import permits, customs documentation, and compliance with local laws. It is advisable to check with a shipping agent or customs broker for detailed requirements before shipping.
Can I track my shipment once it’s on its way from Vietnam to Karachi?
Yes, most shipping companies, including Alliance Shipping, provide tracking services that allow you to monitor the status of your cargo throughout its journey to Karachi.
What type of insurance is recommended for shipping cargo from Vietnam to Karachi?
It is recommended to acquire marine insurance for sea freight and cargo insurance for air freight to protect against loss or damage during transit. The specific insurance type may depend on the value and type of goods being shipped.
How can I prepare my cargo for shipping from Vietnam to Karachi?
Proper preparation includes ensuring the goods are securely packed, labeled, and comply with all customs regulations. It's also advisable to prepare a detailed packing list and invoice for smoother customs clearance.
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