TECH & INNOVATION  /  SME

By Masamichi Ujiie | March 20, 2026

Vietnam’s manufacturing boom and expanding logistics infrastructure are transforming the country’s air cargo ecosystem. Here’s what businesses should know about the opportunities ahead.

• Vietnam’s air cargo market is expanding rapidly as exports surge, particularly in high-value industries like electronics manufacturing.
• Major infrastructure projects, such as Long Thanh International Airport, are strengthening Vietnam’s logistics connectivity with Asia, Europe, and other global markets.
• Digital logistics tools and integrated supply chains are helping businesses manage complexity and scale international trade more efficiently.

Over the past decade, Vietnam has evolved into one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic trade gateways. What began as a cost-competitive manufacturing hub is now a fast-growing node in global supply chains, connecting factories across Southeast Asia with major markets in Europe and the US.

This transformation is also reshaping Vietnam’s air cargo sector. As exports shift toward higher-value products – from electronics to advanced manufacturing – businesses are increasingly relying on air cargo networks to move goods quickly across borders.

For exporters, manufacturers, and e-commerce brands, this shift opens new opportunities. Faster market access, improved infrastructure, and smarter logistics tools are helping Vietnamese businesses expand internationally and strengthen supply chain resilience.

Vietnam is moving up the global value chain

Vietnam’s trade growth has been striking. In 2025, the country’s cargo throughput reached around 1.3 million metric tons – a 22% increase from the previous year, reflecting strong export demand. Vietnam’s broader trade picture is equally impressive, with its total foreign trade turnover reaching USD 930.05 billion in 2025, rising by 18.2% from the year before.

Much of this growth is driven by manufacturing exports, particularly from the country’s thriving electronics manufacturing sector. In 2024, Vietnam’s total electronics exports accounted for over one-third of all exports, jumping in value by 30% from previous years.

Meanwhile, Vietnam’s national semiconductor strategy aims to expand capabilities beyond assembly toward higher-value activities such as testing, packaging, and advanced manufacturing.

These industries rely heavily on fast and reliable logistics. Semiconductor components, high-precision electronics, and advanced machinery are often high-value and time-sensitive, making air cargo a critical part of Vietnam’s supply chain. For businesses, this means logistics performance can directly influence production timelines and inventory planning, determining how quickly companies can reach international customers.

Infrastructure is strengthening Vietnam’s logistics connectivity

Vietnam’s air logistics infrastructure is expanding quickly to support this growth. Among the most significant developments is Long Thanh International Airport, located near Ho Chi Minh City, which is scheduled to begin operations in phases from 2026.

Once completed, the airport is expected to handle up to 5 million metric tons of cargo by 2050, positioning Vietnam as one of the region’s leading air cargo hubs. Long Thanh will also help ease pressure on Tan Son Nhat Airport while strengthening southern Vietnam’s role as a logistics gateway for regional trade.

Northern Vietnam is also seeing new investments. The planned Gia Binh Airport aims to support industrial zones around Hanoi and nearby manufacturing corridors. Together with upgrades to expressways, ports, and rail connections, these projects are helping to create a more integrated logistics network across Vietnam. Production centers are becoming better connected to international gateways, reducing transit times and improving supply chain efficiency.

As a result, businesses exporting from Vietnam will benefit from more reliable routes to global markets, particularly as intra-Asia trade and Asia-Europe supply chains continue to expand.

Global connectivity plays a vital role

Infrastructure is only part of the picture. International logistics networks also play a key role in connecting Vietnamese businesses to overseas markets.

For example, FedEx has enhanced its network in northern Vietnam, enabling shipments from the region to reach key Asian and European markets one day faster. This enhanced connectivity helps businesses meet rising export demand and offer timely and reliable service to customers.

These improvements also strengthen Vietnam’s position in global trade flows, especially for industries that depend on speed and reliability. Electronics manufacturers, fashion exporters, and technology companies often operate on tight production cycles, where faster shipping can provide a significant competitive edge.

Integrated global logistics also allow businesses to tap into broader supply chains. Companies can move components between regional manufacturing hubs and final assembly sites more efficiently, helping them stay agile as demand shifts.

Digital tools are transforming supply chain visibility

As supply chains become more complex, technology is playing an increasingly important role in logistics.

Companies can now leverage AI-powered analytics to detect potential disruptions early and adjust shipping plans accordingly. For example, selected FedEx Surround service tiers provide 24/7 shipment monitoring, predictive insights, and proactive intervention capabilities. This visibility helps reduce uncertainty when shipping high-value or time-sensitive goods, keeping supply chains running smoothly.

In addition, digital shipping platforms now allow businesses to manage documentation, prepare cross-border shipments, and track deliveries from a single interface. This digital integration can streamline operations for exporters navigating complex international logistics, and in many cases, these tools have become essential as businesses scale into global markets.

What this means for Vietnam’s businesses

Vietnam’s logistics ecosystem is entering a new phase of growth.

Rising export demand, expanding airport infrastructure, and stronger global connectivity are transforming the country into a key logistics hub for Southeast Asia. At the same time, Vietnam’s national development plans through 2030 emphasize logistics efficiency and supply chain modernization. Major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, and Hanoi are set to play increasingly important roles in global trade networks.

For businesses, the implications are clear: companies that leverage modern logistics infrastructure, integrated digital tools, and reliable air cargo services will be better positioned to expand internationally.

Whether you’re exporting electronics, manufacturing components, or shipping fast-moving consumer goods, Vietnam’s air cargo landscape offers significant growth opportunities. As global supply chains continue to shift toward Asia, Vietnam is poised to become a critical hub for international commerce – connecting manufacturers, exporters, and entrepreneurs to market demand across the region and beyond.