Vietnam – U.S. Raise MFN Tariff to 20%: A New Opportunity for Air Freight and Vietnamese Import-Export Businesses

On August 7, 2025, Vietnam officially applied a 20% Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) tariff on imports from the United States, in line with the bilateral trade balance commitments between the two countries. This move marks a new phase in Vietnam–U.S. economic relations and is expected to drive significant growth in Vietnam’s air transport and import-export logistics sectors.

Surging Export Demand to the U.S.: Air Freight Set to Benefit Directly

The increase in MFN tariffs on U.S. goods will enhance the competitiveness of Vietnamese products in the American market. This is expected to drive a sharp rise in export orders—particularly in key sectors such as textiles and garments, electronics, processed agricultural products, and medical equipment.

In this context, air freight is emerging as the ideal transportation method due to:

• Fast delivery speed – meeting the U.S. market’s time-sensitive demands
• High flexibility – well-suited for high-value, compact, and special-handling goods
• Reduced customs risks and port congestion compared to traditional ocean shipping

According to forecasts from the Vietnam Logistics Association, the peak season for air cargo exports to the U.S. could begin as early as Q3/2025 and continue into early 2026—opening up major opportunities for airlines and domestic logistics providers.

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Vietnamese Airlines Poised to Take Off Amid Export Boom

The U.S. has announced a reciprocal MFN tariff of 20% on Vietnamese goods.

To seize the opportunity from the anticipated surge in exports, Vietnamese airlines are actively:

• Considering launching direct flights to the U.S., bypassing current transit hubs like Japan, South Korea, or Qatar
• Increasing flight frequency and investing in wide-body cargo aircraft such as Boeing 777F and Airbus A350
• Strengthening partnerships with international carriers to share cargo loads and optimize commercial routes

At the same time, major upgrades to infrastructure, parking areas, and logistics hubs at key international airports (Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Long Thanh) are being accelerated to keep pace with the rapid growth in air cargo trade.

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Air Cargo Logistics: From Challenges to a Turning Point

While Vietnam’s air freight sector holds tremendous opportunities for transformation, several structural challenges remain.

To fully unlock its potential, Vietnam’s air logistics industry must address key issues:

• Optimize warehouse infrastructure near airports: Shorten consolidation, staging, and order processing times
• Enhance screening, inspection, and customs clearance capacity at airport gateways
• Strengthen multimodal connectivity between air, road, and sea transport
• Leverage technology for real-time flight tracking, risk alerts, and shipment management

These are also the critical moments for specialized air logistics providers to assert their strategic role in the import-export supply chain.

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Smart Hub Aviation – Empowering Businesses to Thrive in Times of Transformation

As a trusted GSA/CSA partner of leading airlines in Vietnam, Smart Hub Aviation (SHA) offers comprehensive air logistics solutions designed to help exporters save time, costs, and resources in global transportation.

SHA supports your business with:

• Tailored air cargo solutions to the U.S, customized for your industry
• Optimized flight routes, schedules, and load capacities to ensure cost efficiency
• Direct connections with reputable international airlines
• Export clearance support including tax refunds, inspection coordination, C/O issuance, and air cargo insurance
• End-to-end GSA/CSA services, supporting both commercial and charter carriers

>>>> READ MORE: Comprehensive Air Freight Services by Smart Hub Aviation – An Optimal Logistics Solution for Businesses

Contact Us:

• Hotline: +84 977 576 069
• Email: info@smarthub.com.vn
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