Ho Chi Minh City will waive port-related charges for three years from July 2026. Charges related to port infrastructure, service facilities, and public services at ports of entry will be fully waived. The policy covers more than 94,000 businesses across the city and is expected to reduce overall logistics costs by 0.5%–0.8%. For trading companies and freight forwarders operating on Vietnam routes, the three-year waiver provides an opportunity to reduce fixed cross-border shipping costs.

Key Highlights

• Policy period: Effective from July 1, 2026, for three years, ending on June 30, 2029

• Scope of waiver: Full waiver of charges related to port infrastructure, service facilities, and public services at ports of entry

• Eligible parties: More than 94,000 businesses involved in import and export activities and cargo transportation across the city

• Cost impact: Overall logistics costs may fall by 0.5%–0.8%, improving the cost structure of ocean shipments involving Vietnam

• Industry trend: Competition among regional ports is intensifying, while Southeast Asia’s role in global supply chains continues to grow

Key Provisions of Ho Chi Minh City’s Three-Year Port Charge Waiver

The policy is implemented under Resolution No. 91/2025/NQ-HĐND issued by Ho Chi Minh City. The resolution was published in 2025 and took effect on July 1, 2026. It is one of Vietnam’s largest recent measures to reduce port-related logistics costs.

The waiver applies to companies, organizations, and individuals engaged in import and export activities and cross-border cargo transportation through the Ho Chi Minh City port system. Charges for the use of port infrastructure, related service facilities, and public facilities at ports of entry are fully waived, with no additional differentiated eligibility requirements.

The policy is intended to reduce operating costs and improve competitiveness. International logistics costs remain high, while delays, rerouting, and freight-rate fluctuations continue to affect multiple trade lanes. Waiving fixed port charges can directly reduce basic logistics expenses for businesses. It may also attract more cargo through Ho Chi Minh City’s ports and strengthen the city’s position as a major logistics hub in Southeast Asia.

Cost Impact: Moderate Reduction in Overall Logistics Expenses

According to estimates from local authorities, the policy may reduce overall logistics costs for import and export companies by 0.5%–0.8%.

Although fixed port charges account for only a small share of total ocean freight costs, waiving these charges can help businesses maintain more stable shipment budgets amid freight-rate volatility and changing surcharges, while easing pressure on profit margins.

For trading companies and freight forwarders with long-term operations on Vietnam routes or regular cross-border shipments for contract manufacturing operations, the three-year waiver period can support long-term cost planning and routine shipment arrangements.

Competition Among Southeast Asian Ports Intensifies

As global manufacturing continues to shift toward Southeast Asia, Vietnam’s import and export volumes have continued to grow. Ho Chi Minh City’s ports are key regional hubs handling export cargo from the manufacturing sector.

The three-year waiver may further strengthen the cost advantage of Vietnam’s ports, attract more international cargo and carrier services, and intensify competition among ports in Southeast Asia.

However, the waiver does not mean that total ocean freight costs will necessarily fall. Final shipment costs will still depend on carrier freight rates, fuel prices, market supply and demand, trade policies, and other factors. The policy reduces fixed port-related charges but cannot eliminate market-driven cost fluctuations.

Operational Alerts and Recommended Actions for Freight Forwarders and Trading Companies

Following the implementation of the policy, companies may give priority to Ho Chi Minh City ports where operationally suitable and use the three-year waiver period to reduce fixed logistics expenses.

They should also monitor changes in carrier service coverage, berth efficiency, and customs policies, and adjust transportation plans according to order schedules and shipment requirements.

As Southeast Asian supply chains continue to evolve, companies should assess the policy together with actual route conditions, transit times, and total logistics costs to improve the cost-effectiveness and stability of cross-border shipments.

Sources

Vietnam.vn, PortalPortuario, and the official resolution issued by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council

Timeliness Note

The waiver is implemented under Resolution No. 91/2025/NQ-HĐND, issued in 2025. It took effect on July 1, 2026, and will remain valid until June 30, 2029. As of early August 2026, the policy has been implemented as scheduled. Any subsequent changes to the implementation details will be subject to the latest official announcement. 

Disclaimer

The information in this article is sourced from publicly available channels and is provided solely for industry reference. It does not constitute commercial advice or logistics operating guidance.