Vietnam has two main export gateways for the US: the Ho Chi Minh City cluster in the south and Hai Phong in the north. Factories usually ship from the nearest one — but not always.
Comparison
| South: Cai Mep – Thi Vai / Cat Lai | North: Hai Phong / Lach Huyen | |
|---|---|---|
| Direct US services | Many mainline services from Cai Mep | Fewer, growing via Lach Huyen deep-water terminals |
| Main cargo base | Furniture, garments, footwear, consumer goods | Electronics, components, garments, machinery |
| Feeder vs mainline | Cat Lai mainly feeder; Cai Mep mainline | Mix of direct and transshipment |
When to ship from the other region
- No suitable direct sailing for weeks from your nearest port.
- Urgent cargo where a direct sailing saves more days than domestic trucking costs.
- Consolidating cargo from suppliers in both regions.
Carriers have added Cai Mep calls as US imports from Vietnam grew (reported by JOC). Service networks change each season — ask for the current schedule.
Related: sea freight · transit times.