Guide to exporting from Vietnam with DHL Express during the holiday season

The holiday season brings an increase in demand for top Vietnamese exports — from apparel and consumer electronics to coveted Vietnamese coffee. However, this global surge can create bottlenecks that threaten delivery schedules and budgets, leading to increased costs and frustrated customers. Hence, successfully navigating exports during peak seasons requires strategy and a reliable international shipping partner, such as DHL Express.

This guide will cover the three crucial phases of preparation needed for international businesses to secure inventory and avoid unexpected delays. It will also explore how to save money on international shipping costs, how to export food products and send food, and how businesses can leverage DHL Express' expertise in Vietnamese exports to ensure timely overseas shipping.

More than coffee: Understanding Vietnam's top exports

Vietnam's economy has demonstrated impressive resilience and strong export growth. Vietnam's exports increased 14.3% to reach a total value of US$405.53 billion in 2024¹. This growth is driven by numerous products that are highly popular during the holiday season.

Coffee, a globally sought-after product, accounted for US$5.5 billion in export revenue, a year-on-year increase of 28.9%1. Additionally, rice exports hit record levels with 9.01 million tons valued at US$5.8 billion1. However, Vietnam's top exports extend far beyond these commodities, including footwear, textiles, phones, and machinery.

Risks of importing from Vietnam during the holiday season

Successfully managing international shipping during peak season requires awareness of potential hurdles. There are a few key risks associated with exporting from Vietnam during peak seasons, and importers need to be aware of them to know how to save on shipping costs during this critical period.

Global congestion

Events like Black Friday, Singles' Day, and traditional end-of-year sales overload global air freight capacity and ground networks. This intense competition for space leads to capacity constraints and delays across all major carriers, making it much harder to guarantee scheduled delivery times.

Hidden costs

Poor planning, failing to secure capacity early, or inadequate customs preparation often leads to expensive premium express charges or unexpected storage fees at the destination customs authority. These costs quickly negate the profitability of peak season sales.

Supplier strain

Vietnamese and global suppliers are stretched thin trying to meet simultaneous international demand, increasing the risk of packaging errors, quality control issues, or, critically, delayed documentation submission.

Import tax complications

When exporting from Vietnam during the holiday season, several types of taxes may apply upon arrival in the destination country, in addition to the standard import duty. Hence, importers must be prepared to cover costs for Value-Added Tax (VAT), Special Consumption Tax (SCT), and Environmental Protection Tax (EPT) levied by the destination country. This upfront understanding is key to accurate pricing and budgeting.

Vietnam exports: pre-empt customs delays

The best way to combat holiday congestion is through meticulous preparation and robust compliance. These are the steps every importer shipping goods from Vietnam should ensure their supplier executes:

Master HS codes

Check that your Vietnamese supplier provides accurate Harmonized System (HS) codes for every product. Misclassification is the number one cause of customs delay, leading to incorrect duty assessments and frustrating hold-ups at the border.

Control your landed costs

Determine the Incoterms (e.g., DDP vs. DAP/DDU) upfront with your seller. Clearly establishing who pays duties and taxes prevents frustrating payment delays upon arrival at the destination country. 

Perfect your paperwork

Ensure the Commercial Invoice is complete and accurate, and is electronically shared with your international shipping provider before the shipment leaves Vietnam. Verify the quantity, value, and precise country of origin. Incomplete or incorrect documentation is the quickest way to guarantee delays.

Be proactive about pre-clearance

If you are partnering with DHL Express, you can leverage DHL Express' MyGTS (My Global Trade Services). This free, user-friendly platform will help you navigate many international shipping regulations seamlessly. You can log in with your existing DHL Express Business Account or register a new MyGTS account to access a range of compliance information, classification tools, and cost estimations for global trade.

Vietnamese exports: How to ship food safely

With rising global demand for authentic Vietnamese flavors, understanding how to export food products and ship food internationally is crucial. Integrity is key when importing perishable goods like juices, dried fruits, cashews, and spices from Vietnam.

DHL Express is able to ship various food items from Vietnam, provided they are commercially packaged, shelf-stable, and comply with all destination country regulations:

•  Beverages and dairy (shelf-stable)
• Grains, starches, and instant meals
• Dried proteins and seafood
• Nuts, fruits, and confectionery
• Condiments, sauces, and spices

Importers are responsible for destination-country regulations (e.g., FDA requirements, import licenses), and DHL Express can guide the Vietnamese seller to ensure compliance before exporting during peak season. Always look at our country's shipping guides for more information.

How to avoid extra costs when exporting from Vietnam

Here are some basic and strategic tips to help importers manage costs when dealing with international shipping rates during the busiest time of the year.

• Optimize Packaging & Weight: Avoid unnecessary dimensional weight charges. Instruct your supplier to use the smallest possible container that safely protects the goods, minimizing the overall size of the parcel.
• Book Early to Secure Capacity: Early booking is a key tactic for saving money on international shipping costs. The earlier you book your import with DHL Express, the more likely you are to secure capacity and avoid the peak-season premium rates often applied to last-minute bookings.
• Utilize Real-Time Tracking for Peace of Mind: Use DHL Express' location tracking tools to provide seamless, end-to-end visibility. Knowing exactly where your inventory is allows you to manage warehouse receiving schedules and customer expectations accurately, preventing unnecessary delays and storage fees.

Enjoy seamless exports from Vietnam with DHL Express

Exporting and importing successfully during the holiday peak season isn't about luck; it's about preparation, compliance, and having the right global logistics partner. DHL Express provides the speed, capacity, and expertise to ensure your valuable Vietnamese exports arrive on time and intact. We are committed to making international shipping simple, reliable, and cost-effective, even during the holiday season. 

Ready to access reliable service, expert customs support, and guaranteed peace of mind for your holiday inventory? Sign up for a DHL Express business account now.