Dao Trong Khoa, chairman of the Vietnam Logistics Association, said in an interview with The Saigon Times that restructuring global supply chains presents a significant opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to engage further in the international logistics network. DUAL RISKS The Saigon Times: The U.S. decision to collect port call fees (under a roadmap) from Chinese-built ships is putting the global shipping industry at risk as it will directly impact export-reliant countries like Vietnam. How do you assess this situation? What do you think of the possibility of the U.S. to proceed with the fee collection? Mr. Dao Trong Khoa: The U.S. administration’s decision to impose port call fees on Chinese-built ships marks a significant shift in global shipping dynamics. While still in its early stages, this policy signals a strategic effort to reduce reliance on China in the maritime sector. The impact extends beyond Chinese shipping companies, affecting all operators using Chinese-built vessels, which currently make up nearly 80% of the global fleet and are projected to reach 98%. For export-driven economies like Vietnam, the immediate concern is rising transportation costs. Shipping firms will need to absorb additional fees or restructure their fleets, potentially leading to reduced transport capacity and […]