CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership), trade barriers have lowered, but logistics challenges such as long transit times, complex customs regulations (NOM standards), and port congestion remain.
This guide provides a comprehensive, professional analysis of shipping from Vietnam to Mexico, covering transport modes, cost estimates, transit times, key ports, and how Dantful International Logistics
Vietnam exports electronics, textiles, footwear, machinery, and automotive parts to Mexico, supporting Mexico’s booming “Maquiladora” industries and consumer markets.
However, shippers often face specific challenges on this route:
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Language and Time Zone Barriers: Spanish documentation requirements and 12+ hour time differences.
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Complex Customs Standards: Strict adherence to NOM (Normas Oficiales Mexicanas) for product safety and labeling.
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Port Congestion: Pacific ports like Manzanillo often face high volume due to the influx of Asian imports.
Ocean shipping is the backbone of trade between Vietnam and Mexico, handling the vast majority of cargo volume.
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FCL (Full Container Load): The standard for high-volume shipments. You hire a 20’ GP, 40’ GP, or 40’ HQ container. It offers the best security and lowest cost per unit.
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LCL (Less than Container Load): Ideal for smaller shipments (typically under 15 CBM) where you share container space with other importers.
Best suited for: Heavy machinery, raw materials, bulk textiles, and planned inventory replenishment.
Air Freight from Vietnam to Mexico
When time is critical, air freight provides a fast but expensive alternative.
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Standard Air Freight: Airport-to-airport service for pallets and crates.
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Charter Services: For massive project cargo or emergency restocking.
Best suited for: High-value electronics, automotive samples, urgent spare parts, and seasonal fashion items.
Express Shipping from Vietnam to Mexico
For small parcels (documents, samples, parcels under 100kg), couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS offer door-to-door service.
Best suited for:
Freight rates fluctuate based on fuel surcharges (BAF), currency exchange rates, and seasonal demand (especially before Lunar New Year and Mexico’s El Buen Fin).
Below is an estimated cost range for January 2026.
Estimated Shipping Rates (January 2026)
| Shipping Mode | Destination Port/Airport | Estimated Cost Range | Key Influencing Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCL 20′ Container | Manzanillo (ZLO) / Lazaro Cardenas (LZC) | $1,900 – $2,700 | Direct Pacific routes are most economical. |
| FCL 40′ Container | Manzanillo (ZLO) / Lazaro Cardenas (LZC) | $2,400 – $3,600 | High demand for consumer goods. |
| FCL 20′ Container | Veracruz (VER) / Altamira (ATM) | $3,200 – $4,200 | Requires Panama Canal transit, higher cost/time. |
| LCL (Sea Freight) | Major Ports | $55 – $95 per CBM | Consolidation fees and destination charges apply. |
| Air Freight | Mexico City (MEX) / Guadalajara (GDL) | $5.50 – $9.50 per kg | Rates spike during peak seasons or for hazardous cargo. |
Note:
The Pacific Ocean route connects Vietnam directly to Mexico’s west coast, offering reasonable transit times.
Typical Transit Time Ranges
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Sea Freight (West Coast – Manzanillo/Lazaro Cardenas): 22 – 32 days
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Sea Freight (East Coast – Veracruz/Altamira): 35 – 45 days (via Panama Canal)
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Air Freight: 4 – 8 days (Direct flights are rare; most connect via USA, Korea, or Japan)
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Express Shipping: 3 – 5 business days
Factors Impacting Transit Time
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Transshipment: Direct vessels are faster; transshipment via Busan, Shanghai, or Kaohsiung adds time.
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Customs Holds: Incomplete NOM certification is a common cause of delays in Mexico.
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Port Operations: Congestion at Manzanillo
Optimizing your route means selecting the right pair of Origin and Destination ports.
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The main hub for Southern Vietnam exports. Cai Mep offers deep-water access for large mother vessels.
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Hai Phong: The key gateway for Northern Vietnam (Hanoi region), convenient for electronics and high-tech manufacturing.
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Da Nang:
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Mexico’s busiest port on the Pacific. Ideally located for cargo destined for Mexico City, Guadalajara, and the Bajío industrial region.
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Lazaro Cardenas (Michoacán): A deep-water alternative to Manzanillo with strong rail connections to the US border and central Mexico. Efficient for heavy cargo.
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Veracruz & Altamira:
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Confirm cargo details and book space 2 weeks in advance.
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Export Customs (Vietnam): Prepare Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and export declaration.
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Ocean/Air Transit: Cargo moves across the Pacific.
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ISF / AMS Filing (if transiting US): Note that if flights transit the USA, compliance with US regulations may be needed.
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Arrival & Validation (Mexico): The “Revalidación” (Document Exchange) process occurs with the shipping line.
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Import Customs Clearance: The Mexican Customs Broker (“Agente Aduanal”) presents the “Pedimento”.
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Inland Delivery:
Mexico has a strict customs environment. Errors can lead to confiscation or heavy fines.
Key Documentation
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Commercial Invoice: Must be detailed and in Spanish or English with translations.
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Packing List: Accurate weight and dimensions.
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Bill of Lading (B/L): Original copies are often required.
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Certificate of Origin: Crucial for claiming CPTPP preferential duty rates.
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Insurance Policy: Incoterms typically require insurance proof.
The Importance of NOM (Normas Oficiales Mexicanas)
Many products (electronics, textiles, toys) require compliance with NOM safety and labeling standards.
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Labeling: Must be in Spanish and affixed before arriving or at a Bonded Warehouse (Almacén General de Depósito).
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Certification: Some products need a certificate from a Mexican testing lab.
Expert Tip: Always verify the HS Code and NOM requirements with your Mexican Customs Broker before
Navigating the Vietnam-Mexico route requires a forwarder with specific expertise in trans-pacific trade and Latin American customs.
Dantful International Logistics specializes in this lane, offering:
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CPTPP Compliance Support: We assist in ensuring your documents qualify for reduced tariffs.
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NOM Labeling Solutions: Advice on labeling requirements to prevent customs rejection.
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Competitive Sea & Air Rates: Strong contracts with carriers like MSC, CMA CGM, COSCO, and Hapag-Lloyd.
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Door-to-Door Service: Seamless coordination from the factory in Vietnam to your warehouse in Mexico City, Monterrey, or Guadalajara.
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24/7 Support:
1. Does the CPTPP agreement reduce taxes from Vietnam to Mexico?
Yes. Both Vietnam and Mexico are members of the CPTPP. If your goods meet the Rules of Origin, you can benefit from significantly reduced or zero import duties. A valid Certificate of Origin is required.
2. What is the fastest shipping option from Vietnam to Mexico?
Air Freight is the fastest, taking 4-8 days. For sea freight, the fastest route is usually from Cai Mep (Vung Tau) to Manzanillo or Lazaro Cardenas, taking about 22-25 days on direct services.
3. Can Dantful handle the “Pedimento” and Mexican customs?
In Mexico, only a licensed “Agente Aduanal” (Customs Broker) can file the Pedimento. Dantful works closely with trusted local partners in Manzanillo and Mexico City to coordinate this process seamlessly for you.
4. Why are my shipping costs higher than the quote?
Watch out for “All-in” quotes that exclude destination charges. In Mexico, fees like DTA (Derecho de Trámite Aduanero), Pre-validación, and port maneuvers can add up. Dantful provides a transparent Landed Cost estimate so you know exactly what to expect.
Ready to streamline your supply chain?
Don’t let distance or language barriers slow down your business. Contact Dantful International Logistics today for a free, transparent shipping quote and let our experts handle your Vietnam to Mexico logistics with precision and care.
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