ASEAN Market Update: Exports to Thailand Surpass $1 Billion and Intra-Asia Shipping Route Fluctuations
07/04/2026
Thailand leads Viet Nam – ASEAN trade with over $1 billion in exports in the first two months of 2026 alone.
Thailand Rises to the Top of ASEAN Trade
In the first two months of 2026, Viet Nam’s total export turnover to ASEAN reached $6.3 billion – with Thailand being the only market in the bloc to surpass the $1 billion mark. Thailand continues to hold its position as Viet Nam’s most important trading partner in Southeast Asia.
According to data from the Customs Department, the two-way trade picture between Viet Nam and Thailand continues to grow despite pressures from exchange rate fluctuations and global trade policies. Import-export with ASEAN in general increased by 10.4% in exports and 13.2% in imports compared to the same period last year.
Beyond Thailand, other ASEAN markets such as Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines are also recording positive growth in trade with Viet Nam – creating an increasing demand for intra-regional cargo transportation. Viet Nam's import-export enterprises should capitalise on this opportunity.
In the first two months of 2026, Viet Nam’s total export turnover to ASEAN reached $6.3 billion – with Thailand being the only market in the bloc to surpass the $1 billion mark. Thailand continues to hold its position as Viet Nam’s most important trading partner in Southeast Asia.
According to data from the Customs Department, the two-way trade picture between Viet Nam and Thailand continues to grow despite pressures from exchange rate fluctuations and global trade policies. Import-export with ASEAN in general increased by 10.4% in exports and 13.2% in imports compared to the same period last year.
Beyond Thailand, other ASEAN markets such as Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines are also recording positive growth in trade with Viet Nam – creating an increasing demand for intra-regional cargo transportation. Viet Nam's import-export enterprises should capitalise on this opportunity.
Intra-Asia Route Network Undergoing Major Restructuring
As intra-ASEAN trade grows, the Intra-Asia shipping route network is also constantly changing. Major shipping lines have recently adjusted schedules, consolidated routes, and added or removed ports of call, creating disruptions in maintaining stability for businesses' import-export plans.
Notably, from April 2026, many Intra-Asia routes connecting Viet Nam with Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and East Asian markets will be comprehensively restructured. Schedule disruptions often lead to risks of order delays or unforeseen demurrage and detention costs.
Vantage Logistics – Your Dedicated Intra-Asia Shipping Partner
With over 24 years of experience in the international logistics industry and an extensive cooperation network with reputable shipping lines, Vantage Logistics is a reliable partner helping Viet Nam businesses connect goods to the entire ASEAN region efficiently and flexibly.
We provide in-depth shipping services, directly connecting Viet Nam to key gateways within the ASEAN bloc such as:
- Thailand – Laem Chabang, Bangkok
- Malaysia – Port Klang, Penang
- Singapore – Port of Singapore (the largest transshipment hub in Southeast Asia)
- Indonesia – Jakarta, Surabaya
- Philippines – Manila, Cebu
- Cambodia – Phnom Penh (with a direct local office)
- Myanmar, Laos – via transshipment ports in the region
Thanks to a wide network of partners and direct contracts with reputable shipping lines, Vantage Logistics delivers practical values:
- Cost Optimisation: Competitive freight rates through direct negotiation, minimising intermediary steps.
- Diverse Schedules: Multiple choices of sailings and timings, helping businesses avoid dependence on a single schedule.
- Space Guarantees: Priority for vessel space and container equipment even during peak seasons or periods of market scarcity.
With a direct presence in Viet Nam, Cambodia, and an agency system covering ASEAN, Vantage Logistics ensures that cargo is closely monitored from the point of origin to the final destination.
Contact Vantage Logistics for consultation on optimal routes and to receive an Intra-Asia quote today