Alliance International Logistics Services, Inc

08/27/2026

More Ships Are Coming. But Is Your Supply Chain Actually Getting More Capacity?

Global container capacity continues to grow as ocean carriers add new and larger vessels to their fleets.

For U.S. importers, that sounds like good news.

More ships. More slots. More capacity.

But there is another side of the equation that deserves attention:

The real bottleneck may be shifting from the ocean to the port.

A 20,000+ TEU vessel can bring a massive volume of containers into a terminal within a very short window. Once those containers hit the ground, the entire landside network has to keep up — terminal capacity, cranes, yard space, chassis, truck appointments, rail connections, warehouses, and distribution centers.

If one part of that system falls behind, additional vessel capacity does not necessarily mean faster cargo movement.

It can simply move the congestion from sea to shore.

What does this mean for importers?

Port congestion is not just a carrier or terminal issue.

It can quickly become a cost and inventory problem for the importer.

A delayed container may create additional exposure to:

• Demurrage and detention
• Terminal storage
• Chassis and drayage costs
• Truck waiting time
• Rail or transload delays
• Additional warehouse expenses
• Higher inventory carrying costs
• Production or fulfillment disruptions

This is why comparing logistics providers based only on the lowest ocean freight rate can be misleading.

Saving $100 or $200 on ocean freight means very little if poor routing, congestion, or lack of visibility creates thousands of dollars in downstream costs.

At Alliance International Logistics Services (AILS), we believe importers should evaluate logistics from a broader perspective:

Ocean Freight + Port Risk + Inland Transportation + Inventory Impact + Delivery Reliability = True Logistics Cost

The goal is not simply to move a container from Port A to Port B.

The goal is to keep your cargo moving through the entire supply chain with fewer surprises.

That means evaluating routing before booking, understanding port conditions, coordinating drayage early, monitoring free time, identifying potential bottlenecks, and having contingency options when conditions change.

For importers sourcing from Asia and shipping into the United States, this level of planning is becoming increasingly important.

More ships create capacity on the water.
Better planning creates capacity across the supply chain.

If your company imports regularly into the U.S. and wants to review its current routing, port strategy, or total logistics cost, our team at AILS would be glad to start the conversation.

Alliance International Logistics Services, Inc.
Connecting Global Supply Chains. Delivering with Confidence.

10/09/2025

Export Situation of Goods from Vietnam to the United States in the Next 3 Months (October-December 2025)
Based on data updated as of early October 2025, exports from Vietnam to the US are expected to maintain growth but at a slower pace compared to the first half of the year, primarily due to the impact of new tariff measures from the Trump administration and global demand fluctuations. The total export value to the US accounts for about 30% of Vietnam's GDP, making it a key market but also vulnerable to trade tensions. Below is a detailed analysis based on the latest economic reports.
1. Overall Trends and Growth Forecasts
2025 Growth: Vietnam's exports to the US increased by 15.8% in the first 9 months (reaching $325.3 billion in total exports), but August saw a decline due to tariffs taking effect from August 7, 2025. The full-year forecast is for over 12% growth, but Q4 may only see 8-10% increase year-over-year, with risks of reduction if tariffs escalate further.
Q4 Forecast: Holiday season demand (Black Friday, Christmas) could boost consumer goods exports, partially offsetting tariff damages. However, total trade value may decrease by 5-7% from initial plans, equivalent to a loss of about $6-8 billion, due to higher prices and reduced competitiveness. Vietnam-US trade surplus is expected to remain positive but narrow from the $9.7 billion level (first 7 months).
2. Impact of Tariffs and Trade Tensions
Key Tariffs: From August 2025, the US imposed a 20% tariff on most imports from Vietnam (instead of the initially planned 46%), along with 40% penalties for certain items like transshipments from China. Heavily affected sectors: wood, furniture, textiles (increased tariffs from October 14, 2025). Estimated total damage could reach $25 billion over 1-2 years, equivalent to 5% of Vietnam's GDP.
Tensions: Vietnam is viewed by the US as a "bypass route" for Chinese goods, leading to tighter controls. The Vietnamese government is negotiating new agreements (such as FTAs with the EU, CPTPP) to diversify, but Q4 will still face pressure from US-Vietnam negotiations.
3. Trends by Key Commodities
The main export items to the US (accounting for 70% of total value) will show divergence:
Textiles and Footwear: Increase of 10-15% thanks to the holiday season, but 20% tariffs reduce profits. These are the largest sectors, with H1/2025 export value up 14.4%.
Electronics and Machinery: Stable at 5-8% growth, thanks to high-tech demand (phones, components). Vietnam serves as an alternative source to China.
Furniture and Wood: Sharp decline of 15-20% due to new wood tariffs (effective from October 14), impacting holiday exports.
Agricultural and Aquatic Products (e.g., pangasius): Slight increase of 5-10%, with pangasius remaining resilient despite US declines, thanks to market diversification.
Total US Imports from Vietnam: Expected to reach $150-155 billion for the full year, up from $142.48 billion in 2024, but Q4 slowing down.
4. Risk Factors and Opportunities
Risks: US economic slowdown (forecasted 2.5% growth in Q4), high inflation reducing demand; potential tariff increases if negotiations fail; supply chain disruptions due to fall storms.
Opportunities: Holiday season boosts consumer goods (toys, gifts); strong FDI in manufacturing (up 7.1% of GDP in 2024 thanks to exports); Vietnam could benefit from "China+1" if it controls goods origins well.
Vietnam's Response: The government prioritizes negotiations with the US, supports businesses through export credits, and diversifies markets (EU, Japan).
Overall, Q4/2025 will be a "challenging" period for exports to the US, but not to the point of recession thanks to seasonal demand and economic resilience. Businesses should closely monitor updates from the Ministry of Industry and Trade and consult forwarders to adjust strategies. If you need specific data on commodities or regions, provide more details!

07/30/2025

Tsunami Warning - Port Closed

09/11/2024

I have received recognition from Ivan Misner as one of their top devotees! Ivan Misner

08/19/2024

God bless all truckers

03/25/2024

Vietnam AI will be leading!

Vietnam is on the brink of establishing itself as a prominent player in the global artificial intelligence (AI) sector, driven by its unwavering determination, entrepreneurial ethos, and conducive governmental policies. This sentiment was echoed by Rafael Frankel, Director of Public Policy for South...

03/22/2024

On March 18, local time, COSCO SHIPPING BRAZIL, the largest new generation of LATAMAX vessel of COSCO SHIPPING, embarked on its maiden voyage at the port of Paranaguá, Brazil.
COSCO SHIPPING BRAZIL boasts a total capacity of 14,100 TEU, including 2,100 re**er plugs. Following this inaugural journey, the vessel will contribute to over 50% growth and enhancement in capacity for the Brazil/Far East route, thereby further facilitating import and export convenience for both Brazil and South American east coast countries.

03/22/2024

Whether you are an established foreign company looking to expand into the U.S. market or a new player in the industry, this webinar will provide valuable insights and guidance on navigating the complex world of OTI registration and doing business in the United States.
Attendees will hear from industry experts with extensive experience in the maritime industry and the OTI registration process. There will be opportunities for Q&A and discussion, allowing attendees to ask quest

Whether you are an established foreign company looking to expand into the U.S. market or a new player in the industry, this webinar will provide valuable insights and guidance on navigating the complex world of OTI registration and doing business in the United States.

Attendees will hear from industry experts with extensive experience in the maritime industry and the OTI registration process. There will be opportunities for Q&A and discussion, allowing attendees to ask questions and share their own experiences.

Register now: https://ow.ly/78Fv50QXl67
Don't have a account? Sign up here for FREE: https://ow.ly/Afx750QXl69