SHIPPING PROCEDURE FROM VIETNAM TO EGYPT
According to statistics, bilateral trade between Vietnam and Egypt reaches nearly USD 1 billion per year, with potential exports including seafood, coffee, textiles, electronics, and construction materials. Now is the ideal time for Vietnamese businesses to expand into the Egyptian market and seize growth opportunities.
In this article, Unicorn Logistics will help you understand the shipping process, transit time, costs, and the types of goods suitable for export to Egypt.

Explore the end-to-end logistics process from Vietnam to Egypt with Unicorn Logistics – your trusted partner in global shipping. If you’re looking for a reliable freight forwarder from China to Vietnam or Vietnam to Africa, we’ve got the solutions. With a professional team, competitive pricing, and fast turnaround time, Unicorn Logistics is committed to delivering optimal logistics experiences for every customer.
📧 Contact: Eric@unicornlogs.com
📱 Hotline: 0907 256 567 (Mr. Bắc – Eric, Sales Manager)
Major Ports in Egypt
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Port Said (East & West): Located at the northern entrance of the Suez Canal, this is Egypt’s largest container port and a key international transshipment hub connecting Asia and Europe.

- Sokhna Port: Part of the Suez Canal Economic Zone, this port is expanding its capacity to handle containers and bulk cargo. It plays a growing role as a logistics center in the southern region of the Suez Canal.

- Alexandria Port: Egypt’s second-largest port and its primary domestic seaport hub. It operates 67 terminals, covering 22+ km² of water and 16 km² of land, handling more than 55–60% of Egypt’s import-export cargo.

- Damietta Port: A deep-water port with large warehousing systems, specialized in container and bulk cargo handling. It's a strategic point for exports from Vietnam to North Africa and the Middle East.

Types of Transportation From Vietnam To Egypt
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Sea Freight (most common):
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FCL (Full Container Load): Ideal for large shipments, cost-effective.
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LCL (Less than Container Load): Suitable for small, consolidated shipments.
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Air Freight: Recommended for urgent, high-value cargo such as pharmaceuticals or electronics.
Transit Time & Shipping Routes
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Common routes include transshipment via Singapore, Jebel Ali (UAE), or Salalah (Oman).
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Estimated transit time: 22 – 30 days from Cat Lai/Hai Phong to Alexandria or Port Said.
Step-by-Step Shipping Process from Vietnam to Egypt
Step 1: Consultation & QuotationUnicorn Logistics advises on the optimal shipping route and destination port, then provides an all-inclusive quote.
Step 2: Documentation & Packing
Prepare export documents such as:
- Commercial Contract
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading (B/L)
- Certificate of Origin (C/O – if claiming tax preferences)
- Goods are packed to international standards to ensure safe, long-distance transport.
Unicorn Logistics supports electronic customs declarations via the VNACCS/VCIS system, including tax payments (if any), and customs clearance.
Step 4: Booking & Delivery to Port
Booking space with the shipping line, arranging containers, and transporting goods to Cat Lai or Hai Phong Port.
Step 5: International Shipping
Monitoring the shipment journey, providing regular updates to clients. Ensuring timely arrival at Egyptian ports.
Step 6: Import Customs Clearance in Egypt
- Prepare necessary documents: B/L, Invoice, C/O, Packing List.
- Pay import duties (~5–30%) and VAT (14%)
- Some products may require import permits or technical certificates.
Important Costs to Consider
In Vietnam, typical costs include:- Local charges: Terminal Handling Charges (THC), VGM weighing fees, loading/unloading fees
- Domestic transport: From warehouse to port
- Documentation fees: Invoice, B/L, Packing List
- Ocean freight: Calculated by container (FCL) or by volume (CBM) for LCL shipments
- Import duties: Based on HS code, typically 5–30%
- VAT: Currently 14%
- Port-related fees: Cargo handling, container storage (if delayed), and customs inspection fees
- Special surcharges: Such as BESC/ACD, if required by Egyptian authorities
Freight Rate Calculation
Sea Freight Shipping
For FCL (Full Container Load)
The freight cost for full containers is calculated using a straightforward formula:
Total Freight Cost = Freight Rate per Container × Number of Containers
(or based on the number of Bills/Shipments)
For LCL (Less than Container Load)
For less-than-container-load (LCL) shipments, the freight rate depends on whether the cargo is considered heavy or light. This is determined by comparing the cargo's volume and weight.Step 1: Calculate the volume of the shipment:
Volume (CBM) = (Length × Width × Height) × Quantity
Step 2: Compare the volume and weight:
- If 1 ton < 3 CBM → the shipment is classified as heavy cargo, charged based on KGS (kilogram) rate
- If 1 ton ≥ 3 CBM → the shipment is classified as light cargo, charged based on CBM (cubic meter) rate
- 1 ton = 3 CBM
- 1 CBM = 1000 kg
- Freight by KGS = (Weight (kg) × CBM Rate) / 1000
- Freight by CBM = Volume (CBM) × CBM Rate
Main Export Items from Vietnam to Egypt
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Frozen and processed seafood
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Pepper, coffee, and other agricultural products
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Various types of yarn (cotton, synthetic...)
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Auto parts and components
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Textiles and leather footwear

Imported from Egypt to Vietnam:
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Sugar beet
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Industrial chemicals
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Dairy products
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Pharmaceuticals
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Steel products

Let Unicorn Logistics Be Your Trustworthy Partner to Egypt
Unicorn Logistics is one of Vietnam’s leading companies in international freight forwarding and logistics services. With experienced professionals and practical expertise, we are committed to offering comprehensive, efficient, and cost-effective logistics solutions tailored to all business types.
Our key services include:
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International Freight (Air & Sea): Connecting cargo between Vietnam and global destinations.
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Domestic Freight: By road, water, and rail across the country.
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Customs Brokerage Services: Full-service at key hubs: Hanoi, Hai Phong, Da Nang, HCMC, and major border gates.
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C/O Consultation & Issuance: Fast processing of various form types.
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Free Consultation: On HS code, import/export tax, regulations, and logistics strategies.
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Contract & Document Consulting: Guidance on commercial contracts, invoices, packing lists, etc., with free templates.
With professional handling, Unicorn Logistics ensures timely delivery, risk reduction, and cost optimization. We proudly support businesses at every stage – from customs to delivery.
📞 Contact our sales team for support and consultation:Mr. Bắc (Eric) – Sales Manager
📧 Email: Eric@unicornlogs.com
📱 Phone: 0907 256 567