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Global Market · East Africa
Vietnam – Ethiopia Logistics
Ethiopia market information for importers and exporters: seaports, airports, economic size, trade preferences and growth potential.
Key facts
- Capital
- Addis Ababa
- Region
- East Africa
- Population
- 135 million
- Area
- 1,104,300 km²
- Nominal GDP (2023)
- US$164 billion
- GDP per capita
- 1,208 USD
- GDP ranking
- No. 57 worldwide
- 5-year GDP growth
- 14.2%/year
- Currency
- ETB (ETB)
- Languages
- Amharic
- Distance to Ho Chi Minh City
- 7,528 km
Economic size
In 2023, Ethiopia’s nominal GDP reached US$164 billion, ranking No. 57 in the world, with GDP per capita of around US$1,208. Over the past 5 years, GDP in US dollar terms grew by an average of 14.2% per year.
Growth potential
- Mid-sized economy, ranked No. 57 in the world by GDP.
- Fast growth: GDP has grown by an average of 14.2% per year over 5 years.
- Landlocked, requiring multimodal solutions via neighboring countries.
Trade agreements with Vietnam
Vietnam and Ethiopia do not currently have a free trade agreement in force. Goods are subject to the importing country’s standard duty rates.
Shipping from Vietnam to Ethiopia
Ocean
18–28 days
from Cat Lai / Cai Mep, depending on destination port and transshipment
Air
2–5 days
from SGN / HAN, including handling time
Distance
7,528 km
straight-line distance
Transit times are indicative estimates, not commitments. Contact us for actual vessel and flight schedules.
Major seaports
Ethiopia is landlocked. Ocean cargo typically arrives at a port in a neighboring country and continues by road or rail.
Neighboring countries that can serve as gateways:
International airports
Ethiopia has 15 large and medium-sized airports. The main airports for cargo are:
| Airport | IATA | City |
|---|---|---|
| Addis Ababa Bole International Airport | ADD | Addis Ababa |
| Aba Tenna Dejazmach Yilma International Airport | DIR | Dire Dawa |
| Gerad Wilwal International Airport | JIJ | Jijiga |
| Hawassa International Airport | AWA | Hawassa |
| Arba Minch Airport | AMH | Arba Minch |
| Axum Airport | AXU | Axum |
Services for the Vietnam – Ethiopia lane
AIR FREIGHT
Air Freight
Weekly block space agreements and full charters for urgent, high-value cargo.
- Express
- Charter
- DG
- Pharma
ROAD & RAIL
Road & Rail Freight
Owned GPS-tracked fleet and Vietnam – China – Europe rail freight.
- FTL
- LTL
- Cross-border
- Rail
CONTRACT LOGISTICS
Warehousing & Distribution
International-standard distribution centers run on WMS and automated conveyor systems.
- Bonded
- Cold chain
- Fulfillment
CUSTOMS & TRADE
Customs & Trade Advisory
Licensed customs brokers and FTA specialists who optimize duty rates for FDI companies.
- VNACCS
- C/O
- EVFTA
- CPTPP
PROJECT CARGO
Project & Oversized Cargo
Route surveys, lashing plans and equipment transport for industrial and energy projects.
- OOG
- Heavy-lift
- Turnkey
Are you a logistics company in Ethiopia?
Join Global Logistic Group’s agent network to handle shipments from Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Frequently asked questions
How long does ocean freight from Vietnam to Ethiopia take?
Ethiopia is landlocked, so ocean cargo arrives at a neighboring country’s port and then moves inland. Total transit is usually around 18–28 days plus the road or rail leg.
Which airports handle international air cargo in Ethiopia?
International air cargo to Ethiopia mainly arrives via Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD), Aba Tenna Dejazmach Yilma International Airport (DIR), Gerad Wilwal International Airport (JIJ).
What trade agreements do Vietnam and Ethiopia have?
There is currently no free trade agreement in force between Vietnam and Ethiopia.
Other markets in East Africa
Sources: World Bank (GDP for 2023, population), NGA World Port Index, OurAirports, mledoze/countries. Figures are for reference only.