Vietnam – Nicaragua Logistics: Ports, Airports, Economy

Key facts

Capital: Managua
Region: Central America
Population: 7.0 million
Area: 130,373 km²
Nominal GDP (2023): US$18 billion
GDP per capita: 2,544 USD
GDP ranking: No. 124 worldwide
5-year GDP growth: 6.5%/year
Currency: NIO (NIO)
Languages: Spanish
Distance to Ho Chi Minh City: 17,073 km

Economic size

In 2023, Nicaragua’s nominal GDP reached US$18 billion, ranking No. 124 in the world, with GDP per capita of around US$2,544. Over the past 5 years, GDP in US dollar terms grew by an average of 6.5% per year.

Nominal GDP 2012–2023, US$ billion

Growth potential

Fast growth: GDP has grown by an average of 6.5% per year over 5 years.
Emerging market, best approached through local agents and LCL consolidation.

Trade agreements with Vietnam

Vietnam and Nicaragua do not currently have a free trade agreement in force. Goods are subject to the importing country’s standard duty rates.

Free trade agreements of Nicaragua →

Shipping from Vietnam to Nicaragua

Ocean

28–38 days

from Cat Lai / Cai Mep, depending on destination port and transshipment

Air

3–5 days

from SGN / HAN, including handling time

Distance

17,073 km

straight-line distance

Transit times are indicative estimates, not commitments. Contact us for actual vessel and flight schedules.

Major seaports

The World Port Index lists 5 ports in Nicaragua. The table below shows the main cargo ports.

Port	UN/LOCODE	Size	Channel depth
Corinto	NICIO	Small	13 m
Puerto Cabezas	NIPUZ	Very small	10 m
Puerto Sandino	NIPSN	Very small	9 m
El Bluff	NIELB	Very small	3 m

Port guides: Nicaragua

Nicaragua: all 5 seaports →

International airports

Nicaragua has 3 large and medium-sized airports. The main airports for cargo are:

Airport	IATA	City
Augusto C. Sandino (Managua) International Airport	MGA	Managua
Bluefields Airport	BEF	Bluefields
Puerto Cabezas Airport	PUZ	Puerto Cabezas

International airports in Nicaragua →

Services for the Vietnam – Nicaragua lane

SEA FREIGHT

Ocean Freight

Long-term contracts with 20 leading carriers secure space even in peak season.

FCL
LCL
Reefer
Break-bulk

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 Nicaragua?

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Frequently asked questions

How long does ocean freight from Vietnam to Nicaragua take?

Estimated ocean transit time is 28–38 days, depending on the origin and destination ports, carrier and number of transshipments. Global Logistic Group provides exact sailing schedules with every quote.

What are the main seaports in Nicaragua?

The main cargo ports in Nicaragua include Corinto, Puerto Cabezas, Puerto Sandino, El Bluff.

Which airports handle international air cargo in Nicaragua?

International air cargo to Nicaragua mainly arrives via Augusto C. Sandino (Managua) International Airport (MGA), Bluefields Airport (BEF), Puerto Cabezas Airport (PUZ).

What trade agreements do Vietnam and Nicaragua have?

There is currently no free trade agreement in force between Vietnam and Nicaragua.

Neighboring countries

Other markets in Central America

Sources: World Bank (GDP for 2023, population), NGA World Port Index, OurAirports, mledoze/countries. Figures are for reference only.