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Global Market · West Africa
Vietnam – Sierra Leone Logistics
Sierra Leone market information for importers and exporters: seaports, airports, economic size, trade preferences and growth potential.
Key facts
- Capital
- Freetown
- Region
- West Africa
- Population
- 8.8 million
- Area
- 71,740 km²
- Nominal GDP (2023)
- US$3.8 billion
- GDP per capita
- 432 USD
- GDP ranking
- No. 156 worldwide
- 5-year GDP growth
- -1.4%/year
- Currency
- SLL (SLL)
- Languages
- English
- Distance to Ho Chi Minh City
- 12,850 km
Economic size
In 2023, Sierra Leone’s nominal GDP reached US$3.8 billion, ranking No. 156 in the world, with GDP per capita of around US$432. Over the past 5 years, GDP in US dollar terms grew by an average of -1.4% per year.
Growth potential
- GDP in US dollar terms has fallen by an average of 1.4% per year over 5 years; watch for currency and purchasing power risks.
- Emerging market, best approached through local agents and LCL consolidation.
Trade agreements with Vietnam
Vietnam and Sierra Leone 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 Sierra Leone
Ocean
30–42 days
from Cat Lai / Cai Mep, depending on destination port and transshipment
Air
3–6 days
from SGN / HAN, including handling time
Distance
12,850 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 3 ports in Sierra Leone. The table below shows the main cargo ports.
| Port | UN/LOCODE | Size | Channel depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freetown | SLFNA | Small | 8 m |
| Pepel | SLPEP | Very small | 9 m |
| Bonthe | SLBTE | Very small | 3 m |
Port guides: Sierra Leone
International airports
Sierra Leone has 1 large and medium-sized airports. The main airports for cargo are:
| Airport | IATA | City |
|---|---|---|
| Lungi International Airport | FNA | Freetown (Lungi-Town) |
Services for the Vietnam – Sierra Leone 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 Sierra Leone?
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 Sierra Leone take?
Estimated ocean transit time is 30–42 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 Sierra Leone?
The main cargo ports in Sierra Leone include Freetown, Pepel, Bonthe.
Which airports handle international air cargo in Sierra Leone?
International air cargo to Sierra Leone mainly arrives via Lungi International Airport (FNA).
What trade agreements do Vietnam and Sierra Leone have?
There is currently no free trade agreement in force between Vietnam and Sierra Leone.
Other markets in West Africa
Sources: World Bank (GDP for 2023, population), NGA World Port Index, OurAirports, mledoze/countries. Figures are for reference only.