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Global Market · Southern Africa
Vietnam – South Africa Logistics
South Africa market information for importers and exporters: seaports, airports, economic size, trade preferences and growth potential.
Key facts
- Capital
- Pretoria
- Region
- Southern Africa
- Population
- 65 million
- Area
- 1,221,037 km²
- Nominal GDP (2023)
- US$378 billion
- GDP per capita
- 5,835 USD
- GDP ranking
- No. 39 worldwide
- 5-year GDP growth
- -1.4%/year
- Currency
- ZAR (ZAR)
- Languages
- Afrikaans, English, South Ndebele, Northern Sotho
- Distance to Ho Chi Minh City
- 9,890 km
Economic size
In 2023, South Africa’s nominal GDP reached US$378 billion, ranking No. 39 in the world, with GDP per capita of around US$5,835. Over the past 5 years, GDP in US dollar terms grew by an average of -1.4% per year.
Growth potential
- Mid-sized economy, ranked No. 39 in the world by GDP.
- 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.
Trade agreements with Vietnam
Vietnam and South Africa 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 South Africa
Ocean
20–30 days
from Cat Lai / Cai Mep, depending on destination port and transshipment
Air
3–5 days
from SGN / HAN, including handling time
Distance
9,890 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 8 ports in South Africa. The table below shows the main cargo ports.
| Port | UN/LOCODE | Size | Channel depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durban | ZADUR | Large | 11 m |
| Cape Town | ZACPT | Large | 16 m |
| Saldanha Bay | ZASDB | Medium | 23 m |
| Richards Bay | ZARCB | Medium | 19 m |
| Port Elizabeth | ZAPLZ | Medium | 11 m |
| Mossel Bay | ZAMZY | Medium | 8 m |
Port guides: South Africa
International airports
South Africa has 22 large and medium-sized airports. The main airports for cargo are:
| Airport | IATA | City |
|---|---|---|
| O.R. Tambo International Airport | JNB | Johannesburg |
| Bram Fischer International Airport | BFN | Bloemfontein |
| Cape Town International Airport | CPT | Cape Town |
| Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport | MQP | Mbombela |
| Lanseria International Airport | HLA | Johannesburg |
| King Shaka International Airport | DUR | Durban |
Services for the Vietnam – South Africa 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 South Africa?
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 South Africa take?
Estimated ocean transit time is 20–30 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 South Africa?
The main cargo ports in South Africa include Durban, Cape Town, Saldanha Bay, Richards Bay.
Which airports handle international air cargo in South Africa?
International air cargo to South Africa mainly arrives via O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), Bram Fischer International Airport (BFN), Cape Town International Airport (CPT).
What trade agreements do Vietnam and South Africa have?
There is currently no free trade agreement in force between Vietnam and South Africa.
Sources: World Bank (GDP for 2023, population), NGA World Port Index, OurAirports, mledoze/countries. Figures are for reference only.