As global supply chains continue to shift away from traditional hubs, Southeast Asia — particularly Vietnam and Singapore — is seeing a rapid rebound in air-cargo demand. The implications for logistics operators and exporters using the Hanoi → Singapore route are significant. This article provides an updated overview of market dynamics, capacity pressures, and strategic considerations, based on the latest data and industry developments.
Recent data from global freight-market trackers shows that air-cargo demand from Asia-Pacific to the U.S. surged dramatically: in October 2025, tonnages from Southeast Asia increased by 40% year-on-year — the highest monthly jump of the year.
Even intra-Asia cargo, including routes within Southeast Asia, is seeing rising volumes. Spot rates have climbed: recent reports show average Asia-Pacific spot airfreight rates rising 4% week-on-week, reaching approximately USD 4.11/kg in mid-November 2025.
Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific remains among the fastest-growing global air-cargo regions: international cargo traffic from the region rose ~6.9% YoY in September 2025 — more than double the global average growth rate.
All these point to a robust recovery and sustained demand, even as global economic growth slows elsewhere.
As global manufacturing shifts production out of China, Southeast Asia — including Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore — is increasingly viewed as the new manufacturing and export hub for high-tech goods.
According to a recent high-level industry report, high-value electronics, semiconductors, and AI-related hardware from Southeast Asia are driving much of the current cargo demand.
This macro trend places nations like Vietnam — with manufacturing facilities in Hanoi, Bắc Ninh, Hải Phòng, etc. — in a favourable position for increased exports by air, especially when paired with a strategic hub like Singapore for onward distribution.
With the surge in demand, carriers and forwarders are cautioning about tightening capacity across Asia, Europe, and North America lanes.
For Southeast Asia in particular, experts note a growing “bottleneck effect”: major transit hubs — especially Singapore — are handling increased high-tech, e-commerce, and pharma traffic, leading to pressure on space allocation, higher spot rates, and potential delays.
In this context, the lanes between Vietnam and hub airports (like Singapore) merit attention — including the Hanoi → Singapore corridor.
Responding to shifting trade flows, global logistics providers are expanding their gateway networks across Southeast Asia. Notably, a major international forwarder recently announced significant investment to strengthen its air-freight gateways in Singapore and Bangkok, positioning these hubs to handle increased demand and global distribution.
This suggests that capacity, while tight now, may see gradual relief as network expansions take effect — but also signals rising competition among shippers to secure slots before capacity rebounds.
Given the above trends, the air-cargo lane from Hanoi (Vietnam) to Singapore is under changing dynamics. Key implications for exporters, forwarders, and logistics planners:
Higher demand and capacity pressure: Expect increased demand for cargo slots from Vietnam, especially for electronics, high-value goods, and e-commerce shipments. Booking early is critical.
Rate volatility: Spot rates are rising — and may continue to climb as demand peaks. Budgeting and planning need to factor in higher cost per kg.
Slot prioritization: Carriers may prioritize high-value, time-sensitive cargo — if your shipment is standard/general cargo, availability could be limited.
Need for flexible routing or consolidation: With congestion, consider consolidating shipments, using hub solutions or rerouting via alternate gateways when possible.
Strategic advantage for exporters with stable volume: If your company regularly exports, strong relationships with forwarders, early booking, and volume-based contracts may secure access and better rates.
Vietnam’s overall air-cargo market is rising rapidly. Official data shows that in the first 9 months of 2025, total air-cargo volume handled by Vietnamese carriers rose significantly compared with 2024.
Meanwhile, Southeast Asia’s logistics industry is adapting: new investments, expansion of gateway networks, and rising interest in high-value and specialized cargo (e.g. electronics, pharma) are reshaping traditional transit hubs.
For a country like Vietnam — with growing manufacturing output and rising export ambitions — leveraging this regional momentum could position Hanoi as a stronger origin for air-cargo flows, especially to hubs like Singapore for onward global distribution.
Based on the latest market environment, here are recommended strategies for businesses exporting from Hanoi to Singapore (or using Singapore as a transit hub):
| Strategy | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Book cargo space early (3–5 weeks ahead) | To avoid peak-season space shortages. |
| Prioritize high-value/time-sensitive cargo when possible | Carriers may give booking priority to electronics, semiconductors, pharma. |
| Negotiate for volume-commitment contracts | Regular volume helps secure slots and possibly better rates. |
| Use hub/gateway services at Singapore or other SEA gateways | For consolidation and onward distribution — helps overcome slot limitation. |
| Plan for rate volatility & budget accordingly | Rate increases in November 2025 signal need for cautious budgeting. |
| Maintain flexibility in routing and timing | Flexibility helps avoid delays if slots are limited. |
Market watchers expect the following developments in the months ahead:
Gateway expansions and increased capacity in Southeast Asia will gradually ease congestion — but demand may also continue rising.
Airlines and integrators may continue to favor high-value and specialized cargo (electronics, pharma), reinforcing slot pressure for general cargo.
With shifting global supply chains — away from China to Vietnam & Southeast Asia — demand for export air-cargo is expected to remain elevated.
Sustainability and green logistics initiatives may influence carrier and hub-airport policies, potentially affecting cost and capacity allocation.
The air-cargo landscape in Southeast Asia — especially along the Hanoi → Singapore axis. Is experiencing a strong surge as global trade flows realign. With rising demand, capacity constraints, and evolving hub dynamics. Now is a critical moment for exporters and logistics firms to re-evaluate their booking strategies, supply-chain resilience, and cost planning.
Those who act swiftly, secure slots early, and plan flexibly stand to benefit — while others may face rising costs or capacity challenges. As 2025 wraps up, the message for businesses is clear: adapt now, book smart, and leverage regional logistics shifts before the next wave of demand hits.
XEM THÊM
HIỂU RÕ CƠ CHẾ PHÂN LUỒNG HẢI QUAN: TỪ LUỒNG XANH ĐẾN LUỒNG ĐỎ