Exporters, importers struggle with higher shipping costs, strengthening dollar

The U.S. dollar is currently at VND25,350-25,590, up 1.9% since the beginning of the year and 8% from half a year ago.

Many importers are worried about the huge losses that come with the rising exchange rate.

The director of a seafood import company in HCMC estimated that every US$100,000 purchase now costs his firm VND70-100 million more than when the contract was signed.

He also noted that as the dong weakens against the dollar, inflation might rise and reduce consumers’ purchasing power, resulting in more difficulties for importers.

While the stronger dollar has led to higher revenues for exporters, those that need to import inputs for production are struggling with rising costs.

Steel producers, who import most of their feedstock, might encounter further challenges on top of the low domestic demand and dwindling exports, according to a spokesperson the Vietnam Steel Association (VSA).

Cashew exporters were also affected, but to a lesser extent since most orders only take five to seven days to fulfill, according to Tran Huu Hau, deputy general secretary of the Vietnam Cashew Association.

Than Duc Viet, CEO of garment firm Garco 10, said his firm might incur losses despite having enough orders to last until April.

"Exchange rate depreciation boosts the value of exports. But it also drives up the costs of imported raw materials and machinery and equipment."

Concurring with this, Pham Van Viet, CEO of garment firm VitaJean, said shipping costs are higher if exporters pay in dollars.

His firm’s shipping costs have gone up fourfold since the beginning of the year, he said.

An executive of the Vietnam Logistics Association said the dong’s depreciation against the dollar and the Red Sea tensions have doubled or tripled shipping rates from Vietnam to Europe and the U.S.’s East Coast.

To mitigate losses due to exchange rate fluctuations, businesses should resort to financial derivatives such as currency hedging, according to finance and banking analyst Nguyen Tri Hieu.

Should the exchange rate continue to fall, the State Bank of Vietnam should sell the dollar in the market and mop up the dong through treasury bills and bonds.

In the long term, businesses are considering cutting costs and becoming less dependent on imported raw materials and feedstock.

The VSA spokesperson said steelmakers are looking for local suppliers instead of relying on imports.

VitaJean is eyeing expansion into new foreign markets and cheaper sources of raw materials.

It might also raise prices for its autumn-winter garment collections.