The total volume of cargo handled at Vietnam’s seaports in the first eight months of this year stood at 565.1 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 3 per cent, according to the Vietnam Maritime Administration (VMA).

In August alone, the volume was estimated at 62.7 million tons, including 2 million TEUs of container cargo.

Figures from VMA also show that the quantity of export cargo slightly declined while that of import cargo was on the rise.

During the eight-month period, export cargo stood at 132.7 million tons, down 1 per cent year-on-year, while import cargo rose 4 per cent year-on-year to reach 164.6 million tons.

Experts have warned that the reduction of trade value, resulting from continuous difficulties facing the world, will be a major challenge for the seaport network and the entire maritime industry.

Vietnam’s total trade value reached $436.44 billion in the first eight months, down 12.8 per cent year-on-year. Export revenue was estimated at $228.17 billion, down 9.8 per cent.