## Company Profile GOLDEN OSPREYS LOGISTICS CO.,LTD (Golospreys) — freight forwarder based in Vietnam. Listed website (http://www.golospreys.com) and contact Helen Minh Hang (Director). Public company-specific data scarce; based on category and contact role, likely a small–mid sized forwarder operating export services from southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City/Cai Mep/Cat Lai trade lanes). Core services likely: ocean and air forwarding, export customs clearance, documentation support (COO/FTA paperwork), consolidation/LCL, door‑to‑door shipments, and warehousing/short‑term storage. Clients are primarily agri/food exporters (rice, coffee, seafood, fruit) and manufacturers seeking competitive ocean/air freight and customs expertise to China, EU and US markets. ## Pain Points 1) Capacity & rate volatility for agri/food exports: 2026 shows spot volatility (transpacific spikes after April geopolitical events, rising bunker/risk surcharges) and continued blank sailings — forwarders must secure space and manage short notice surcharges for rice, seafood and fruit exporters. 2) Compliance & documentation friction: new customs circulars (Circular 121/2025 effective Feb 2026), Decree 37 labelling rules, tighter SPS/traceability (China/EU) and more electronic documentation raise the risk of delayed exports and rejected shipments for clients if paperwork or origin claims are incorrect. 3) Port choice & inland logistics pressure: rising throughput at Cai Mep (Gemalink expansion) vs congestion and cost tradeoffs at Cat Lai create tactical decisions for exporters; forwarders need to advise on cheaper Cai Mep direct mainline options vs faster Cat Lai gateway for HCMC clients. ## Intel Summary === MULTI-DIMENSION RESEARCH === === 1. [MARKET EVENTS] – VIETNAM EXPORT TRADE FLOWS 2026 (RICE, COFFEE, SEAFOOD, SHRIMP, PANGASIUS, FRUIT) === **Rice exports and trade flows (early 2026)** - Jan–mid‑Feb 2026: Vietnam exported about **1.13 million tonnes of rice**, worth **US$528.9 million**, up **39.9% in volume** and **15.1% in value** vs. same period 2025, indicating strong volume growth but weaker prices. ([vnbis.com](https://vnbis.com/news/vietnam-rice-exports-in-early-2026-345/?utm_source=openai)) - January 2026 alone: **651,400–651,430 tonnes**, ~**US$309.9 million**, **+19% in volume YoY**, but export value down **~4.6%** due to lower prices. ([vnbis.com](https://vnbis.com/news/vietnam-rice-exports-in-early-2026-345/?utm_source=openai)) - January–February 2026 average export price around **US$464–466/ton**, down **15–18% YoY**, reflecting global oversupply and softer prices. ([vnbis.com](https://vnbis.com/news/vietnam-rice-exports-in-early-2026-345/?utm_source=openai)) - Market concentration: - **Philippines** largest buyer: **~47–51%** of volume/value in Jan–Feb 2026. ([vietnamnet.vn](https://vietnamnet.vn/en/rice-exports-up-5-in-volume-in-first-two-months-of-2026-2495791.html?utm_source=openai)) - **China** share rising sharply; rice exports to China were **5.8× higher YoY** among top 15 markets in early 2026, with China taking about **18%** of Jan 2026 volume. ([vietnamnet.vn](https://vietnamnet.vn/en/rice-exports-up-5-in-volume-in-first-two-months-of-2026-2495791.html?utm_source=openai)) - Domestic supply: Mekong Delta had sown **1.266 million ha** in the 2025–26 winter–spring crop; expected paddy output about **1.65 million tonnes**, supporting export availability and downward pressure on prices. ([vnbis.com](https://vnbis.com/news/vietnam-rice-exports-in-early-2026-345/?utm_source=openai)) **Implications for demand/buyers** - 2026 rice flows are **tilted to Asia**, especially **Philippines and China**, with relatively smaller but stable demand from **Africa and the Middle East**. China’s demand rebound is a key upside risk for volumes but increases buyer concentration risk. ([vietnamnet.vn](https://vietnamnet.vn/en/rice-exports-up-5-in-volume-in-first-two-months-of-2026-2495791.html?utm_source=openai)) --- **Coffee exports and market signals (late 2025–Q1 2026)** - Full‑year 2025 baseline: ~**1.59 million tonnes** exported, nearly **US$8.9–9.0 billion** in value, **+18.3% volume** and **+~59% value** YoY, driven by high Robusta prices and more processed coffee. Robusta accounted for about **US$6.59 billion (73.8%)** of value in 2025. ([vietnamnet.vn](https://vietnamnet.vn/en/deep-processing-lifts-vietnam-s-coffee-close-to-us-9-billion-2492047.html?utm_source=openai)) - 2026 monthly customs signals (prelim Customs data): - **Jan 2026** coffee exports: **US$1.081 billion**, +**14.1% MoM** vs December. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/the_shiv_vn/comments/1risaj6/vietnam_coffee_exports_up_1406_in_january_2026/?utm_source=openai)) - **Feb 2026**: value reportedly around **US$672 million**, then **Mar 2026** **US$990 million**, +**47.5% MoM**; sharp rebound suggests strong shipping after Lunar New Year and robust European/US buying. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/the_shiv_vn/comments/1ssh0yu/vietnam_coffee_exports_up_4745_mom_in_march_2026/?utm_source=openai)) - Buyers: - EU remains the largest regional buyer, particularly **Germany and Spain** (large growth in Jan 2026: Germany +4.95%, Spain +53.3% YoY by value). ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/the_shiv_vn/comments/1risaj6/vietnam_coffee_exports_up_1406_in_january_2026/?utm_source=openai)) - The US is still a top destination with strong growth in Mar 2026 (US-bound value +**~90.7%** MoM). ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/the_shiv_vn/comments/1ssh0yu/vietnam_coffee_exports_up_4745_mom_in_march_2026/?utm_source=openai)) - Price trend: Industry analysis indicates **peak coffee prices in 2025** with some easing in early 2026 as global supply improves; outlook for 2026 is **slightly lower prices YoY** but still historically high, with demand in EU and US sensitive to macro conditions. ([vietnamcoffeemarket.com](https://vietnamcoffeemarket.com/vietnam-coffee-market-2026-prices-ease-exports-soar-outlook-hinges-on-global-trends/?utm_source=openai)) **Implications** - Vietnam maintains its role as **world’s leading Robusta supplier** with growing processed/instant coffee exports benefiting from FTAs (EVFTA, CPTPP), particularly to EU. ([vietnamnet.vn](https://vietnamnet.vn/en/deep-processing-lifts-vietnam-s-coffee-close-to-us-9-billion-2492047.html?utm_source=openai)) --- **Seafood exports overall (including shrimp & pangasius)** - January 2026: Vietnam’s seafood export turnover about **US$874 million**, **+13% YoY**, according to VASEP. Shrimp, pangasius, tuna, and cephalopods are main contributors. ([wtocenter.vn](https://wtocenter.vn/tin-tuc/29593-seafood-exports-post-13-growth-in-early-2026?utm_source=openai)) - Shrimp: - First two months of 2026 shrimp exports around **US$690 million**, **+20% YoY**; February alone ~**US$310 million**, +**17% YoY**. ([english.vov.vn](https://english.vov.vn/en/economy/lobster-leads-surge-in-vietnams-early-2026-seafood-exports-post1276888.vov?utm_source=openai)) - Within shrimp, **lobster** is a standout: **US$259 million** in early 2026, up **65% YoY**, reflecting strong Chinese demand for high‑value live lobster. ([english.vov.vn](https://english.vov.vn/en/economy/lobster-leads-surge-in-vietnams-early-2026-seafood-exports-post1276888.vov?utm_source=openai)) - Key buyers: **US, EU, Japan, China**; Japan particularly stable for processed shrimp. ([wtocenter.vn](https://wtocenter.vn/tin-tuc/29593-seafood-exports-post-13-growth-in-early-2026?utm_source=openai)) - Pangasius: - **January 2026** pangasius exports ~**US$212 million**, **+59% YoY**, suggesting a strong recovery from the downturn of 2023–24. ([vietfishmagazine.com](https://vietfishmagazine.com/markets/vietnams-pangasius-tuna-exports-pick-up-in-early-2026.html?utm_source=openai)) - Main markets: **China/Hong Kong, US, EU, Middle East, Brazil, Mexico**; China and Middle East are driving volume; US/EU more constrained by tariffs and technical standards but improving. ([vietfishmagazine.com](https://vietfishmagazine.com/markets/vietnams-pangasius-tuna-exports-pick-up-in-early-2026.html?utm_source=openai)) - Sector outlook 2026: Vietfish Magazine and VASEP commentary indicate a **conservative total seafood export target of ~US$11.5 billion** for 2026, leveraging upgraded farming systems (RAS, shrimp‑mangrove) and a push into value‑added products. ([vietfishmagazine.com](https://vietfishmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Vietfish-Magazine-Jan-Feb-2026-Edition-27.pdf?utm_source=openai)) --- **Fruit and vegetable exports (fresh and processed)** - Government / industry data: - First two months of 2026: fruit and veg exports about **US$996 million**, **+45% YoY**; **China** is dominant with **US$538 million** (~54% of total). ([fructidor.com](https://fructidor.com/news/news-detail/4c3b0426-e32d-4371-b2cd-6bfebd9cae7b?utm_source=openai)) - Q1 2026: export value reported at **US$1.527 billion**, **+31.4% YoY**; China and EU highlighted as main growth drivers. ([baonghean.vn](https://baonghean.vn/en/xuat-khau-rau-qua-dat-1527-ty-usd-trong-quy-i2026-tang-truong-manh-314-10336454.html?utm_source=openai)) - Monthly customs data signals (prelim): - **Jan 2026**: US$**644 million**, down **18.8% MoM** vs Dec, China –28.1%, US +4.2%. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/the_shiv_vn/comments/1rbf3p9/vietnam_fruit_and_vegetable_exports_down_1881_in/?utm_source=openai)) - **Feb 2026**: US$**351 million**, **–45.5% MoM**; China –56.8%, US –36.2% – seasonal off‑peak plus shipping timing. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/the_shiv_vn/comments/1s3a2q3/vietnam_fruits_and_vegetables_exports_down_4551/?utm_source=openai)) - **Mar 2026**: US$**532 million**, **+51.6% MoM**; China +48.4%, US +63.3% – sharp rebound as new harvests and orders load. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/the_shiv_vn/comments/1subccf/vietnam_fruits_and_vegetables_exports_up_5156/?utm_source=openai)) - Product and market structure: - Key products: **durian, dragon fruit, bananas, jackfruit, passion fruit, longan, mango**, plus processed fruit and juices. - Durian especially is a **billion‑dollar** export where **90–95% of 2023 exports went to China**; 2026 policy debate emphasizes diversification to reduce China dependence amid tightening technical requirements. ([insights.tridge.com](https://insights.tridge.com/product-monthly-update-market-insights/milled-rice/2026-01?utm_source=openai)) - 2026 target: Vietnam has set a **US$10 billion export target for fruit and vegetables in 2026**, almost doubling from recent levels, implying continued aggressive expansion toward China, plus more EU/US‑oriented processed products under EVFTA/CPTPP preferences. ([fructidor.com](https://fructidor.com/news/news-detail/4c3b0426-e32d-4371-b2cd-6bfebd9cae7b?utm_source=openai)) **Summary of 2026 demand/buyer trends** - **China, EU, US**: - **China**: - Dominant for **fruit (especially durian)** and a rapidly growing market for **rice and pangasius**, plus live/processed seafood like lobster and shrimp. ([vietnamnet.vn](https://vietnamnet.vn/en/rice-exports-up-5-in-volume-in-first-two-months-of-2026-2495791.html?utm_source=openai)) - **EU**: - Major buyer of **coffee**, **processed shrimp and cephalopods**, and increasingly **processed fruit/veg** under EVFTA tariff preferences. ([vietnamnet.vn](https://vietnamnet.vn/en/deep-processing-lifts-vietnam-s-coffee-close-to-us-9-billion-2492047.html?utm_source=openai)) - **US**: - Key for **coffee, shrimp, pangasius, cashews and some fruit**; strong March 2026 growth in coffee and cashews signals healthy US food manufacturing/roasting demand. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/the_shiv_vn/comments/1ssh0yu/vietnam_coffee_exports_up_4745_mom_in_march_2026/?utm_source=openai)) **Sources (MARKET EVENTS)**: ([vnbis.com](https://vnbis.com/news/vietnam-rice-exports-in-early-2026-345/?utm_source=openai)) --- === 2. [DEMAND SIGNALS] – CONTAINER FREIGHT RATES & LOGISTICS (VIETNAM, 2026) === **Macro freight rate environment, early–mid 2026** - Global container shipping is in a situation of **structural overcapacity** in 2026 (newbuild deliveries ~**2.1–2.4 million TEU**), with carriers relying on **capacity controls and blank sailings** to support rates. ([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/news-research/latest-news/shipping/010926-containers-quarterly-asia-europe-enters-2026-with-seasonal-firmness-structural-uncertainty?utm_source=openai)) - Asia–Europe & Asia–US spot rates: - Early Jan 2026: Asia–Europe spot rates around **US$3,000/FEU** to N. Europe; Asia–Mediterranean closer to **US$4,800–4,900/FEU**, elevated vs late‑2025 lows due to pre‑Lunar New Year demand and GRIs. ([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/news-research/latest-news/shipping/010926-containers-quarterly-asia-europe-enters-2026-with-seasonal-firmness-structural-uncertainty?utm_source=openai)) - Early Feb 2026: rates from Asia fell **5–9% WoW**, with further declines in February as weak pre‑LNY demand met large new capacity. Asia–US West Coast rates slipped to **~US$1,900/FEU**, returning to early‑December levels. ([trasportoeuropa.it](https://www.trasportoeuropa.it/english/container-freight-rates-from-asia-continue-to-fall-in-february-2026/?utm_source=openai)) - March–April 2026: geopolitical shocks (war in Iran; higher fuel costs) led to **rate re‑firming**, especially on transpacific: - Transpacific West Coast rates rose about **US$700/FEU (≈40%)** vs pre‑war levels, to **>US$2,400/FEU**; Asia–Europe up **~US$500/FEU** to ~**US$2,900/FEU**. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/zim/comments/1sf3znx/freightos_weekly_update_april_7_2026_excerpts/?utm_source=openai)) - Early May 2026: Drewry WCI at **US$2,286/FEU**, up 3% WoW, with increases driven mainly by Asia–US and Asia–Europe lanes; carriers implemented extra fuel surcharges and emergency fees (e.g., MSC EFS hikes, CMA CGM PSS). ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/zim/comments/1t6bg7e/drewry_world_container_index_excerpt_the_drewry/?utm_source=openai)) - May 12, 2026 update: Asia–US West Coast FBX **up 4%** WoW; East Coast **up 1%**; transpacific rates are roughly **US$1,000/FEU higher** than before the Iran war, while Asia–Europe is near pre‑war levels after a brief spike. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/zim/comments/1tb7l24/freightos_weekly_update_may_12_2026_excerpts/?utm_source=openai)) **Vietnam‑related freight rate benchmarks (2026)** - Generic FCL pricing guide (Q2 2026): - Asia (incl. Vietnam/China) → US West Coast: **US$2,000–3,800 per 40'** depending on origin and line. ([suaidglobal.com](https://suaidglobal.com/insights/fcl-container-rates-2026/?utm_source=openai)) - Asia → Europe: trend toward **US$1,500–2,000/FEU** through H2 2026 if current moderation continues, but subject to fuel/war surcharges. ([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/news-research/latest-news/shipping/010926-containers-quarterly-asia-europe-enters-2026-with-seasonal-firmness-structural-uncertainty?utm_source=openai)) - For Vietnamese shippers (Cat Lai/Cai Mep): practical effect is **higher bunker and risk surcharges**, but base FAK rates are still far below 2021–22 crisis peaks and in the range where **long‑term contracts can often be locked in below spot** for stable volumes. ([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/news-research/latest-news/shipping/010926-containers-quarterly-asia-europe-enters-2026-with-seasonal-firmness-structural-uncertainty?utm_source=openai)) **Capacity, blank sailings, and service patterns affecting Vietnam** - Global: 2026 is characterized by **persistent blank sailings** and **service reshuffling** on Asia–Europe and Asia–US lanes as carriers try to absorb excess tonnage. This is a key variable for exporters using Vietnam’s deep‑sea ports, even when demand is soft. ([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/news-research/latest-news/shipping/010926-containers-quarterly-asia-europe-enters-2026-with-seasonal-firmness-structural-uncertainty?utm_source=openai)) - Vietnam’s port throughput and connectivity: - **Cai Mep–Thi Vai** cluster: - Early 2026 container throughput: about **1.31 million TEU**, up **>18% YoY**; mainline route throughput in January 2026 ~**711,429 TEU**, +**9% YoY**, reflecting more direct Asia–Europe and transpacific calls. ([en.sggp.org.vn](https://en.sggp.org.vn/cai-mep-port-cluster-records-growth-of-over-18-percent-year-on-year-post124577.html?utm_source=openai)) - Listed among the **world’s top 10 most efficient container ports** (World Bank assessment), and is expanding via **Gemalink phase 2**, anchoring more mainline services. ([en.sggp.org.vn](https://en.sggp.org.vn/construction-of-gemalink-deep-water-port-started-post125540.html?utm_source=openai)) - **Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City)**: - Planned to handle **1.6 million tonnes of cargo over Tet 2026**, with dedicated intra‑Asia/India services (e.g., route Cat Lai–Laem Chabang–Singapore–Port Klang–Chennai–Vizag) indicating strong feeder connectivity into long‑haul networks. ([english.thesaigontimes.vn](https://english.thesaigontimes.vn/cat-lai-port-to-handle-1-6-million-tons-of-cargo-over-tet/?utm_source=openai)) - Studies for JICA and Vietnam’s port planning note **growing congestion risks at Cat Lai** and the need to shift some export flows to Cai Mep/Can Gio as trade grows. Inland trucking costs from industrial parks show Cat Lai is cost‑advantaged for HCMC/Binh Duong, while Cai Mep is cheaper for Ba Ria–Vung Tau clusters, influencing shippers’ port choice for exports. ([vietnamnet.vn](https://vietnamnet.vn/en/integrated-port-planning-needs-new-vision-2024420.html?utm_source=openai)) - A 2025–26 securities report estimates container handling costs at Cai Mep–Can Gio area **~54% lower for import/export containers** and **~40% lower for international transshipment** than Singapore, supporting Vietnam’s competitiveness as a regional hub. ([gtjai.com.vn](https://gtjai.com.vn/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/EN-GTJASVN_Sector-Report_Port-Maritime-Transport_Positive_21.3.2025_Eng-ver.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Port congestion and reliability** - Real‑time congestion trackers (e.g., Portcast) for **Cai Mep** in Feb 2026 show modest waiting times, generally within normal ranges; no systemic congestion comparable to 2021–22. ([portcast.io](https://www.portcast.io/de/port-congestion/cai-mep?utm_source=openai)) - However, multiple analyses warn that **lack of dedicated barge wharves and inland waterway connectivity to Cat Lai** may create congestion as volumes rise; this is driving policy to expand Cai Mep deep‑sea capacity and inland depots. ([vietnamnet.vn](https://vietnamnet.vn/en/integrated-port-planning-needs-new-vision-2024420.html?utm_source=openai)) **Spot vs contract trends for Vietnam exporters (Asia–Europe, Asia–USWC)** - S&P Global and shipping analysts describe **mixed signals** in early 2026: - Spot rates are **volatile and sensitive** to geopolitical shocks and GRIs. - Annual contract levels for 2026 are being negotiated at **discounts to spot** but above 2019 levels, reflecting structural cost increases and risk premiums. ([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/news-research/latest-news/shipping/010926-containers-quarterly-asia-europe-enters-2026-with-seasonal-firmness-structural-uncertainty?utm_source=openai)) - For exporters out of **Ho Chi Minh/Cai Mep**: - Transpacific contracts to USWC in Q2 2026 commonly in the **US$1,800–2,500/FEU** corridor for stable volumes, vs higher and more volatile spot levels; Asia–Europe contracts leaning toward **US$1,400–1,800/FEU**, subject to bunker and risk surcharges. (Inference based on global contract/spot gaps reported, not Vietnam‑specific rate sheets.) ([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/news-research/latest-news/shipping/010926-containers-quarterly-asia-europe-enters-2026-with-seasonal-firmness-structural-uncertainty?utm_source=openai)) **Key demand signals for Vietnam’s agri/food exporters** - **Space availability**: Despite new capacity, war‑related diversions and carriers’ capacity management mean **space can tighten temporarily**, especially out of Southern China and Southeast Asia; some carriers require shippers to **ship a portion at full FAK** to access discounted contract slots. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/FreightRight/comments/1sm7dvh/space_tightens_on_chinaus_routes_despite_weak/?utm_source=openai)) - **Cost structure for US/EU buyers**: - All‑in cost per FEU from Vietnam to USWC remains **well below pandemic peaks**, supporting continued sourcing from Vietnam for bulky agri‑food (rice, coffee, cashews, seafood). But elevated fuel & risk surcharges add volatility to landed cost projections. ([suaidglobal.com](https://suaidglobal.com/insights/fcl-container-rates-2026/?utm_source=openai)) - **Infrastructure trajectory**: - Ongoing expansion at **Gemalink / Cai Mep** and planning of **Can Gio international transshipment port** point to **rising long‑term capacity**, suggesting Vietnam will continue to attract direct mainline calls for Asia–Europe and Asia–USWC, improving schedule reliability and transit times for exporters. ([en.sggp.org.vn](https://en.sggp.org.vn/construction-of-gemalink-deep-water-port-started-post125540.html?utm_source=openai)) **Sources (DEMAND SIGNALS)**: ([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/news-research/latest-news/shipping/010926-containers-quarterly-asia-europe-enters-2026-with-seasonal-firmness-structural-uncertainty?utm_source=openai)) --- === 3. [PROBLEM FRAMING] – EXPORT REGULATIONS, PHYTOSANITARY, EVFTA/“AVFTA”, AND DOCUMENTATION CHALLENGES (VIETNAM, 2026) === **Customs and export procedure changes in 2026** - **Circular 121/2025/TT‑BTC** (Ministry of Finance) – effective **1 February 2026**: - Amends rules on **customs procedures, inspection/supervision, export–import duties, and tax administration**. - Aims to **unify legal documents, align with international treaties**, and support the rollout of **“smart customs” and digital customs** through 2030. ([kpmg.com](https://kpmg.com/us/en/taxnewsflash/news/2026/01/vietnam-guidance-customs-procedures-tax-administration-import-export.html?utm_source=openai)) - Key documentation change for exporters (Feb 2026): - Customs dossiers for exported goods still require **customs declaration, commercial invoice (or equivalent), export license if required, and specialized inspection certificates**. - However, if **commercial invoices are issued electronically** under Decree 123/2020 (amended by Decree 70/2025) **before the customs declaration**, exporters **no longer need to submit the e‑invoice to customs**; data is retrieved from tax systems. ([lixinvn.com](https://lixinvn.com/en/news/quy-dinh-moi-ho-so-hai-quan-hang-hoa-xuat-khau-02-2026?utm_source=openai)) - Additional regulatory updates: - **Circular 06/2026/TT‑BTC** (effective **1 March 2026**) tightens **customs IP enforcement** but also **digitalizes documentation** (acceptance of more electronic documents, streamlined processes); relevant mainly for branded packaged food exports to prevent IP infringements. ([bakermckenzie.com](https://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/insight/publications/2026/02/vietnam-new-circular-enhances-customs-ip-enforcement?utm_source=openai)) - **Decree 37/2026/ND‑CP** on **labelling** (March 2026): clarifies that if full name/address are not on original label, these details must be on **shipment documents** (packing list/invoice/shipping docs), raising documentation scrutiny for exporters’ labelling compliance. ([ey.com](https://www.ey.com/en_vn/technical/tax/tax-and-law-updates/updated-labelling-requirements-under-decree-37-2026-nd-cp?utm_source=openai)) - May 7, 2026: customs authority announces **cutting six administrative procedures** directly linked to import–export, simplifying tax exemption procedures and removing overlapping document demands, with the explicit goal of **easing trade bottlenecks**. ([vietnamnews.vn](https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/1780851/customs-cut-procedures-to-ease-trade-bottlenecks.html?utm_source=openai)) **Phytosanitary & technical requirements – focus on EU and China** - **EU (EVFTA context)**: - EVFTA has been in force since **1 August 2020** and by 2026 provides **0–5% tariffs** for many Vietnamese agri‑food products (coffee, seafood, fruit, rice under quotas), conditional on **rules of origin** and **SPS/technical** compliance. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Union%E2%80%93Vietnam_Free_Trade_Agreement?utm_source=openai)) - Exporters must meet **EU phytosanitary rules**, including **residue limits (MRLs), pest freedom, and traceability**; for fruit/vegetables this often requires **approved packhouses and treatment protocols**. Increased EU border rejections in recent years have pushed Vietnam’s regulators to stress pre‑export testing and Good Agricultural Practices. (This is an inference drawn from regulatory tightening trends and EU SPS framework.) ([testcoo.com](https://www.testcoo.com/en/blog/vietnam-rsl-compliance-guide?utm_source=openai)) **Sources (PROBLEM FRAMING)**: ([kpmg.com](https://kpmg.com/us/en/taxnewsflash/news/2026/01/vietnam-guidance-customs-procedures-tax-administration-import-export.html?utm_source=openai))