News
Imports to Vietnam of plastic, paper and other wastes have been increasing since late 2017, as the nation is now acting as an alternative China, which has begun controlling solid waste imports. As a consequence, a growing volume of cargo has been left unprocessed at Cat Lai Port in southern Vietnam and other ports, generating severe port congestions. South Korean carrier Sinokor Merchant Marine Co., Ltd. recently announced it will discontinue on June 10 to accept waste plastic bound for Cat Lai Port.
According to local media reports, there were 8,050 TEUs of containers left at Cat Lai Port from late April to early May, although delays in customs formalities on national holidays were another major underlying factor. Waste plastic and paper accounted for 5,234 TEUs. Containers left unprocessed for 90 days or even longer totaled 2,816 TEUs.
As such, Ho Chi Minh Customs, exporters and importers, port and harbor operators and other parties held a meeting earlier this month to discuss measures to ease the ongoing cargo stagnation. They have agreed to take actions including confirmation of licenses for importing scraps, relocation of containers that have remained for 30 day or longer to Hiep Phuoc Port at the expense of importers.
However, as containers bound for Ho Chi Minh City are stagnant at Cai Mep and Hiep Phuoc now, it is projected the ongoing situation will persist for a while.
