Rising Issues of Detained Vietnamese Cargo Trucks in China, Despite Booming Export Opportunities in Agricultural Products

Since last year, over 100 Vietnamese cargo trucks have been stored in China due to contract disputes and substandard goods preservation. The Lao Cai Economic Zone Management Board has issued a warning to provincial business associations about the rising number of detained Vietnamese vehicles in Hekou, China. The reason behind this is that the drivers failed to preserve the goods properly, leading to damage and disputes over compensation and contract implementation. Despite efforts to resolve the issue, no progress has been made so far.

To create a healthy business environment, the management board advises Vietnamese and Chinese businesses to establish clear terms and records in contracts. Additionally, Vietnamese businesses are urged to improve the quality of their exported goods to maintain their reputation.

There has been a significant increase in the value of goods traded through the Lao Cai international border gate in 2023 compared to the previous year. The import of Vietnamese agricultural products by China has increased, with exports doubling in the first three months of this year, especially for products like durian. The export turnover is expected to continue increasing with the official export of frozen coconuts and durians, potentially reaching 4.5 billion USD.

In conclusion, Vietnam is actively working to resolve issues related to detained cargo trucks in China while also focusing on expanding export opportunities for agricultural products through the Lao Cai border gate. Success depends on clear contractual agreements, improved product quality, and continued efforts to enhance trade relations between Vietnam and China.