Why Ho Chi Minh City Is Emerging as a Better Export Hub Than Mumbai?

ZJELL International Export Consulting | Global Trade Simplified

Chi Minh City or Mumbai Export. As the global trade landscape shifts, businesses are re-evaluating their export strategies—not just in terms of what to export, but where to base their export operations. While Mumbai has long been India's crown jewel for trade and finance, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is quickly becoming the preferred launchpad for ambitious exporters in Asia.

At ZJELL, our export consulting experts help clients identify cost-effective, scalable, and globally connected trade hubs.

Here’s why we recommend Ho Chi Minh City over Mumbai for building your export business:

1. Logistics Efficiency & Port Infrastructure

Mumbai’s JNPT is India’s largest container port, but it often suffers from port congestion and slower container turnaround.In contrast, Ho Chi Minh City's Cat Lai Port and Saigon New Port are known for:

• Faster customs clearance

• Lower logistics costs

• Modern port handling systems

This means fewer delays, reduced demurrage costs, and better supply chain predictability.

2. Lower Operational Costs

HCMC offers cheaper labor, warehousing, electricity, and compliance costs. Compared to Mumbai, exporters in Vietnam enjoy:

• 25–40% savings in operational expenditure

• Smoother industrial licensing processes

• Export-friendly tax and rebate policies

For cost-sensitive industries like textiles, furniture, and electronics, HCMC is a clear winner.

3. Better Global Market Access via FTAs

Vietnam has signed some of the world’s most powerful Free Trade Agreements, including:

• EVFTA (EU–Vietnam)

• RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership)

• CPTPP (11-nation trans-Pacific agreement)

This gives Vietnamese exporters duty-free or low-tariff access to over 50 countries. India, meanwhile, has fewer effective FTAs in comparison.

4. Ease of Doing Business

Vietnam ranks significantly higher in World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business report.HCMC offers:

• Transparent business registration

• Export-oriented industrial parks (EPZs & SEZs)

• Fewer regulatory bottlenecks

Mumbai, while improving, still grapples with bureaucratic delays and infrastructure overload.

5. Strategic Location in Global Supply Chains

Vietnam is a central player in the “China+1” strategy, where global buyers diversify away from China.This positions HCMC as a favored low-cost manufacturing and re-export base for:

• US

• Europe

• Japan

• ASEAN countries

Mumbai lacks this strategic advantage and is more India-centric in trade flow.

ZJELL Can Help You Build in Chi Minh City and Mumbai Export

With local partners and trade specialists in both India and Southeast Asia, ZJELL Export Consulting provides:

• Vietnam company registration support

• Customs & compliance advisory

• Sourcing and buyer connections

• Market feasibility reports

• Logistics optimization

While Mumbai will always be a legacy hub for Indian exporters, Ho Chi Minh City offers faster, cheaper, and globally connected trade opportunities. For new-age exporters looking to grow beyond borders, Vietnam is not just an alternative—it’s an upgrade.

Ready to scale your exports from Southeast Asia?

Let ZJELL help you build your base in Ho Chi Minh City.

📞 Contact our Export Consultant or write us at info@zjell.com