Let’s get straight to the point.
According to our market analysis, prices for One-Trip, IICL, and Cargo Worthy (CW) shipping containers in Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City are expected to increase by 10–15% by the end of 2026. The only categories that may experience price declines are AI (As Is) and WWT (Wind & Water Tight) containers.
Below, we explain the market factors behind our forecast and why we believe businesses planning to purchase shipping containers in Vietnam should consider acting sooner rather than later.
Vietnam Shipping Container Price Forecast for 2026: Why It’s Better to Buy Now
Following the volatility of 2024–2025, when the global container shortage shifted into localized oversupply in several logistics hubs, Vietnam’s container market has largely stabilized in 2026.
However, pricing during the second half of the year will continue to be influenced by several Vietnam-specific economic and logistics factors.
Factors Driving Container Prices Higher
Rising Global Freight Rates
The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) recorded a 9.8% increase between mid-February and mid-March 2026, reaching $2,123 per 40-foot container.
The strongest growth occurred on:
● Asia–Europe trade routes
● Trans-Pacific shipping lanes
Higher freight rates typically translate into increased demand for containers, putting upward pressure on container prices across Asia, including Vietnam.
Southeast Asia Freight Index Continues to Grow
The Southeast Asia Freight Index (SEAFI) increased from 3,211.76 to 3,377.16 during the week of May 29 to June 5, 2026.
This steady rise reflects improving regional shipping demand and reinforces expectations of continued price growth for shipping containers throughout Southeast Asia.
Domestic Freight Rates in Vietnam Are Increasing
According to the Vietnam Maritime and Inland Waterways Administration, domestic freight rates have risen by 7–12% since mid-March 2026.
Several Vietnamese carriers have announced tariff increases ranging from 15% to 25%, significantly raising logistics costs throughout the country.
These increases directly affect both container leasing and container sales prices.
Rising Fuel Prices Continue to Push Costs Higher
Since the beginning of the Middle East conflict, the price of very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) has climbed from $521 to $822 per metric ton.
Fuel costs influence nearly every stage of the logistics chain, including:
● Ocean freight
● Inland transportation
● Container repositioning
● Terminal operations
As fuel becomes more expensive, container operating costs rise accordingly.
Strong Growth at Hai Phong Port
Hai Phong remains Vietnam’s largest northern container gateway.
Container throughput reached 2.072 million TEU in 2025, representing 12.3% year-over-year growth.
Industry analysts expect an additional 10% increase by the end of 2026, indicating continued growth in container demand throughout Northern Vietnam.
Higher throughput generally leads to stronger demand for both new and used shipping containers.
Ho Chi Minh City Continues to Expand
Container throughput in Ho Chi Minh City reached 1,311,781 TEU during the first months of 2026, an increase of more than 18% compared with the same period in 2025.
The market is expected to finish the year with approximately 16% annual growth.
Growing cargo volumes typically translate into higher demand for container equipment, placing additional upward pressure on prices.
Factors That Could Limit Price Growth
While most market indicators point toward higher container prices, one factor may partially offset the increase.
A Stronger Vietnamese Dong
According to BMI (Fitch Solutions), the Vietnamese dong is expected to stabilize at approximately 26,300 VND/USD throughout 2026 after three consecutive years of depreciation.
A stronger domestic currency reduces import costs and helps moderate container price increases.
However, in our opinion, this positive currency effect is unlikely to fully offset rising freight rates and increasing logistics costs.
Our 2026 Price Outlook by Container Condition
New / One-Trip / IICL Containers
We expect moderate price growth, supported by higher freight rates but partially offset by the stronger Vietnamese dong.
Forecast: +5% to +10% by the end of 2026.
Cargo Worthy (CW)
Cargo Worthy containers are expected to experience stronger price increases due to higher domestic logistics costs and increased demand across Vietnamese ports.
Forecast: +8% to +12%.
WWT and AI Containers
Older containers classified as Wind & Water Tight (WWT) or As Is (AI) could see slight price corrections if scrappage and fleet renewal accelerate.
However, the downside remains limited because scrap steel prices in China continue to provide a price floor, currently around $3,300 per metric ton.
Overall, significant declines in used container prices are unlikely.
Understanding Shipping Container Condition Grades
For buyers unfamiliar with container grading systems, it’s important to understand that the price of a used shipping container is determined primarily by its technical condition.
The international container industry follows standardized condition classifications based on ISO requirements and commercial inspection standards.
In general:
● Higher-grade containers offer longer service life, greater resale value, and fewer maintenance requirements.
● Lower-grade containers cost less but usually require repairs or have shorter remaining operational life.
The following section explains each container condition grade in detail and compares their typical market prices in Vietnam.
Shipping Container Condition Grades Explained
The price of a used shipping container is determined primarily by its technical condition. The global container industry follows standardized grading systems based on ISO requirements and commercial inspection standards.
Generally speaking, the better the condition, the longer the remaining service life—and the higher the resale value.
Below is an overview of the most common shipping container condition grades.
Note: We sell only New (One-Trip), IICL, and Cargo Worthy (CW) containers. The WWT and AI grades are included for reference only.
Container Grade | Condition Description | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
New (One-Trip) | Brand-new container that has completed only one cargo voyage (or has been delivered directly from the factory). The paintwork is undamaged, the plywood floor is clean, door seals remain fully elastic, and the CSC safety plate is current. | Ideal for international shipping, long-term storage, and customers seeking premium-quality equipment. |
IICL (Multi-Trip) | Used container in excellent condition that has passed the strict inspection standards of the Institute of International Container Lessors (IICL). | Suitable for international shipping and premium storage applications. |
Cargo Worthy (CW) | Used container in good operational condition. Minor scratches, dents, and light surface corrosion are acceptable, provided structural integrity is not affected. The container complies with CSC requirements. | Suitable for all types of cargo transportation and commercial storage. |
Wind & Water Tight (WWT) | Used container showing visible signs of wear but still weatherproof. The roof does not leak, doors close securely, and the container remains wind- and watertight. Moderate dents and corrosion affecting up to 10–15% of the surface are acceptable. | Best suited for domestic transportation, warehouses, workshops, or stationary storage. |
As Is (AI) | Container requiring repairs before further commercial use. May have holes, damaged flooring, leaking roof panels, faulty door mechanisms, or an expired CSC certificate. | Suitable only after refurbishment or for dismantling and non-shipping applications. |
When requesting a quotation for shipping containers in Hai Phong or Ho Chi Minh City, always ask for the container’s condition grade, as it has a significant impact on pricing.
Estimated Shipping Container Prices in Vietnam by Condition
For the most accurate pricing, please contact our sales team or browse the latest listings on our marketplace:
Shipping Containers for Sale in Vietnam
The prices below are for reference only and may vary depending on market conditions and current availability.
City | Container Type | One-Trip | IICL | Cargo Worthy (CW) | Wind & Water Tight (WWT) |
Ho Chi Minh City | 20ft Standard | $2,650–3,180 | $2,250–2,730 | $1,720–2,200 | $1,130–1,500 |
| 40ft Standard | $3,800–4,400 | $3,200–3,600 | $2,600–3,200 | $1,740–2,300 |
| 40ft High Cube | $4,120–4,700 | $3,820–4,000 | $2,800–3,500 | $1,930–2,500 |
Hai Phong | 20ft Standard | $2,700–3,200 | $2,340–2,800 | $1,800–2,300 | $1,250–1,600 |
| 40ft Standard | $4,160–4,650 | $3,320–3,710 | $2,700–3,400 | $1,870–2,530 |
| 40ft High Cube | $4,350–4,900 | $3,900–4,000 | $3,000–3,750 | $2,050–2,740 |
This information is not a public offer
20ft vs 40ft Shipping Containers: Key Differences
The primary differences between 20-foot and 40-foot shipping containers are their payload capacity and internal volume.
A 20ft container is generally the better choice for heavy, compact cargo, while a 40ft container offers significantly more storage volume, making it ideal for large but relatively lightweight goods.
The 40ft High Cube provides an additional foot (approximately 30 cm) of internal height, making it especially suitable for oversized cargo and maximizing cubic capacity.
Technical Specifications: 20ft Standard, 40ft Standard & 40ft High Cube
The following specifications are based on ISO standards. Actual dimensions and weights may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer.
Specification | 20ft Standard | 40ft Standard | 40ft High Cube |
Internal Length | 5.90 m | 12.03 m | 12.03 m |
Internal Width | 2.35 m | 2.35 m | 2.35 m |
Internal Height | 2.39 m | 2.39 m | 2.69 m |
Internal Volume | ≈33.2 m³ | ≈67.7 m³ | ≈76.3 m³ |
Maximum Gross Weight | 30,480 kg | 30,480 kg | 30,480 kg |
Tare Weight | ≈2,230 kg | ≈3,750 kg | ≈3,900 kg |
Maximum Payload | ≈28,250 kg | ≈26,730 kg | ≈26,580 kg |
Typical Cargo | Heavy machinery, steel products, ore, grain, site cabins | Furniture, clothing, packaged goods, automotive tires | Tall machinery, oversized furniture, industrial equipment |
Choosing the right container depends not only on your cargo volume but also on its weight, transportation method, and long-term storage requirements.
*The information on this page does not constitute a public offer.