Ee-Hui Tan, managing director FedEx Vietnam and Cambodia

Vietnam’s strategic ambition is clear. The National Power Development Plan VIII targets over 39 per cent renewable energy in total electricity generation by 2030, and full EV adoption by 2050. These goals not only reflect Vietnam’s strong commitment to sustainability but also reinforce the country’s emerging role as a vital link in the regional and global clean energy value chain.

According to a recent forecast by IMARC Group, Vietnam’s lithium-ion battery market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 10.1 per cent from 2025 to 2033, driven by soaring demand from the EV and renewable energy sectors. As the sector grows, the importance of building robust supporting ecosystems becomes even more critical.

Among these, logistics stands out as a key pillar to ensure that Vietnam’s lithium battery value chain – from raw materials to finished products – can operate efficiently, safely, and competitively on the global stage.

In China’s Shandong province, cities such as Jinan and Qingdao serve as specialised centres for lithium battery production, supported by over $13.8 billion in investment to establish a fully integrated supply chain from raw materials to final assembly. Government policies and infrastructure promote industrial clustering, enabling Shandong to expand capacity and consolidate operations.

Vietnam’s emerging battery corridor may follow a similar development model, with Haiphong, Hanoi, and Ha Tinh province drawing interest from major manufacturers. By focusing investment, infrastructure, and workforce development in these regions, Vietnam aims to establish a high-efficiency battery manufacturing hub. This emerging concentration of production increases the need for regulation-compliant logistics to handle the transport of lithium batteries safely and effectively.

Transporting lithium batteries presents unique challenges since they are classified as dangerous goods due to chemical properties. Lithium batteries are subject to stringent regulations from international bodies such as the International Air Transport Association and the International Civil Aviation Organization. These regulations mandate precise packaging, labelling, documentation, and transport procedures to ensure safety at every stage of the supply chain.

Thus, effective logistics not only safeguard the integrity of these sensitive products but also minimise transit times, mitigate risks of incidents, and enhance overall supply chain reliability.

In this highly regulated environment, having a capable logistics partner can make a critical difference. FedEx, for instance, supports manufacturers across sectors such as clean energy, healthcare, and high-tech by offering end-to-end dangerous goods shipping solutions. Each year, FedEx safely transports millions of shipments containing batteries and battery-powered equipment globally, backed by United Nations-certified packaging solutions, accurate labelling and specialised air transport through FedEx’s global network.

Beyond regulatory compliance, speed and reliability are equally important, particularly for Vietnam’s emerging battery exporters operating in competitive global markets. By leveraging express delivery capabilities and real-time shipment visibility tools, manufacturers can meet demanding delivery schedules and build trust with overseas customers.

Looking ahead, Vietnam’s lithium battery sector offers a significant opportunity to drive long-term economic growth and establish the country as a strategic player in the global clean energy supply chain. With rising international demand, untapped reserves of key minerals, and a supportive policy environment, Vietnam is well-positioned to attract quality investment.

The nation’s renewed focus on private sector development, industrial zone expansion, and infrastructure upgrades directly supports the needs of clean energy and battery manufacturers. To fully capture this momentum, continued investment in logistics, talent, and regulatory streamlining will be essential.

At the same time, Vietnam must sharpen its competitive edge in a region where peer economies are rapidly advancing. Countries like Indonesia and Thailand are scaling battery output and also developing integrated ecosystems across mining, production, and recycling. For Vietnam to lead, it must build beyond capacity, to prioritise supply chain localisation, skilled workforce development, and alignment with global standards.

As global firms deepen their ASEAN presence, Vietnam faces the dual challenge of attracting sustainable investment while ensuring resilience against external shocks and technological dependencies. With the right infrastructure, capabilities, and partnerships, Vietnam is not just ready to compete, it is ready to lead in shaping Southeast Asia’s clean energy future and delivering long-term value to investors and industry alike.