On April 25-26, 2025, Lang Son province witnessed an unprecedented surge in the volume of vehicles transporting goods across its border gates, with more than 1,900 vehicles passing through each day. This figure marks an increase of over 300 vehicles compared to previous records, making it the highest volume of cross-border traffic ever recorded in the region.
Among the impressive total, approximately 570 container trucks were dedicated to exporting goods, primarily consisting of agricultural products and fruits. In contrast, 1,336 vehicles were engaged in importing goods, with a focus on components and machinery. This remarkable uptick in activity has been attributed to a combination of factors, including the approach of the April 30 holiday and the increased demand for fresh produce.
Hoang Khanh Duy, the Deputy Head of the Dong Dang - Lang Son Border Gate Economic Zone Management Board, noted that the agency had observed a significant rise in the number of vehicles carrying import and export goods in recent days. In response, they engaged in discussions with counterparts from Pingxiang and Ningming County in Guangxi, China, to enhance customs clearance efficiency.
As a result of these discussions, both sides agreed to extend the hours for import and export procedures until 8:00 PM daily (Hanoi time) at several key locations: the Huu Nghi International Border Gate in Cao Loc district, the Tan Thanh - Po Chai specialized transportation route (located at landmark 1088/2-1089), and the Chi Ma border gate in Loc Binh district, which connects to Ai Diem in China.
Mr. Duy emphasized that the increased volume of vehicles coincided with the weekend and the upcoming holiday, yet customs operations proceeded smoothly without any congestion or delays at the border gates. To facilitate this, functional agencies at the Lang Son border have bolstered their workforce and extended working hours, implementing administrative reforms to ensure a faster customs clearance process.
Looking ahead, it is anticipated that the number of vehicles passing through customs will continue to rise, particularly in May 2025. This period marks the onset of the harvest season for various fruits in the central and southern provinces of Vietnam. Consequently, Chinese businesses are expected to ramp up their importation of fresh fruits through Lang Son's border gates, further driving the volume of cross-border trade.
The surge in vehicle traffic not only highlights the growing economic ties between Vietnam and China but also underscores the importance of efficient customs operations in facilitating trade. With the ongoing efforts to improve clearance procedures and accommodate the increasing demands, officials remain optimistic about sustaining this momentum in cross-border trade.
In conclusion, the recent developments at Lang Son's border gates reflect a significant milestone in the region's trade activity, showcasing the potential for further growth in bilateral trade relations.
