Vietnam, one of the marks on the world trade map

In a study released in early November, Allianz Trade, the global leader in trade credit insurance under the Allianz Group, stated that amid shifts in the global trade system, many new hubs are emerging—forming new connections along trade routes and production centers. The United Arab Emirates, with the Port of Jebel Ali, and Malaysia with Port Klang near Kuala Lumpur, are now among the world’s top 10 ports by cargo volume, ranking just behind China, South Korea, and Singapore.

According to Allianz Trade, Vietnam is making significant breakthroughs, thanks in part to trade regionalization. “Vietnam’s five major mid-sized seaports, including Hai Phong Port, connect 11 ASEAN and East Asian countries with the American continent. These ports export large volumes of goods to Los Angeles and Long Beach ports in California (USA), while importing raw materials from Santos (Brazil) and Bahia Blanca (Argentina),” the report highlights.

Hai Phong Port of Vietnam appears on the “flow map” of trade between Asia and the rest of the world. Photo: Allianz

Positioned between Asia and Europe, several port hubs are rising, starting with Saudi Arabia. The kingdom’s modern port capacity positions it as a key logistics player at the Asia–Europe crossroads, Allianz Trade added.

Meanwhile, Kazakhstan is benefiting from rising trade along the overland corridor linking to China. To cross the Caspian Sea, the vast Central Asian nation is developing the Port of Aktau and contributing to the development of the Port of Alat near Baku, Azerbaijan. China is also strengthening its role by financing the deep-water Port of Anaklia in Georgia, which is expected to handle up to 20% of Asia–Europe trade.

A view of Lach Huyen terminals 1 and 2 – Hai Phong. Photo: baochinhphu.vn

Other countries are also emerging on the world trade map but still lack adequate infrastructure investment. For example, India is working to expand the ports of Mundra and Jawaharlal Nehru as part of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The project aims to establish an integrated transportation network—including railways, highways, and maritime routes—connecting India, the Middle East, and Europe, thereby boosting economic integration and strengthening cooperation among member countries.

Besides India, Thailand is also notable with its Laem Chabang Port. According to Allianz Trade, ports in India and Thailand cannot yet compete with major ports such as those in Dubai or Malaysia. However, these countries may benefit from strengthening trade ties with partners such as the European Union (EU), which is negotiating or has signed free trade agreements with several individual nations.

In Africa, many commercial vessels have chosen to avoid the Suez Canal due to attacks by Houthi forces, opting instead to sail around the Cape of Good Hope. Major shipping companies are calling on South Africa to modernize its ports of Durban and Ngqura. The limited capacity of these ports, coupled with the inefficiency of Durban Port, has clearly benefited other regional ports such as Richards Bay (South Africa), Beira (Mozambique), and Walvis Bay (Namibia).

According to Allianz Trade, Africa’s situation may shift in the future. Chinese companies are now involved in more than one-third of the continent’s 231 commercial ports—constructing and operating logistics platforms and connecting them through domestic rail and road networks.