Integrated logistics emerges as a defining trend in reshaping global trade amid market volatility

Against a backdrop of major shifts in global trade—driven by geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts, changing tariff policies and evolving consumer behavior—integrated logistics is increasingly being positioned as a structural force reshaping supply chains. Rather than functioning as a standalone transportation activity, logistics is being developed as a connected operating model that links data, infrastructure and execution capabilities to improve resilience and efficiency.

Integrated logistics takes center stage at CONNEXIONS 2026

At the CONNEXIONS 2026 conference organized by A.P. Moller - Maersk, industry experts said the global supply chain is moving into a structural transition. Integrated logistics is described as a key element for businesses seeking to adapt to a more complex operating environment.

The model emphasizes a shift away from fragmented arrangements involving multiple independent service providers. Instead, firms are moving toward a unified operating hub spanning maritime transport, road and air freight, warehousing, customs clearance and distribution.

Supporters of the approach say it can simplify supply chains, improve transparency and control, and reduce disruption risk—particularly as supply-chain shocks become more frequent, including those linked to pandemics and regional conflicts.

Vietnam’s role in Vietnam–China supply networks

Within the broader restructuring trend, Vietnam is highlighted as a strategic destination supported by geography, economic fundamentals and policy backing. Vietnam’s GDP growth reached 8.02% in 2025, the highest in more than a decade, alongside strong foreign direct investment inflows focused on processing and manufacturing.

Economic ties between Vietnam and China are also described as deepening. While China continues to be a major source of raw materials, machinery and intermediate goods, Vietnam is increasingly characterized as a production hub and a gateway to export markets. Bilateral trade reached USD 252 billion in 2025, up 26.5% year-over-year.

Speakers said this reflects a shift from a “China+1” approach toward a phase in which Vietnam is not only an alternative location but an indispensable link in the global production network. At the same time, the growth is said to increase operational complexity in cross-border activities, including compliance with multiple Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that have different origin rules and documentary requirements—factors that can affect costs, delivery timelines and risk levels.

Silvia Ding, Regional Head of Greater China for Maersk, said that in a geopolitically and economically volatile environment, supply-chain resilience has become a strategic priority for Chinese firms expanding abroad. She added that “Vietnam is no longer a fallback option but an inseparable part of the global manufacturing network.”

Diversifying logistics capabilities to manage risk

As complexity rises, integrated logistics is presented as a tool for risk management and long-term competitiveness. For firms operating a Vietnam–China production model, the conference emphasized the importance of partnering with logistics providers that can integrate services, understand both markets and support cross-border connectivity.

“We leverage a broad mix of modes—from ocean and road to air—to ensure uninterrupted flow of goods to destinations in the most efficient way, while keeping information and communication transparent throughout the process.”

The quote was attributed to Kevin Stuart Burrell, Maersk regional CEO for Mekong.

Burrell said the objective is to simplify supply chains by integrating ocean freight, warehousing, customs clearance and domestic transport. He also pointed to expanding the bonded warehouse network in the North by late 2024 as a step aimed at capturing opportunities along the Hanoi–Hai Phong economic corridor, helping customers reduce storage time and optimize operations.

He outlined three core priorities: protecting customers and goods, safeguarding crew and staff, and developing contingency plans to mitigate disruption. Burrell added that using diverse transport modes supports a continuous flow of goods.

The conference also noted that Maersk’s shift from a traditional liner operator toward integrated logistics solutions has increased operational agility, enabling faster responses to supply shocks and helping customers maintain operations under varying conditions.

Green and digital transformation for efficiency

Beyond operational efficiency, sustainability was described as increasingly necessary for competitiveness as major markets such as the EU and the US tighten environmental standards and carbon regulations. Maersk said it aims for net-zero emissions by 2040, ahead of industry targets, through measures including electric trucks, dual-fuel ships and energy-saving technologies.

Burrell cautioned that the transition remains in early stages and faces challenges, noting that the logistics sector is still heavily dependent on fossil fuels and that energy-disruption events can still affect even leading players. He said diversification of energy sources and reduced reliance on traditional fuels are trends that are “irreversible.”

Digital transformation—supported by Big Data and AI—was also highlighted as a way to forecast demand more accurately, optimize routing and reduce waste across the supply chain. The conference linked these capabilities to Vietnam’s export sectors, including electronics, textiles and agricultural products, which often require precise timing and strict preservation conditions.

Implications for Vietnam’s competitiveness

With more than 35 years in Vietnam and strategic port infrastructure including Cat Hai and Lach Huyen, global logistics players were described as important to raising Vietnam’s competitiveness. Experts said Vietnam can maximize opportunities from the restructuring wave by continuing to invest in infrastructure, reforming administrative procedures and developing a high-quality workforce.

They added that a combination of integrated logistics, digitalization and sustainability could help Vietnam maintain its role as a production hub and potentially develop into a modern regional logistics center in the Mekong.