Day 9 was another insightful day! We visited the Cat Lai Terminal for our final company site visit, stopped by the American Consulate, and ended the day with shopping at Bến Thành Market for souvenirs and gifts.

The Cat Lai Terminal was an incredible experience. Watching cargo containers being moved left and right, some filled to the brim with rice, others undergoing careful inspection, really put into perspective how much coordination and planning goes into every step of the process. As someone who isn’t a Supply Chain major, it was eye-opening to see the scale and precision involved, from the moment a ship docks to when it departs.

The American Consulate visit was another highlight. We learned about Vietnam’s history, economy, and its evolving relationship with the United States. The economics talk shed light on how tariffs could impact trade operations. After seeing how much of the Cat Lai port is allocated to international vessels, I believe the effects would be noticeable—especially if countries such as China, a major player in global trade, is directly affected by the tariffs. The scale of operations would definitely feel the pressure if shipping patterns shift.

To wrap up the day, we went to Bến Thành Market, and it was bargaining central. It was a fun and slightly chaotic opportunity to practice my Vietnamese and test out negotiation skills. Some vendors were super friendly and ready to strike deals, while others stood firm on their prices. The market atmosphere was unlike anything I’ve experienced back in the U.S., but that’s what made it memorable and uniquely Vietnamese.