Evaluation of the logistics performance and international trade using hybrid MCDM solution

International logistics is widely recognized as a key enabler of trade and economic development. Using Vietnam and its 27 largest trading partners over 2007–2023, this study proposes a two-step framework that integrates multi-criteria efficiency benchmarking with dynamic econometric analysis. First, logistics performance is assessed through Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) using the Super-SBM model and the Malmquist Productivity Index to measure partners’ relative efficiency and productivity change. Second, an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach is applied to examine long-run linkages between logistics dimensions and Vietnam’s bilateral trade. The results indicate that trading partners’ infrastructure quality significantly increases trade with Vietnam, whereas timeliness is associated with lower trade flows. China and the United States demonstrate consistently high efficiency scores, while technological advancement primarily drives productivity gains in the United States, China, and Korea. These findings provide actionable insights: Vietnam should prioritize logistics infrastructure investment and enhance service timeliness to maintain its position in international supply chains. The study contributes methodologically by demonstrating how MCDM techniques can complement traditional econometric approaches in trade research.