HCMC – Vietnam’s seafood exports totaled more than US$1.4 billion in the first two months of 2025, up by 18.2% year-on-year, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).
In February alone, seafood exports generated US$655 million, up by 42.6% compared to the same period last year, according to the Government news site (baochinhphu.vn).
The shrimp industry remained the top performer, with exports reaching over US$542 million in the first two months of 2025, a 30.8% rise from the same period in 2024.
Import prices have been on an upward trend since October 2024 and are expected to remain high throughout 2025, bolstering confidence among exporters and importers.
VASEP noted that shrimp exports are set for continued growth, provided they are not affected by external disruptions such as potential trade tensions under a new Trump administration. Key markets, including China, the EU, and the U.S., are showing strong demand, particularly for value-added products such as steamed and peeled shrimp.
In contrast, tra fish (pangasius) exports fell by 0.8% to US$253 million during the January-February period, impacted by rising feed and labor costs and unfavorable U.S. tariffs. The additional 10% U.S. tariff on processed seafood from China has also affected global trade, dampening demand in the U.S. and increasing inventory levels.
Tuna exports reached US$126 million in the two-month period, down by 3.5% year-on-year. Meanwhile, squid and octopus exports climbed by 13.8% to US$101 million, and crab exports surged by 86.1% to US$63 million, showing strong potential in the Chinese market.
Despite this positive momentum, the seafood sector faces regulatory challenges from the EU’s Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing regulations and the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The U.S. is expected to ban imports of several seafood species starting January 1, 2026, if MMPA standards are not met.
To ensure long-term growth and compliance with international standards, VASEP stressed the need for close coordination between the Government, businesses, and fishermen.
