HCM City (VNA) – Despite facing a range of challenges, Vietnam’s aquatic exports have maintained a stable growth trajectory and are expected to hit a new turnover record this year.
According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), seafood products were sold overseas for more than 10.5 billion USD in the first 11 months, up 14.6% year-on-year. Shrimp exports generated 4.31 billion USD, a year-on-year rise of 21.2%, remaining the key growth driver; tra fish exports surpassed 2 billion USD, up 9%; tuna exports reached 855.7 million USD, while the figures for molluscs, marine fish and value-added products all maintained double-digit growth.
In terms of markets, Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) member countries accounted for the largest share of Vietnam’s total seafood export revenue, at 27.2%, marking a strong growth of 24.3% year-on-year. Exports to China rose 30.6% and to the EU went up 11.9%, while shipments to the US were valued at 1.78 billion USD, up 8.1%.
Le Hang, VASEP’s Deputy General Secretary, noted that in a global market still marked by volatility, the above results reflect the proactive and flexible approach of exporters, particularly in accelerating shipments ahead of anticipated new US regulations on seafood imports and before the final ruling in the country’s anti-dumping case on shrimp.
Seafood exports are expected to drop slightly in December compared to November due to seasonal factors and increased caution among exporters trading with the US. Many businesses have temporarily limited new seafood orders to the market pending official guidance on the US’s Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). However, shrimp exports may hold steady or fall only marginally thanks to stable demand from Japan, the EU and CPTPP markets.
According to Hang, based on 11-month performance and year-end prospects, Vietnam’s seafood exports are likely to set a new record in 2025, reaching around 11.2-11.3 billion USD – the highest level to date. Shrimp exports alone are expected to exceed 4.6 billion USD, establishing a new record for the sector, tra fish exports are forecast to surpass 2.1 billion USD on the back of demand recovery in Asia, while tuna exports are projected to top 900 million USD./.
Processed seafood industry seeks stronger foothold in domestic market
As seafood exports face growing challenges from the global economic slowdown, technical barriers in importing markets, and rising input costs, developing the domestic market is increasingly seen as a strategic direction to stabilise production, maintain supply chains, and reduce dependence on external markets.
