Hanoi (VNA) – Despite volatility in global trade, aquatic exports have maintained solid growth, laying the foundation for the sector to reach 11 billion USD this year and expand its presence in demanding markets.
Vietnam earned 10.38 billion USD from aquatic exports in the first 11 months of 2025, up over 13% year-on-year, driven by market diversification. Shrimp – the key export item – grew by more than 20%, with increases recorded in almost all major markets.
China remained a highlight thanks to strong demand for live, fresh and frozen shrimp, which is expected to rise further during the festival season and ahead of the Lunar New Year 2026, especially in premium segments such as live lobster and large black tiger shrimp. Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CPTPP) markets contributed more than 1 billion USD, up 33%, supported by stable demand from Japan, Canada and Australia.
Tra fish also showed positive recovery with nearly 10% growth. After a slowdown in September, exports to China rebounded, while shipments to Brazil returned to positive growth. CPTPP markets rose 36%, and the EU increased 3%, with notable divergence as Spain up 22%, while Germany and the Netherlands continued to decline. Processed tra fish surged 19%, confirming its rising role in value-added exports.
Squid and octopus exports continued to grow at double-digit rates, with East Asia and ASEAN accounting for 94% of total shipments. The Republic of Korea and Japan remained top buyers, while Thailand emerged strongly with a 39% increase. Consumption trends are shifting quickly towards ready-to-eat and convenient products such as instant dried squid, semi-dried squid and boiled frozen octopus, creating significant opportunities for processors, especially if raw material supplies remain stable. Growth of 10–15% is forecast for the fourth quarter of 2025 alone.
Despite inflation and a weak yen, Vietnam’s aquatic exports to Japan maintained good momentum, particularly white-leg shrimp which grew over 15% and accounted for more than 22% of export value.
In the EU market, tra fish and shrimp still enjoy growth prospects, though they face stricter requirements on supply chains, traceability and sustainability certifications. Ho Quoc Luc, Chairman of FIMEX Vietnam, stressed that ASC certification will soon be essential for farmed shrimp to access high-end retail systems. As Vietnam’s ASC-certified shrimp volume remains modest, removing this bottleneck is key to strengthening competitiveness in the EU and the UK.
Experts forecast positive prospects for the remainder of the year and into 2026. Key directions include expanding into CPTPP and Middle Eastern markets, leveraging tariff advantages, and boosting value-added, sustainable products that meet stringent food safety standards. The EU is also expected to maintain growth thanks to more flexible regulations on farmed products and increasing demand for deeply processed seafood.
According to Le Hang, Deputy Secretary-General of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), the sector will continue to face challenges in 2026, including prolonged US countervailing duties, risks from the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), the EU’s “yellow card” and stronger competition from India, Ecuador and Indonesia.
Vietnamese firms, she noted, must accelerate market restructuring, enhance value-added production, invest in processing technologies and strengthen sustainability standards to secure long-term growth./.
VNA
