Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – In the first 10 months of 2025, Vietnam's seafood exports reached approximately US$9.31 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of about 12.9%. However, the industry's export activities will still face considerable challenges and difficulties in the final months of this year.
This year, Ho Chi Minh City's seafood industry has achieved several positive results. Statistics from Ho Chi Minh City show that in the first 10 months, marine catches reached approximately 301,200 tons, a year-on-year increase of 2.3%; aquaculture catches reached approximately 63,200 tons, a year-on-year increase of 6.4%.
According to statistics from the Digital Transformation Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in the first 10 months of this year, Vietnam's seafood exports reached approximately US$9.31 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of about 12.9%. China, the United States, and Japan are Vietnam's three largest seafood export markets, with market shares of 20%, 17.4%, and 15.1%, respectively.
China and Hong Kong SAR remain Vietnam's largest seafood import market, maintaining strong growth due to robust demand and low logistics costs. The United States ranks second, but uncertainties surrounding anti-dumping duties and the stringent requirements of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) pose significant challenges for Vietnamese companies exporting to the US. Japan, the European Union, and South Korea follow in order. Furthermore, ASEAN and the Middle East are increasingly emerging as potential destinations for Vietnamese seafood exports.
Among major export categories, shrimp continues to lead, with exports reaching approximately US$3.89 billion in the first 10 months, a year-on-year increase of 21.6%. The strong growth in the shrimp industry is mainly attributed to stable demand in markets such as the US, Japan, and the EU, as well as a continued increase in orders within the region. Panama fish followed, with exports reaching approximately US$1.66 billion, a year-on-year increase of 7.5%. Driven by the recovery in demand from China, the US, and parts of the Middle East, Vietnam's position in the global panama fish industry has been further consolidated.
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) stated that the positive results achieved in Vietnam's seafood exports in recent months not only reflect the industry's steady recovery after experiencing multiple fluctuations but also demonstrate the flexibility of enterprises in the face of continued uncertainty in the global market.
VASEP pointed out that the encouraging results in Vietnam's seafood exports are precisely due to the high degree of flexibility shown by enterprises in accelerating export pace and seizing favorable windows of opportunity before the implementation of certain tax policies and technical barriers. Many enterprises have proactively adjusted their market structure, actively expanding exports to Asian markets while consolidating their positions in traditional markets. At the same time, increased investment in high value-added processed products, meeting higher standards of quality, safety, and traceability requirements, has also enabled Vietnamese seafood to maintain a solid competitive advantage in the mid-to-high-end markets.
However, despite the positive outlook, Vietnam's seafood industry still faces many challenges and obstacles. Firstly, in the US market, anti-dumping and countervailing duties continue to squeeze profit margins for enterprises. Furthermore, the strict regulations imposed on fishing activities by the US Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) have also put considerable pressure on seafood exporting enterprises. Secondly, in the EU market, the IUU "yellow card" warning remains in effect, impacting not only corporate reputation but also increasing export costs. Simultaneously, pressure from competitors in India, Thailand, Indonesia, and other regions is mounting, particularly in the shrimp and basa fish products sectors.
Against this backdrop, experts believe that only through greater initiative and a focus on innovation can businesses maintain export growth momentum. Vietnam's seafood industry should focus on three key areas. First, it must closely monitor market dynamics and trade policy changes, adjusting development strategies promptly to mitigate risks from new trade barriers. Second, it must adjust and optimize its export market structure. While consolidating traditional markets such as the US, EU, and Japan, businesses should actively explore ASEAN, the Middle East, and less competitive niche markets. Third, it must promote product diversification and increase added value. This is crucial for ensuring the sustainable competitiveness of Vietnamese seafood products, especially given the increasing global consumer emphasis on high-quality, sustainable, and safe products.
Furthermore, businesses should accelerate innovation, widely applying technology to aquaculture and processing; simultaneously, they should further enhance the national brand image through high-end catering and e-commerce channels. (Source: Vietnam People's Daily)
