Vietnam’s seafood exports hit USD 850 million in April 2025 as shrimp drives sector recovery

Vietnam’s seafood industry posted robust export growth in April 2025, earning USD 850 million amid recovering demand in key markets such as China, Japan, and the EU. However, growing challenges in the U.S. market due to retaliatory tariffs and rising competition from alternative suppliers are beginning to weigh on overall performance.

Shrimp leads recovery, pangasius slows down

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), shrimp remained the sector’s top export earner during the first four months of 2025, generating USD 1.27 billion in export value, up 30% year-on-year. In April alone, shrimp exports reached USD 330.8 million, marking a 15% rise as global demand rebounded and prices recovered due to improved supply-demand balance.

Pangasius continued to play a key role with total exports of USD 632.7 million, up 9%, although April saw flat growth at USD 167.7 million compared to the same period last year. Tuna exports declined in April to USD 76.1 million (down 12%) due to raw material shortages and stricter regulations on fish size. Despite this, cumulative tuna exports for the year remain slightly up at USD 304.2 million.

Other products recorded strong growth despite smaller export volumes. Tilapia and red tilapia exports surged by 138% to USD 19 million. Mollusks, crustaceans, and shellfish also posted notable gains, with mollusks earning USD 216.4 million (up 18%), crabs and lobsters USD 83.1 million (up 82%), and shellfish USD 112.1 million (up 50%).

China becomes top destination, while U.S. demand falters

China, including Hong Kong, emerged as the largest market for Vietnamese seafood, with four-month exports totaling USD 709.8 million—up a staggering 56% year-on-year. In April alone, exports to China reached USD 182.3 million (up 29%), led by high-end demand for shrimp, crabs, and mollusks.

Japan followed with USD 536.6 million in export value (up 22%), buoyed by steady demand for value-added products. The EU and South Korea also contributed positively, importing USD 351.5 million (up 17%) and USD 264.1 million (up 15%), respectively.

In contrast, exports to the United States showed signs of stagnation. Despite a modest 7% year-on-year growth to USD 498.4 million in the first four months, April exports dropped sharply by 15% to USD 120.5 million. This decline reflects growing concerns over upcoming retaliatory tariffs and stricter food safety and traceability requirements.

Vietnamese exporters race to ship before July tariff deadline

With new U.S. tariffs scheduled to take effect on July 9, 2025, Vietnamese seafood exporters are ramping up shipments in the short term. VASEP projects that U.S.-bound exports could rise 10-15% in May and June as exporters rush to fulfill contracts and offer competitive pricing to retain market share.

Conversely, exports to China and ASEAN markets may slow in the coming months, with growth projected at just 3-5%. The influx of Chinese seafood, re-routed from the U.S. due to high tariffs, is intensifying competition in the region, particularly in the low-end segment where Vietnamese exporters face pricing pressure.

Meanwhile, exports to the EU and Japan are expected to maintain stable growth of 8-10%, thanks in part to preferential tariffs under trade agreements such as the EVFTA and CPTPP. However, this momentum may not be enough to fully offset weakening performance in the U.S. and the increasingly competitive landscape across Asia.

Source: https://vietfishmagazine.com/