Vietnam’s seafood exports in the first four months of 2025: Adapting and overcoming barriers

April 2025 alone saw impressive growth, with exports hitting USD 900.4 million, a 16% increase year-on-year. Shrimp remained the top export, contributing USD 1.3 billion, up 33.5%, fueled by strong demand from Japan and China. Notably, lobster exports surged by 295% to USD 335 million, becoming a new bright spot. Pangasius exports grew moderately by 10.4% to USD 640 million, supported by a 49% rise in value-added processed products. Shelled mollusks like clams, mussels, and cockles reached USD 84.8 million, up 85.5%, showing great potential in niche markets such as the EU and Japan.

By market, the CPTPP bloc led with USD 931 million, up 29%, with Japan alone accounting for USD 531 million. China and Hong Kong surged to USD 716 million, increasing 57.4% thanks to strong demand before and after Lunar New Year. The EU and South Korea also recorded stable growth at USD 352 million and USD 262 million respectively. Emerging markets such as Brazil, Egypt, and India showed promising growth, with pangasius exports to Brazil up 67% and tuna exports to Thailand up 214%.

Product restructuring was another highlight. Value-added processed products like battered pangasius, processed squid, and frozen octopus saw strong growth, reflecting consumer trends towards convenience and premium quality in major markets. This indicates Vietnamese companies are investing heavily in processing technology and product diversification to boost competitiveness.

However, challenges remain significant. The U.S., the second-largest market with exports worth USD 539 million, has introduced new tariffs including a 10% tax on processed products, leading to a 9% drop in exports in April. The risk of retaliatory tariffs up to 46%, anti-dumping and countervailing duties on shrimp and pangasius, alongside expanded SIMP program and strict traceability requirements, exert considerable pressure on exporters. The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) also poses a major challenge, with potential import bans from 2026 if compliance is not met.

In the EU, the ongoing IUU yellow card warning disrupts certification and shipment processes. Meanwhile, China, despite strong growth, faces competition from local products and quality control pressures. Rising production costs—covering raw materials, feed, logistics—combined with container shortages and higher freight rates are squeezing profit margins.

In response, businesses are flexibly shifting to promising markets like Japan, South Korea, ASEAN, and the Middle East, leveraging free trade agreements. Enhancing deep processing and developing value-added products not only boost export turnover but also reduce reliance on volatile traditional markets.

To sustain growth, the industry must focus on strategic solutions: investing in traceability systems, expanding deep processing, exploring new markets, stabilizing supply, and increasing government support such as debt relief, interest rate cuts, and simplified administrative procedures to help businesses overcome financial difficulties.

Source: https://seafood.vasep.com.vn/