Vietnam's seafood export industry has demonstrated "remarkable resilience," in the first four months of 2025, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).
The country's total seafood export value reached US$3.35 billion, up 23 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. VASEP said this was the result of, "flexible adaptation and efforts to overcome increasingly strict trade barriers."
The month of April alone saw significant growth, with exports reaching US$900.4 million, a 16 per cent increase year-on-year. Shrimp remained the top export, contributing US$1.3 billion, up 33.5 per cent, thanks in part to strong demand from Japan and China.
Notably, lobster exports surged by 295 per cent to US$335 million. Pangasius exports grew moderately by 10.4 per cent to US$640 million, supported by a 49 per cent rise in value-added processed products.
Shelled molluscs like clams, mussels, and cockles reached US$84.8 million, up 85.5 per cent. VASEP said exports of molluscs showed, "great potential in niche markets such as the EU and Japan."
By market, the CPTPP bloc led with US$931 million, up 29 per cent, with Japan alone accounting for US$531 million. China and Hong Kong surged to US$716 million, increasing 57.4 per cent thanks to strong demand before and after the Lunar New Year.
The EU and South Korea also recorded stable growth at US$352 million and US$262 million, respectively. Emerging markets such as Brazil, Egypt, and India also showed "promising" growth, with pangasius exports to Brazil up 67 per cent and tuna exports to Thailand up 214 per cent.
VASEP said 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.
VASEP said this indicates Vietnamese companies are investing heavily in processing technology and product diversification to boost competitiveness.
The association said, however, that challenges remain significant. The US, the second-largest market with exports worth US$539 million, has introduced new tariffs including a 10 per cent tax on processed products, leading to a nine per cent drop in exports in April.
The risk of retaliatory tariffs up to 46 per cent, 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 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.
VASEP said that 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.
VASEP has advised that the industry must focus on strategic solutions such as: investing in traceability systems; expanding deep processing; exploring new markets; stabilising supply; and increasing government support such as debt relief, interest rate cuts and simplified administrative procedures to help businesses overcome financial difficulties.