The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Keith Hutchings, pointed out: “Our province continued its reputation as a strong competitor in global seafood markets in 2013, as Newfoundland and Labrador seafood was exported to more than 40 countries. The total value of provincial seafood production in 2013 increased by eight per cent from the previous year to approximately $1.1 billion, and the stage is set to build on that success thanks to gains achieved through CETA negotiations, as well as this government’s ongoing investments in research and development, science, marketing, and quality control.”
The government’s press release also revealed that the increase in production value was due in part to the record production value of the aquaculture industry, which generated USD 197 million last year. It was shown that salmon production significantly rose, and shellfish production remained near the record level achieved the previous year.
Besides, it was stressed that landings in the commercial wild fishery increased by 4.9 per cent in 2013 when compared to 2012 landings, totalling 268,646 tonnes, which generated a production value of approximately USD 900 million.
Another fact that was noted was that this economic activity generated employment for more than 18,000 workers province-wide.
However, it was remarked that a decline in the average market prices for several species caused the production value of commercial fishing activity to be relatively on par with the previous year.
The document also read that through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is strengthening the business environment, encouraging the development of innovative industries, and building a vibrant economy.
FTA with South Korea to benefit NL seafood industry
Newfoundland and Labrador will gain tariff-free access to markets in South Korea with the signing of the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement. The agreement will increase trade for fish and seafood products, as well as create new opportunities for the industrial goods and ocean technology sectors in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“The trade agreement will place Newfoundland and Labrador companies on a level playing field with other key competitors who enjoy preferential access to the South Korean market, and opens market access by removing non-tariff barriers that hinder trade. This is a positive agreement for Newfoundland and Labrador, and we are pleased with the agreement the Federal Government has negotiated, which strengthens the environment for business growth in our province,” said Terry French, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development
The Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement is Canada’s first free trade agreement with Asia. The trade agreement covers trade in goods and services, investment, non-tariff barriers, and other areas of economic activity. Benefits for Newfoundland and Labrador include: duty free access for fish and seafood including molluscs, crab, shrimp and lobster; duty-free access for industrial goods, including maritime radar apparatus and industrial machinery; enhanced market access for many agricultural and agri-food products, including seal meats and food preparations; improved access for professional services; and predictable, non-discriminatory rules for Canadian investors.
The trade agreement will diversify export markets for the fishing industry by eliminating prohibitive tariffs on fish and seafood entering Korea. The Provincial Government has reserved its right to enforce minimum processing requirements for fish and seafood destined for the Korean market.
“Achieving tariff-free access to the Korean seafood market should strengthen the provincial fishing, aquaculture, and sealing sectors in the coming years by creating even more international demand for Newfoundland and Labrador’s world class products," said Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
"It has been important in the past to enforce the province’s minimum processing requirements for Asian markets, and I am pleased to note that our minimum processing requirements will be maintained within the terms of this exciting new trade agreement,” he continued.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 marked a pivotal milestone for Vietnam’s seafood industry in its restructuring process toward sustainability, transparency, and higher value creation, amid continued uncertainties in the global economic and trade environment. Prolonged inflation in major economies, the rising trend of trade protectionism, and increasingly stringent requirements related to environmental standards, traceability, and social responsibility have posed significant challenges to seafood production and exports. Nevertheless, overcoming these pressures, Vietnam’s seafood sector has gradually demonstrated its adaptability, maintained growth momentum, and laid an important foundation for the next stage of development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Amid the increasingly evident impacts of drought and saltwater intrusion, the shrimp-rice production model in Ca Mau province continues to prove itself as a viable direction, contributing to higher farmer incomes, improved soil conditions and the promotion of ecological and sustainable agricultural development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The management of fishing vessels, monitoring of fishing activities, and handling of violations in the fisheries sector in Lam Dong province have continued to be implemented in a synchronized and stringent manner, contributing to raising awareness of legal compliance among fishermen and aiming to end illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Can Tho’s fishery industry sustained steady growth in 2025 with total aquatic and marine output reaching nearly 783,000 tons, fulfilling 100% of the annual target. Aquaculture, capture fisheries and fishing fleet management were further strengthened, aiming for sustainable development in the coming years.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius export turnover reached nearly USD 2.2 billion, up 8% year-on-year. This result indicates that pangasius exports maintained their growth momentum despite significant volatility in the global market environment. In December 2025, pangasius export value reached USD 200 million, up 10% compared to December 2024. This solid performance in the final month of the year reflects increased import demand for consumption and inventory replenishment in key markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Spain experienced significant fluctuations. According to Vietnam Customs, during the first 11 months of 2025, export turnover for the first 11 months of the year edged up by 0.3% year-on-year, reaching nearly $15 million.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son has signed Decision No. 16/QD-TTg, dated January 5, 2026, approving the implementation plan for the Vietnam-Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA). Under the plan, in the coming period, ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government-affiliated entities and People’s Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities must institutionalize and execute tasks focused on the dissemination of information regarding VIFTA and the Israeli market; legislative and institutional development, as well as enhancing competitiveness and human resource growth...
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Beyond achieving double-digit growth, Vietnam’s fish cake and surimi exports are showing a notable year-end "inflection point": the EU his accelerating with nearly twofold growth, China & Hong Kong are rising sharply, while the largest market, South Korea, signaled a slowdown in November. According to Vietnam Customs data, export turnover of fish cake and surimi reached $327 million in the first 11 months of 2025, up 22% year-on-year; November 2025 alone accounted for $35 million, marking a 5% increase. This serves as a critical foundation for exporters to reassess market structures and competitive intensity while finalizing order strategies for 2026.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ca Mau, widely regarded as the nation’s “shrimp capital”, continued its strong performance in 2025 as shrimp output reached nearly 600,000 tons, maintaining its position as Vietnam’s leading shrimp-producing locality.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On December 29, 2025, at the 2025 Pangasius Industry Review Conference held in Can Tho City, the Vietnam Pangasius Association announced that fingerling prices have surged to record levels due to acute supply shortages.
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