Therefore, Vietnam’s seafood trade with the US is minimally impacted by political fluctuations, such as the US presidential election results, even though the election outcomes can cause disruptions in global trade. However, if Donald Trump is re-elected, his specific trade policies could present both opportunities and challenges for Vietnamese seafood exports in the coming period.
In the U.S.-China trade conflict, there could be major shifts in U.S. supply chains and imports. The U.S. may reduce its seafood imports from China and look for other suppliers, including Vietnam.
Vietnam’s main seafood exports to the U.S. are shrimp and pangasius, and higher U.S. tariffs on Chinese seafood could create big chances for Vietnamese shrimp and pangasius to replace Chinese products. This change would boost Vietnam’s seafood exports to the U.S. market. Additionally, if China reduces seafood imports from the U.S., it might start importing more seafood from Vietnam instead.
As the trade war intensifies, global supply chains may be disrupted, creating an opportunity for Vietnam to become a reliable alternative supplier for countries seeking to avoid high U.S. tariffs, especially for seafood products. Thus, Vietnam could be chosen as a substitute supplier in the global supply chain.
However, to fully seize these opportunities, Vietnamese seafood businesses need to maintain high product quality, increase value-added processing, and leverage free trade agreements (FTAs) to expand their market reach and enhance their competitiveness.
While Vietnam may benefit from some opportunities arising from the U.S.-China trade war, Vietnamese seafood businesses also face U.S. trade defense measures. These may include anti-dumping duties, countervailing duties, and strict product quality requirements.
Even though anti-dumping duties on shrimp and pangasius and countervailing duties on Vietnamese shrimp exported to the U.S. are expected to be more favorable in 2024, businesses still need to be cautious and strategic when exporting to this market. The U.S. government, especially under Trump, strengthened protective measures related to food safety and quality standards. This could make it challenging for Vietnamese seafood exporters to meet stricter food safety requirements, leading to higher production and inspection costs.
Additionally, U.S. protectionist policies and tariff barriers could increase competition for Vietnam from other major seafood-exporting countries like India, Ecuador, and Indonesia, which are strong competitors in the seafood industry.
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By the end of October 2024, Vietnam's seafood exports to the U.S. reached $1.5 billion, a 15% increase compared to the same period last year. It is estimated that for the full year 2024, seafood exports to the U.S. will bring in $1.85 billion, a 19% increase over 2023. |
To enhance seafood exports to the U.S. in a changing trade environment, Vietnamese seafood companies need to be proactive and flexible in adapting to market shifts.
Seafood exports must fully meet U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) rules, including hygiene, food safety, and disease prevention standards. Companies should also maintain sustainable production and strict quality control from farming to processing to meet the growing standards of the U.S. market.
American consumers are increasingly interested in sustainability, environmental protection, and social responsibility. To meet these expectations, Vietnamese seafood companies should adopt sustainable farming practices, like eco-friendly shrimp farming, and follow international standards (GlobalGAP, ASC, MSC) to enhance their reputation and meet the rising expectations of the market.
Businesses should provide transparent information on production processes, raw material origins, and quality standards. This will help build trust with U.S. consumers and partners and meet the needs of distributors, supermarkets, and major retail chains in the U.S.
Vietnamese seafood companies need to boost their competitiveness, develop effective production and business strategies, and offer products at reasonable and transparent prices. At the same time, companies should have rapid response plans for changes in U.S. tariffs and trade measures.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, the global food market is facing increasing volatility in logistics costs, energy prices, and supply chains. In the seafood sector, alongside ocean-caught products such as tuna, the surimi-based product group—including fish cakes, crab sticks, fish balls, and other imitation seafood products—has also been affected to some extent by these developments.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to the 2026 brackish-water shrimp farming calendar issued by the Da Nang Department of Agriculture and Environment, the 2026 crop started in early January and is expected to harvest in late June. However, stocking progress has been slower than planned as farmers remain cautious, focusing on pond renovation and production preparations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After the Lunar New Year of Binh Ngo 2026, commercial clam prices in Ha Tinh province surged sharply, nearly doubling compared to normal levels and standing about 20–30% higher than the same period last year. The spike has encouraged many aquaculture households to accelerate harvesting and sell large volumes to the market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In January 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 379.6 million, up 22% compared to the same period in 2025. The double-digit growth in the very first month of the year signals a relatively positive recovery in orders, particularly in Asian markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) From the very beginning of 2026, India’s shrimp industry has received a series of favorable trade signals: U.S. reciprocal tariffs have been reduced, while the successful conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU has opened prospects for eliminating nearly all seafood tariffs in the coming years. This shift not only enables Indian shrimp to quickly offset declines in the U.S. market, but also reshapes the global competitive landscape, placing greater pressure on Vietnamese shrimp exporters in terms of price, market share, and strategic positioning.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Entering 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is recording many positive signals, both in terms of raw fish prices and export prospects. Export turnover this year is projected to reach approximately USD 2.3 billion. Amid ongoing volatility in the global market, diversifying export destinations, reducing dependence on major markets, and effectively leveraging free trade agreements (FTAs) are considered key to maintaining sustainable growth and creating new momentum for the pangasius sector.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With forecasts indicating that weather conditions in 2026 may become more complex—featuring prolonged heatwaves, unseasonal rains, and increased salinity intrusion—the agricultural sector of Can Tho City advises brackish water shrimp farmers to strictly follow the seasonal farming calendar and strengthen pond environmental management to minimize risks and improve production efficiency.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On February 4, a working delegation led by the Authority of Telecommunications (Ministry of Science and Technology) met with the Management Board of Cat Lo Fishing Port (Phuoc Thang Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) to comprehensively review the installation of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), assess signal connectivity, and evaluate the effectiveness of information technology applications in fisheries management across the city.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 marked a significant milestone for China’s lobster market, with total imports reaching a record high and the supply structure undergoing major changes. Amid this surge, Vietnam’s lobster exports—especially green lobster—accelerated dramatically, reaching new highs and contributing substantially to Vietnam’s overall record shrimp export value.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With a range of synchronized solutions, from institutional improvements and strengthened communication to strict fleet control, Quang Ninh is stepping up efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, determined to join the country in soon having the European Commission’s (EC) “yellow card” lifted.
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