Vietnam's seafood export turnover in the first five months of 2025 reached over $4.34 billion, up 22% compared to the same period in 2024. In May, exports hit nearly $997 million, marking a 20% increase. Notably, the U.S. market stood out with a turnover of over $234 million in May, surging 61% year-on-year—the highest growth among major markets.
This sharp rise was mainly driven by a “policy gap” in U.S. tariffs. From April 9 to July 9, 2025, the U.S. applied a temporary 10% tariff on imports from Vietnam, significantly lower than the previously warned 46%. Seizing this window, many Vietnamese enterprises accelerated deliveries.
In the first five-month period, shrimp remained the leading export item with a turnover of more than $1.71 billion, up 32%. In May, shrimp exports reached over $415 million - the highest monthly figure of the year. Pangasius also saw positive growth of 11% over five months, with a strong 13% increase in May, contrasting with a modest 4% rise in April.
Pangasius exports to the U.S., which had plummeted in April, rebounded by 35% in May—a clear testament to businesses' flexible adjustments in delivery schedules.
Similarly, tuna exports also showed signs of recovery, albeit at a slower pace. After a slight decline in April, tuna exports rose by 7.6% in May, bringing the total five-month export value to over USD 405 million - an increase of 5%. Other product groups such as squid - octopus, crabs and bivalve mollusks also posted strong growth, with bivalve mollusks achieving an impressive 63% increase.
On the market side, the U.S. remained the most volatile. In the first five months of the year, exports to this market reached $774 million, up 27%. However, the sharp growth in May was largely time-sensitive. If the tariff reverts to the projected 46% after July 9, 2025, many enterprises will be forced to halt shipments, risking a sharp decline in orders in the third quarter.
Meanwhile, the EU and Japan recorded steadier growth of 14% and 18% respectively over the five-month period. China and Hong Kong continued to serve as key pillars, with exports surging by 50%, especially for shrimp (+90%) and bivalve mollusks (+285%).
However, behind this short-term growth, Vietnam’s seafood industry faces significant challenges from U.S. tariff policies. A potential 46% countervailing duty would inflate costs, create a compounding tax burden, and push many businesses—especially small ones—into precarious positions. The consequences could extend beyond lost orders, potentially disrupting entire supply chains and increasing localized unemployment in seafood-producing regions.
Competitors like China, India, Thailand, and South American salmon producers are also maneuvering to either cope or capitalize on market share opportunities. Notably, exporters from Latin America, such as Brazil and Chile, are poised to benefit if Vietnam is squeezed out of the U.S. supply chain due to high tariffs.
Vietnam’s seafood export outlook for 2025 hinges heavily on the tariff scenario post-July 9. If the tariff remains at 10% or is eliminated, Vietnam could maintain or exceed $10 billion in exports. However, a 46% tariff could drag the annual turnover down to $9 billion, with lingering risks.
Vietnam’s seafood exports are demonstrating strong recovery and adaptability amid uncertainties. Yet, the sustainability of growth in the second half of 2025 will largely depend on U.S. trade policies. This will be the pivotal factor shaping Vietnam’s seafood industry landscape in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Can Tho City statistics indicate that in 2025, following the merger of three former administrative entities - Can Tho, Hau Giang and Soc Trang - fisheries output in 2025 increased by 6.23% compared with 2024 with aquaculture production nearly 9.1 times higher than capture fisheries.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to the Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ca Mau province has achieved significant, comprehensive and substantive progress in combating IUU fishing in 2025, successfully fulfilling all tasks directed by the central government and strengthening fisheries governance. These efforts have established a solid foundation for the nationwide effort to lift the EC’s "yellow card" warning.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ca Mau has exceeded its 2025 production targets, reaching nearly 595,000 tons of shrimp. This milestone reinforces the province’s position as Vietnam’s leading shrimp producer and a bright spot in the country’s seafood sector.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, cumulative shrimp exports from the beginning of the year through November reached $4.3 billion, up 21% year-on-year, continuing to serve as the primary growth driver of the entire seafood sector. In November alone, export turnover amounted to $393 million, up 14%.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, the fisheries sector continued to stand out as a bright spot in Ca Mau’s economic landscape, maintaining positive growth in both output and value.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) By the end of November 2025, Vietnam’s total pangasius export turnover had exceeded the $2 billion threshold, registering a 9% compared with the same period in 2024. In November alone, pangasius exports reached $195 million, also posting a 9% increase year-on-year, underscoring a stable recovery trajectory for the sector in the final months of the year.
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(seafood.vasep.com.vn) An Giang is focusing on expanding climate-adaptive marine aquaculture models, aiming for safe and sustainable production. This approach not only enhances economic efficiency but also helps fishermen stabilize their livelihoods amid weather fluctuations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first 10 months of 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius export value to China (including Mainland China and Hong Kong) reached $483 million, up 1% compared to the same period in 2024. October alone posted $73 million, a strong 19% increase year-on-year. The Chinese market currently accounts for nearly 27% of Vietnam’s total pangasius export value.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to data from Vietnam Customs, the country’s lobster exports posted another strong month in October 2025, reaching $93 million - a 75% increase from the same month in 2024. This performance extends the sector’s impressive growth streak from earlier in the year, pushing cumulative exports for the first 10 months to $712 million, up an extraordinary 135% year-over-year. Within the product mix, green lobster remained the dominant driver, accounting for 98% of total export value, with $700 million recorded in the first 10 months - a 141% jump year-on-year. In contrast, exports of spiny lobster and other lobster varieties declined slightly by 22% and 1%, respectively, indicating that market demand is becoming increasingly concentrated on the most sought-after product line.
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