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.
(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.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 closed with a remarkable milestone for Vietnam’s shrimp industry. According to Vietnam Customs, the country’s total shrimp export turnover in 2025 reached USD 4.6 billion, up 19% compared to 2024 and the highest level ever recorded.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During the 2026–2030 period, Quang Tri province aims to convert 771 fishing vessels currently engaged in activities detrimental to marine resources and the ecological environment to more environmentally friendly fishing practices or shift entirely to other economic sectors.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) 2025 recorded a breakthrough growth in Vietnam’s tilapia exports, in which the U.S market emerging as the primary growth driver. The total export turnover of Vietnamese tilapia to the United States reached $53.15 million during the year, surging 173% year-on-year and accounting for 54% of Vietnam’s total tilapia export value, thereby making the U.S the largest import market for this commodity. Compared to 2024, tilapia exports to the U.S posted robust growth, reflecting the import demand as well as the ability of Vietnamese enterprises to capitalize on market opportunities amidst volatile global competitive dynamics.
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