Since April 2025, following the U.S. government’s announcement of a temporary 10% tariff on a wide range of imports from Vietnam — including seafood — exporters have scrambled to adjust. Companies accelerated shipments to the U.S. in April and early May to mitigate the risk of being hit with higher duties — potentially up to 46% — once the 90-day temporary tariff window ends on July 9.
As a result, exports to the U.S. in May still rose 9.7% year-on-year to nearly USD 160 million. However, several exporters noted that shipments slowed significantly after May 20 as they adopted a more cautious approach. Rising costs, policy uncertainty, and market volatility have collectively dampened trading activity and weighed on the month’s overall export figures.
Shrimp remained a standout performer, with May exports rising 12.4% to USD 363 million — accounting for over 42% of the total value. For the January–May period, shrimp exports exceeded USD 1.66 billion, up 28.3%, driven by robust demand from the U.S., Japan, and CPTPP markets.
In contrast, pangasius (tra fish) exports plunged 17.3% in May to USD 138 million — the steepest drop among major seafood categories. Exporters have temporarily scaled back U.S.-bound shipments, aiming to avoid potential tariff hikes and restructure their market strategies. Companies like Caseamex are increasingly shifting focus to the EU and Asian markets, which are technically demanding but carry lower trade risks.
Tuna exports also fell sharply, down 23.2% in May to USD 65 million, amid rising logistics costs and intensified competition from Latin American suppliers.
In response to U.S. trade policy uncertainty, many Vietnamese seafood enterprises have pivoted toward market diversification and value-added processing. Exports to CPTPP markets such as Japan, Canada, and Mexico continued to rise, reaching USD 224 million in May (up 7.9%) and over USD 1.15 billion in the first five months (up 24.3%).
China and Hong Kong also recorded impressive growth, with May exports nearing USD 185 million and five-month value exceeding USD 900 million — increases of 22.3% and 48.6%, respectively. These gains reflect both Vietnam’s efforts to restructure export markets and strong demand for products that meet regional preferences in taste, pricing, and supply chain flexibility.
Many companies are also investing in deeply processed products — such as fish balls, marinated fillets, canned fish, and collagen derived from by-products — to tap into niche markets and meet rising demand for convenient food options, especially in major Asian urban centers.
Between now and July — when the U.S. is expected to finalize its tariff rates on certain Vietnamese goods — exporters will likely remain cautious in their U.S. strategies. Businesses must carefully time shipments to avoid tax exposure while retaining key customers. If the 10% tariff remains in place, exports may hold steady. However, if the 46% rate is enacted, a sharp decline in U.S.-bound exports is likely, forcing a more aggressive restructuring of market priorities.
In the long term, the industry must fully leverage free trade agreements (FTAs) such as CPTPP, EVFTA, and UKVFTA to diversify its export portfolio. Key structural improvements — including logistics cost reduction, infrastructure upgrades, and enhanced compliance with international standards — will also be crucial. Government support in the form of credit policies, sustainable farming programs, and investment in processing capacity will help improve overall competitiveness and long-term growth.
(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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