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.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam has strengthened its position in China’s massive seafood market, becoming the largest lobster supplier while maintaining a dominant share of the country’s imported pangasius.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietfish 2026 was more than just a larger exhibition space. Through B2B meetings, booth discussions, production-chain visits and post-show feedback, businesses and buyers found something more concrete: suitable suppliers, processing capabilities, technology solutions, new markets and a foundation for building long-term trust and partnerships.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States declined significantly in the first seven months of 2026. Cumulative export value reached US$18 million, down 42% from the same period in 2025. In July alone, exports amounted to just US$2 million, plunging 70%, indicating a clear slowdown in import demand from the US market.
(vasep.com.vn) At the seminar “Global Seafood Markets and the Future Workforce: Trends, Opportunities and Directions for the Sustainable Development of Vietnam’s Fisheries Sector,” held as part of VIETFISH 2026, Ms. Shirlene Maria Anthonysamy, Fisheries Officer (Markets) and GLOBEFISH Coordinator at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), presented initiatives aimed at promoting youth participation in fisheries and aquaculture.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the United States reached US$189 million, down 8% year-on-year. In July alone, export value reached US$22 million, down 28%. This trend indicates that U.S. demand for pangasius imports has remained relatively cautious this year, as importers tend to maintain moderate inventory levels and limit stockpiling.
(vasep.com.vn) After three days at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam International Fisheries Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 – has successfully concluded, leaving a strong impression in terms of scale, visitor numbers, the quality of business connections, and innovative activities. With more than 14,000 m² of exhibition space, 335 companies, 568 booths, participation from representatives of 17 countries and territories, and nearly 15,000 visitors, VIETFISH 2026 has once again affirmed its role as an important meeting point for Vietnam’s and the global seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Held as part of Vietfish 2026 from August 19–21 at SECC in Ho Chi Minh City, a series of five specialized seminars provided the seafood business community with updates on markets, technology, standards, human resources and cooperation opportunities. With the participation of experts, international organizations, government agencies and businesses from Vietnam and abroad, the seminars created an additional platform for professional exchange alongside the exhibition’s product showcases and business networking activities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the morning of August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 officially opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. With 568 booths representing 335 companies, alongside the presence of senior government officials, local authorities, diplomatic missions and international partners, VIETFISH 2026 kicks off three days of business networking, technology exchange and market engagement under the overarching theme “Innovation and Sustainability.”
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) officially announces that the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition (Vietfish 2026) will take place from August 19–21, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports recorded strong growth in the first half of 2026, but the performance was increasingly uneven across products, markets and enterprises. VASEP’s newly released premium report provides the detailed data and analysis needed to understand what lies behind the headline figures and prepare for the more challenging months ahead.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
Chịu trách nhiệm: Ông Nguyễn Hoài Nam - Phó Tổng thư ký Hiệp hội
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