The historical milestone of 11 billion USD for the seafood export industry in 2022 was mentioned many times by businesses, state management agencies and the media in the early days of 2023 with joy and pride. However, this successful result was thanks to the continuous growth in the first 3 quarters of the year, with a high rate of 34 -46% over 2021. In the fourth quarter, the export trend reversed to negative growth of more than 9% and fell deeply in all sectors due to the impact of inflation.
In January 2023, following the trend of the last quarter of the previous year plus the Lunar New Year holiday, seafood exports continued to decrease sharply. It is estimated that in the first month of the year, seafood exports decreased by 31%, reaching about 600 million USD. In which, pangasius decreased by 50%, shrimp decreased by 46%, tuna decreased by 32%, especially squid and octopus maintained a positive growth of 4% and other marine fish species increased by 6%.
Exports to major markets in January 2023 all decreased sharply, of which the US decreased by 56%, China - HK decreased by 55%, the EU decreased by 35%.
In the first months of the year, the picture of seafood exports can’t be brightened up, especially when the world economy is forecasted to experience a recession this year. However, seafood is still an essential food item, the demand can not drop too sharply. There will be adjustments in demand by product segment. Accordingly, the advantage will be more inclined to affordable-priced goods because it is suitable for low- or middle-income consumers, the group most affected by inflation.
According to economic experts, there are still many risks in 2023. The tension in Russia-Ukraine could increase, the possibility of a transatlantic trade war that could continue to affect seafood supplies in major markets. That context could also be an opportunity for Vietnamese seafood to increase supply to the US, China, and EU markets.
In addition, the opening of China gives great hope for a recovery in demand not only in this market but also in other markets around the world. The recovery will be more clear from the second quarter of 2023.
Besides, experts are optimistic about markets that are assessed to have economic growth this year such as Asia, the Middle East, etc.
In that context, seafood enterprises have to ensure financial health to maintain stable production and raw materials supply to speed up production when the consumption market recovers. Seafood businesses can take advantage of each sector in terms of supply and consumption market factors by capturing market information and forecasting.
The conditions for the Vietnamese business environment are also gradually improving in the direction of supporting more production and export. One outstanding news is the update of infrastructure and logistics for export production in the key Mekong Delta region. On the first day of the new year, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh inspected key transport projects in the Mekong Delta and required that by 2026 the Mekong Delta must have 554 km of highways. This is good news for the economic development of the region, especially in the fisheries sector. This is also expected to be a driving force and a condition to promote seafood production and export in the coming time.
Right from the first days of the new year 2023, the exciting atmosphere of farmers, fishermen and many seafood enterprises has also shown optimism in the recovery of the consumption market as well as the stability of seafood exports. With that spirit, the seafood industry looks forward to the recovery of demand and increase of orders from the second quarter of 2023.
Compiled by Thuy Linh
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Currently, Da Nang City has no fishing vessels detained, sanctioned by foreign authorities, or criminally prosecuted for IUU fishing violations. Patrols, monitoring of marine fishing activities, and handling of violations have been prioritized by competent forces, significantly reducing nearshore fishing infringements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to statistics from Vietnam Customs, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Israel in the first nine months of 2025 reached just over USD 27 million, down as much as 49% compared to the same period in 2024. This is a steep and prolonged decline for many consecutive months, reflecting changes in import demand as well as shifts in the supply structure of this market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The first 700 tons of Vietnamese tilapia ordered and imported by JBS Group will initially be distributed through supermarket chains, the Horeca network and JBS’s product showrooms in Brazil.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In October 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius exports hit $217 million, representing an 8% increase compared to the same month in 2024. For the first 10 months of the year, total export value has surpassed $1.8 billion, up 9% year-on-year. This growth demonstrates clear positive momentum for the pangasius industry, despite continued declines in certain markets.
In recent days, the Central provinces of Vietnam have been suffering from historic flooding, with prolonged heavy rains, landslides, flash floods, and deep inundation causing extremely serious impacts on tens of thousands of households, as well as many VASEP member exporters located in the region. With the spirit of mutual support and solidarity, and in order to promptly assist residents and member exporters in the affected areas to stabilize their lives and restore production activities, VASEP calls on all seafood exporters, organizations, and individuals to extend supports to the people and member exporters in the flood-hit areas. We urge timely and practical material and spiritual contributions to help member exporters and local communities in the severely affected provinces overcome this difficult period.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the final days of October 2025, Vietnam’s domestic raw shrimp market remained generally stable, though slight adjustments were recorded in several sizes across key farming regions.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 498 million in October 2025, up 26% from the same period last year. This is one of the highest monthly revenues since the beginning of the year, reflecting solid demand in major markets and faster shipment schedules by exporters. From January to October, shrimp export value reached USD 3.9 billion, up 22% compared to the same period in 2024.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On October 31, 2025, the US Court of International Trade (CIT) officially issued an order to suspend the case filed by the National Fisheries Institute (NFI), the National Restaurant Association (NRA), and several US seafood companies against the US Government concerning the implementation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) An Giang’s fisheries sector has maintained stable growth momentum during the first nine months of 2025, making an important contribution to the province’s socio-economic development. Despite facing numerous challenges, the province is implementing various measures to enhance production efficiency, expand markets, and promote sustainable fisheries development toward deeper integration into the global economy.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius export value in September 2025 reached USD 181 million, up 5% compared to the same period in 2024. The overall trend for the pangasius industry remains positive, with total exports in the first nine months of 2025 reaching nearly USD 1.6 billion, an increase of 9% year-on-year.
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