Vietnam seafood industry identifies opportunities and challenges in 2023

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In January 2025, the country's total seafood output was estimated at 594,100 tons, a 0.7% increase compared to the same period last year. Specifically, fish production reached 443,400 tons, up 0.7%; shrimp output was 56,300 tons, up 3.1%; and other seafood products totaled 94,400 tons, down 0.9%.

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The industrial pangasius production in Vinh Long province in 2024 reached 95,100 tons, a 4% decrease compared to 2023. Despite the decline in production, positive trends in the final months of the year offer hope for improving economic efficiency in the near future. Additionally, the increase in the area for industrial pangasius farming and the maintenance of overall aquaculture area demonstrate the province’s efforts to sustain its production activities.

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In January 2025, Vietnam's total seafood export value reached 774.3 million USD, a 3.3% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This is a positive result compared to January 2023, when the Lunar New Year fell at the end of the month, significantly impacting export outcomes.

(seafood.com.vn) In 2024, Vietnam exported shrimp to 107 markets, up from 102 in 2023. The top 5 major markets for Vietnam’s shrimp exports were China & Hong Kong, the U.S., Japan, the EU, and South Korea, accounting for 76% of the total shrimp export value.

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2024, Vietnam's seafood sector successfully exported to numerous countries, reaching a milestone of USD 10 billion, a 12% increase compared to 2023. 2025 promises to be a prospective year for promoting exports to various markets, including target and potential markets such as the US, China, ASEAN, and the Middle East.

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The EU has been one of the largest consumers of Vietnamese pangasius over the past decade. However, data from Vietnam Customs reveals a gradual decline in EU imports of pangasius from Vietnam over the last five years.

The Report on Vietnam Seafood Exports in 2024 by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) was published amid positive developments in the country's seafood industry, marking a successful year with a total export value of USD 10 billion, a 12% increase compared to 2023. This milestone underscores the sustainable growth and exceptional potential of the seafood sector in contributing to the national economy.

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam's tuna sector faced numerous challenges in the latter half of 2024. While the year proved memorable, with export turnover reaching nearly USD 1 billion, maintaining this growth trajectory requires renewed impetus for the tuna industry.

With Tet (Lunar New Year) approaching, fishermen along Vietnam's central coast are capitalizing on favourable weather conditions to intensify their fishing efforts, meeting the burgeoning demand for seafood across the nation.

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Shrimp exports in 2024 reached nearly USD 4 billion, a 14% increase compared to 2023. Reflecting on 2024, the shrimp industry demonstrated resilience and persistent effort in overcoming challenges, solidifying its strong position in exports.