After a slow start in the first month of the quarter, Vietnam’s fish cake and surimi exports posted consecutive growth in the following two months, bringing total export value in Q1 2025 to over USD 80 million, up 31% year-on-year.

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to data from Vietnam Customs, in March 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius exports reached USD 182 million, up 21% from the previous month and 16% year-on-year. Robust demand from Vietnam’s two key export destinations - the United States and China - continues to play a pivotal role in driving the outbound flow of pangasius products beyond national borders.

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first quarter of 2025, Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the European Union (EU) reached over USD 107 million, marking a 33% year-on-year increase and signaling a strong start to the year. The growth was driven by the recovery of demand in Europe, the proactive adaptation of Vietnamese exporters in diversifying their product portfolios, and the effective utilization of preferential tariffs under the EVFTA.

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) A total of 40 finalists have been selected for the Seafood Excellence Global Awards 2025, to be held during the Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, Spain, from May 6 to 8, 2025.

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) One of the main drivers of growth in the tilapia industry today is the increasing demand for affordable protein sources, as consumers continue to prioritize healthier diets, positioning tilapia as a preferred choice.

The United States is the world’s largest importer of tilapia, while China remains the leading global exporter of this species. However, facing a tariff rate as high as 150%, Chinese tilapia is rapidly losing access to the U.S. market. This development presents a significant opportunity for other exporting countries, including Vietnam, to expand their market share in the U.S. in the coming period.

As one of the world’s top three shrimp-exporting nations, Vietnam’s shrimp industry is simultaneously facing numerous formidable challenges—ranging from climate change and high production costs to disease outbreaks and intense global competition. These pressures, however, present a pivotal opportunity for Vietnam to transform toward sustainable and environmentally responsible development.

The Ministry of Finance confirmed that the adjustment reflects Vietnam’s strategy to promote trade liberalisation with key partners, especially the United States, and support domestic consumption.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), Vietnam’s agricultural product exports are inevitably affected by disruptions in global supply chains and the imposition of unilateral, stringent tariff policies by major economies. Nonetheless, these challenges also present an opportunity for Vietnam to adjust its export strategy and focus more intently on emerging and high-potential markets.

This year, Vietnam's shrimp industry aims for 1.3-1.4 million tonnes in production and 4-4.3 billion USD in export turnover. Encouragingly, shrimp exports topped 605 million USD in the first two months of this year alone, up 46% year-on-year

The US is the top import market for Vietnamese shrimp and tuna and ranks as the second largest for pangasius (tra fish).

Beyond frozen pangasius fillets, value-added products like fish cakes, fish balls, and peeled IQF shrimp can meet the demand for convenience in urban supermarkets and restaurants. Compared to premium products from Chile or the EU, Vietnamese seafood offers a price advantage, enabling market share expansion as Brazil prioritizes affordable imports.

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Brazil is a promising market for Vietnamese seafood, with exports reaching nearly $130 million in 2024, primarily driven by pangasius. High consumption demand, domestic supply shortages, and relaxed import standards create significant opportunities. Vietnam can leverage competitive pricing, bilateral trade cooperation, and MERCOSUR negotiations to expand market share.

The UK seafood industry celebrated a breakthrough on April 1 as Vietnam granted market access for live seafood products, opening new opportunities for growth and trade.

As the EU strengthens its controls on inorganic arsenic in imported seafood, Vietnamese exporters are being warned not to be complacent and are actively adjusting to maintain market access, with enhanced quality control measures to ensure compliance.

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s exports of shelled mollusks recorded impressive growth in the first two months of 2025, reaching USD 41 million—an increase of 132% compared to the same period in 2024 (USD 18 million).

Recently, Vietnam's La Vong fish cake was ranked number 1 in the list of the world's best white fish dishes by the world-famous culinary website Taste Atlas.

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), in the first two months of 2025, Vietnam's shrimp exports recorded positive signs with strong growth in a number of important markets, of which lobster exports to China increased sharply.

Over 200,000 ha of Vietnam's shrimp farms are cultivated organically and ecologically, certified by international organizations.

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs, the country’s pangasius exports regained growth momentum in February 2025. Export value reached USD 150 million, marking a 66% increase compared to February 2024. Cumulative pangasius export revenue for the first two months of the year totaled USD 284 million, up 11% year-on-year.