(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.

Vietnam’s fisheries sector is facing both significant opportunities and challenges in 2025, with a targeted growth rate of 4.35% and export turnover projected to reach USD 11 billion.

(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 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.

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2024, Vietnam’s tuna exports to the Middle East continued their impressive growth, rising by 28% compared to 2023. The Middle East is now emerging as one of Vietnam’s top four tuna export markets.

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Recently, the price of Pangasius in the Mekong Delta has increased significantly, making fishermen very excited. However, looking at the overall picture of this industry, the rise in Pangasius prices is not just an opportunity, but also comes with many challenges.

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ms. To Thi Tuong Lan, Deputy Secretary General of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), forecasts that pangasius export turnover could reach the target of USD2 billion in 2024. However, the industry will still face numerous challenges in the coming year.