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.

(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) After three years of implementation, the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) has yielded positive results for Vietnam’s tuna exports. The United Kingdom officially became a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on December 15, 2024. This is expected to bring significant benefits for seafood enterprises, particularly in terms of tariffs and intra-bloc origin regulations - especially for tuna products.

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Dishes made from fish, especially pangasius, have become common and are found in nearly all restaurants, hotels, and banquets in Pakistan.

In January 2025, Vietnam's shrimp exports to the UK reached over 16 million USD, an 8% increase compared to the same period last year. The UK is the sixth-largest individual market for Vietnam’s shrimp imports, accounting for 5.5% of the total shrimp exports to various markets. Shrimp also holds the largest share (70%) in Vietnam’s total seafood exports to the UK.

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The first two months of 2025 recorded positive signals in Vietnam's seafood export activities, with total revenue reaching USD 1.423 billion, growing 18.2% compared to the same period in 2024. In February 2025, the export value hit USD 655.197 million, showing an impressive growth of 42.6%.

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to data from Vietnam Customs, Vietnam’s pangasius exports in January 2025 reached over USD 133 million, marking a 19% decline compared to the same period last year. Notably, the ranking of the top pangasius import markets saw significant adjustments.