Vietnam seafood exports continue to play a vital role in the global seafood supply chain. In 2025, the industry maintained strong growth momentum despite rising trade barriers and regulatory pressures. According to the VASEP seafood report, total Vietnam seafood exports reached USD 8.36 billion in the first nine months of 2025, marking a 15.8% year-on-year increase.
Although export value in Q3 slowed compared to the first half of the year, overall performance remained positive. This resilience reflects the industry’s ability to diversify markets, expand value-added seafood products, and optimize trade advantages under free trade agreements such as the CPTPP seafood trade framework.
The Vietnam seafood exports 2025 landscape shows a clear shift toward higher-value products and broader market coverage.
Total export value (9 months): USD 8.36 billion
Q3 export value: USD 2.72 billion
Growth drivers: shrimp, pangasius, squid, octopus, and processed seafood
Strong recovery in Asian markets, especially China and CPTPP members
Despite headwinds from the U.S. market, seafood exports from Vietnam continued to expand thanks to early-year shipment acceleration and flexible export strategies.
Vietnam shrimp exports remain the backbone of the industry. In the first nine months of 2025, shrimp export value reached USD 3.42 billion, up 21.7% year on year, the highest growth rate among all seafood categories.
Key factors behind shrimp export growth include:
Strong demand from Japan, China, and South Korea
Expansion of frozen and value-added seafood products
Competitive pricing and improved processing technology
Shrimp alone accounted for more than 40% of total Vietnam seafood exports, reinforcing its strategic importance.
Vietnam pangasius exports reached approximately USD 1.6 billion in 2025, growing 9.2% compared to 2024. Growth was supported by rising demand in:
China and Hong Kong
Middle Eastern markets
CPTPP member countries
While exports to the U.S. slowed due to tariff pressures, shrimp and pangasius exports from Vietnam remain competitive globally due to stable supply and improving quality standards.
Vietnam squid exports and Vietnam octopus exports recorded impressive growth in 2025. Combined export value exceeded USD 540 million, up 17.6% year on year.
Key export destinations include:
South Korea
Japan
China
These products benefit from Vietnam’s strong processing capacity and growing demand for frozen and ready-to-cook seafood in Asia.
China and Hong Kong became the largest destination for Vietnam seafood exports, with export value reaching nearly USD 1.8 billion, up more than 33% year on year. Demand increased for:
Fresh and live seafood
Premium shrimp and lobster
High-end products for the foodservice sector
Exports to the U.S. totaled around USD 1.43 billion. Although growth slowed in Q3 due to new tariffs, the U.S. remains a critical market for:
Processed shrimp
Pangasius fillets
Canned and processed seafood
Japan: Strong demand for shrimp, squid, and octopus
EU: Growing imports of farmed shrimp and pangasius
CPTPP seafood trade: Continues to support export diversification, especially to Canada, Australia, and the UK
These regions are key top seafood export markets of Vietnam, contributing stable, long-term growth.
Despite positive performance, the industry faces several challenges:
Higher import tariffs in the U.S.
Strict sustainability and traceability requirements
The EU IUU yellow card affecting wild-caught seafood
Rising logistics and production costs
These Vietnam seafood exports challenges require exporters to focus more on compliance, processing efficiency, and market diversification.
Looking ahead, the Vietnam seafood export 2025 outlook remains optimistic. Industry experts expect total export turnover to exceed USD 10 billion if current trends continue.
Key growth opportunities include:
Expansion of value-added seafood products
Strong demand in Asian and CPTPP markets
Improved access to the EU for aquaculture products
Rising global demand for sustainable seafood
With strategic investment and policy support, the Vietnamese seafood market is well-positioned for long-term growth.
Vietnam seafood exports in 2025 demonstrate strong adaptability amid global trade volatility. Supported by shrimp, pangasius, squid, and octopus, the industry continues to strengthen its global position. By leveraging trade agreements, expanding processing capacity, and addressing regulatory challenges, Vietnam is set to remain one of the world’s leading seafood exporters.
Q1. What are Vietnam seafood exports in 2025?
Vietnam seafood exports reached USD 8.36 billion in the first nine months of 2025, driven mainly by shrimp and pangasius.
Q2. Which products dominate seafood exports from Vietnam?
Shrimp, pangasius, squid, and octopus are the leading export products.
Q3. What are the biggest challenges for Vietnam seafood exports?
Key challenges include U.S. tariffs, EU IUU regulations, and rising logistics costs.
Q4. What are the top seafood export markets of Vietnam?
China, the United States, Japan, the EU, and CPTPP countries are the main markets.
