VIETNAM’S SEAFOOD EXPORTS HIT OVER US$10 BILLION IN JAN-NOV

Workers process seafood at a facility in Vietnam - PHOTO: VNA

HCMC – Vietnam’s seafood exports reached more than US$10.5 billion in the first 11 months of 2025, with shrimp and tra fish continuing to lead the sector’s growth, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

Seafood export revenue in November alone amounted to nearly US$990 million, up 6.6% year-on-year. Key product groups posted solid gains. Shrimp exports rose 11.7% to over US$385 million, supported by strong demand for whiteleg shrimp and lobster. Tra fish shipments increased 9.7% to almost US$197 million, while marine fish, squid, and mollusk exports maintained their recovery.

Shipments to CPTPP markets, China (including Hong Kong), the EU, and Brazil grew sharply. Exports to the U.S., however, fell nearly 5%.

From January to November, shrimp exports generated US$4.31 billion, up 21.2%, remaining the sector’s strongest performer. Pangasius exports exceeded US$2 billion, a rise of 9%. Tuna exports hit US$855.7 million, and other categories—including mollusks, marine fish, and value-added products—recorded double-digit growth.

CPTPP markets accounted for 27.2% of total seafood export revenue, up 24.3% over the same period last year. Exports to China climbed 30.6%, while the EU posted an 11.9% increase. The U.S. market generated US$1.78 billion, up 8.1% year-on-year but showing signs of slowing in the fourth quarter.

VASEP said November’s results reflect businesses’ efforts to accelerate deliveries ahead of new U.S. import requirements and an ongoing anti-dumping investigation on shrimp.

Exports may soften slightly in December due to seasonal factors and heightened caution among exporters awaiting U.S. guidance under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Many firms have temporarily paused new contracts.

Shrimp exports are expected to remain stable thanks to steady demand in Japan, the EU, and CPTPP countries.

Vietnam’s seafood exports could reach a record US$11.2–11.3 billion in 2025, with shrimp surpassing US$4.6 billion, pangasius exceeding US$2.1 billion, and tuna topping US$900 million.

However, stricter U.S. import regulations from 2026 will require Vietnamese exporters to strengthen supply-chain transparency, meet labor and sustainability standards, combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and expand higher value-added products to maintain market access.

Source: The Saigon Times