Vietnam seafood exports hit record US$11.3B in 2025
Shrimp and tilapia led growth, while tuna exports declined under regulatory pressure
VIETNAM – Vietnam’s seafood exports climbed to a record US$11.3 billion in 2025, an increase of 12.4% from the previous year, as exporters redirected sales toward Asia and countries in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership in response to rising trade barriers in the United States.
According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, shipments to CPTPP member economies reached US$3 billion in 2025, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 20.8% and making the bloc the country’s largest combined destination.
China, including Hong Kong, followed closely, with imports of Vietnamese seafood valued at US$2.4 billion, up 28.5 % from 2024 as demand strengthened across multiple product categories.
The United States remained a key buyer, with purchases totalling US$1.9 billion, up 4.9% from the prior year, though exporters faced rising compliance costs due to regulatory changes.
Japan imported US$1.7 billion worth of seafood from Vietnam in 2025, up 10.8% year over year, while the European Union imported US$1.1 billion, up 12.1%, despite ongoing trade scrutiny.
Exports gathered pace toward the end of the year, with fourth-quarter shipments valued at US$3.1 billion, up 10.3% from the same period in 2024, as seasonal demand rose in several Asian markets.
Shipments in December were also pulled forward as companies sought to clear inventory ahead of U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act rules and related import bans that took effect on 1 January 2026.
Product Trends
Shrimp remained Vietnam’s largest seafood export by value, generating US$4.6 billion in revenue in 2025, an increase of 19% from the year before.
Pangasius exports followed at US$2.2 billion, reflecting year-on-year growth of 7.5 % as shipments recovered in several markets.
Exports of squid and octopus reached US$758.7 million, up 15.5%, while bivalve mollusc shipments totalled US$263.2 million, an increase of 20.6 percent.
Crab and other crustacean exports rose 18.7% to US$384.9 million, supported by higher volumes and improved pricing.
Tilapia exports recorded the fastest growth, surging 141% year over year to US$99 million as buyers expanded sourcing from Vietnam.
In contrast, tuna exports declined 6.5% to US$924.3 million, weighed down by U.S. marine protection requirements, the European Union’s ongoing yellow card related to illegal fishing concerns, and shortages of raw material.
VASEP said exporters continued to face mounting trade, tariff, and technical barriers alongside rising costs, stricter standards on environmental and labour compliance, and domestic disruptions linked to extreme weather events affecting production and logistics.
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