Vietnam’s seafood exports rise 12.4% in 2025, reach nearly US$11.3B
Shrimp, squid, and crab lead growth while tuna struggles amid regulatory pressure
VIETNAM – Vietnam’s seafood sector closed 2025 with exports worth nearly US$11.3 billion, a 12.4% increase from 2024, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).
VASEP said the growth demonstrated recovering global demand and the adaptability of Vietnamese companies to tighter trade regulations.
The final three months of 2025 recorded strong acceleration, with fishery exports reaching US$3.103 billion, up 10.3% compared to the same period in 2024.
December contributed US$954.5 million, a 9.2% year-on-year increase, as exporters focused on holiday demand in Asia and on last-minute US shipments.
China and Hong Kong were the main drivers of fourth-quarter sales, with exports rising 22.9% as companies intensified shipments to meet year-end orders.
Vietnamese exporters also moved to secure shipments to the US ahead of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), which took effect on January 1, 2026, imposing stricter standards for fisheries.
In 2025, the US reviewed 2,500 fisheries in 135 countries, approving 2,025 while rejecting 240 fisheries from 46 countries for failing to meet comparability standards.
Vietnam is awaiting anti-dumping duty decisions for shrimp POR19 in February 2026, which, together with US tariffs, will influence future exports of this species.
Shrimp drove fourth-quarter growth with US$1.244 billion in exports, up 16.8%, while squid and octopus rose 20.4% and crab 20.9%.
Tuna, in contrast, dropped 10.8% due to MMPA regulations, the EU’s IUU yellow card, and difficulties in sourcing wild-caught fish.
Leading Companies Shift Markets to Maintain Growth
VASEP said 2025 reaffirmed the position of Vietnam’s top seafood exporters, with the leading 10 companies contributing substantially to the overall export value.
Companies shifted quickly to the CPTPP bloc and China when US market access became difficult due to reciprocal tariffs from August 2025.
Exports to the CPTPP generated over US$3 billion, while China accounted for US$2.4 billion, demonstrating the companies’ agility in reallocating shipments.
Top exporters included STAPIMEX with US$309.8 million, Minh Phu exceeding US$542 million across two entities, and Vinh Hoan leading pangasius exports with US$249.0 million.
Despite overall gains, VASEP said technical barriers such as the IUU yellow card and MMPA rules continue to pressure capture-based seafood products.
The association concluded that while 2026 will bring challenges from the US market and stricter green certifications, the industry’s 2025 performance provides a solid base for sustainable growth.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
