Seafood exports could set a new record in 2025

Despite facing many challenges, seafood exports still maintain a fairly stable growth rate and are expected to set a new record for export turnover in 2025.

Processing pangasius fillets for export at the factory of Cuu Long An Giang Import-Export Joint Stock Company. Photo: Vu Sinh/VNA

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), in November 2025, Vietnam's seafood exports reached nearly 990 million USD, up 6.6% over the same period in 2024. Many key product groups recorded a significant increase compared to the same period last year. Shrimp exports reached over 385 million USD, up 11.7%, of which white-leg shrimp and lobster both grew by double digits. Pangasius exports reached nearly 197 million USD, up 9.7%; other fish, squid and mollusks continued to show an improving trend. In terms of markets, exports to countries in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans- Pacific Partnership, China (including Hong Kong), the EU and Brazil increased sharply; while exports to the United States decreased by nearly 5%.

In the first 11 months of 2025, Vietnam's seafood exports reached over 10.5 billion USD, up 14.6% over the same period. Of which, shrimp exports brought in 4.31 billion USD, up 21.2%, continuing to be the leading growth sector; pangasius exports reached over 2 billion USD, up 9%; tuna exports earned 855.7 million USD; molluscs, marine fish and value-added products maintained double-digit growth.

In terms of markets, countries in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans- Pacific Partnership are accounting for the largest proportion of Vietnam's total seafood export turnover with 27.2% and a strong growth of 24.3% over the same period; exports to China increased by 30.6%; the EU increased by 11.9%; while exports to the United States reached 1.78 billion USD, an increase of 8.1% but showed signs of slowing down in the fourth quarter.

Ms. Le Hang, Deputy Secretary General of Vasep, said that in the context of the volatile world market, the above results show the proactiveness and flexibility of businesses in promoting delivery before the time the United States plans to apply new regulations on seafood imports and before the final results of the anti-dumping lawsuit on shrimp products.

In December, seafood exports are expected to decrease slightly compared to November, due to seasonal factors and cautious sentiment of businesses when trading with the United States. Many businesses temporarily limit signing new seafood orders to the United States until official guidelines on new regulations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) are issued. However, shrimp exports may remain at the same level as in November or only decrease slightly thanks to stable demand in Japan, the EU and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

According to Ms. Le Hang, based on the results of the 11 months and the year-end outlook, Vietnam's seafood exports are expected to set a new record in 2025, with export turnover reaching about 11.2 - 11.3 billion USD, the highest level ever. Of which, shrimp exports are expected to exceed 4.6 billion USD, becoming the industry setting a new record; tra fish exports are estimated to reach over 2.1 billion USD thanks to the recovery in demand in the Asian region, tuna exports are also forecast to reach over 900 million USD.

With positive growth results in 2025, Vietnam's seafood industry continues to consolidate its supply position in many major markets. However, the US tightening of import requirements from 2026 poses a significant challenge. Enterprises need to carefully prepare for supply chain transparency, compliance with labor standards, combating IUU fishing and increasing the proportion of value-added products to meet the increasing demands of the market.

Analyzing the seafood market, a product group facing major challenges from the US MMPA regulations, Ms. Kim Thu, a market expert, said: In 2025, despite difficulties in domestic raw material supply as well as fluctuations in the international market, the squid and octopus processing and export industry will still maintain an impressive growth momentum of about 25%.

Vietnam’s squid and octopus export market continues to be led by countries in the East Asia and ASEAN regions, accounting for 94% of total turnover. South Korea remains the largest partner, accounting for 38% of total exports, followed by Japan with 23%. Thailand, although an emerging market, has had good growth, reaching 39% growth in 10 months.

One of the notable factors in the picture of squid and octopus exports in 2025 is the change in consumption trends. Processed products, especially instant dried squid and frozen boiled octopus, are increasingly popular in key markets such as Korea, Japan and Thailand. These products are not only easy to use but also meet the needs of consumers for convenience and food safety. This opens up great opportunities for Vietnamese squid and octopus processing and exporting enterprises. If the supply of raw materials is stable, squid and octopus exports can grow by another 10-15% by the end of the year.

According to Ms. Kim Thu, although Vietnam's squid and octopus exports in 2025 achieved impressive growth, in 2026 they may face many challenges if the IUU yellow card from the EU market and the "MMPA red card" from the US market are not removed.

In the context of facing many challenges, Vietnamese squid and octopus exporting enterprises should focus on stable markets with strong growth potential such as Korea, Japan, and Thailand. Instant dried squid, dried squid and processed octopus products will continue to be strategic products, helping to increase export turnover and protect market share in these markets.

“Diversifying processed products is also a strategic direction. Processed products not only bring in 20-30% higher profit margins than raw products but also meet market demand for convenience and food safety. Enterprises also need to focus on completing certifications and improving traceability. Only with full certification and legal documents can enterprises overcome legal barriers and protect export markets,” Ms. Kim Thu recommended.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/kinh-te/xuat-khau-thuy-san-co-the-lap-ky-luc-moi-trong-nam-2025-20251209115457559.htm