Vietnam Seafood Export Boom 2025: Key Markets, Trends, and Opportunities for Importers

Vietnam Seafood Export Growth and Statistics for 9M.2025

The 16% surge in Vietnam seafood export to $8.4 billion isn’t happening by accident. Several product categories are showing strong performance, though not all are growing at the same pace.

Let’s look at the numbers. Shrimp export stands out as the star performer, reaching $3.4 billion with an impressive 22% growth rate. This is the strongest shrimp export performance Vietnam has seen in three years, driven by recovered demand and smart market diversification.

Squid and octopus exports hit $545 million, up 18%, while crab and other crustaceans recorded $281 million with a remarkable 23% increase. These smaller categories are gaining traction as global consumers explore diverse seafood options beyond traditional favorites.

Pangasius export reached nearly $1.6 billion, growing 9%—a respectable bounce-back after years of challenging market conditions. The growth isn’t explosive, but it signals steady recovery and adaptation by Vietnamese producers.

On the flip side, tuna export dipped 3% to $705 million, affected by softer demand in certain markets. Still, fresh and frozen tuna products held steady, suggesting the decline is more about market-specific challenges than overall product quality.

Other seafood products collectively contributed $1.8 billion, up 19%, demonstrating the diversity and resilience of Vietnam’s seafood industry.

These figures highlight a key point: Vietnam is no longer just about one or two species. The country offers a broad portfolio that can meet various market demands and price points.

See more: Vietnamese Pangasius Prices Update: How Fingerling Shortage Impacts Raw Materials

Top Markets in Vietnam Seafood Export 2025

Understanding where Vietnamese seafood is going helps you spot trends and potential opportunities for your own business.

China and Hong Kong remain the largest destination, absorbing $1.8 billion worth of Vietnamese seafood in the first nine months of 2025—a stunning 34% increase. This growth reflects several factors: geographic proximity, established trade relationships, and China’s massive consumer base with growing seafood consumption. The speed of delivery and logistics advantages make this market particularly attractive for live and fresh products.

The United States imported $1.4 billion, showing more modest 8% growth. While the U.S. remains a critical market, growth has moderated compared to previous years, partly due to tariff considerations and inventory adjustments by American importers. However, demand for premium products continues strong, particularly in the restaurant and foodservice sectors.

Japan surprised many observers with 17% growth, reaching $1.3 billion. Japanese consumers’ preference for quality and sustainability aligns well with Vietnam’s improving standards and certifications. The Japanese seafood market values consistency and traceability—areas where Vietnamese exporters have made significant improvements.

The European Union recorded $884 million in imports from Vietnam, up 13%. EU consumers increasingly seek sustainably sourced seafood, and Vietnamese exporters who meet certifications like ASC, BAP, and organic standards are seeing stronger demand and better pricing.

South Korea rounded out the top five with $633 million, growing 11%. Korean food culture’s emphasis on seafood, combined with free trade agreement benefits, positions this market for continued expansion.

Beyond these traditional markets, there’s exciting movement in CPTPP countries (Japan, Canada, Mexico, Chile, and others), where pangasius exports jumped 35% to $271.4 million. Tariff advantages from the trade agreement are clearly paying dividends. Brazil also emerged as a bright spot with 45% growth to $128 million, showing Latin America’s appetite for affordable protein sources.

See more: Top 20 biggest seafood companies in vietnam

Shrimp Export Growth in Vietnam Seafood Export

Let’s dive deeper into shrimp, because this category deserves special attention given its outsized contribution to Vietnam’s seafood export success.

The $3.4 billion in shrimp exports represents the highest growth rate in three years at 22%. This performance is particularly impressive considering the headwinds Vietnamese shrimp faced in previous years, including disease challenges and market oversupply.

How is this distributed across markets? China and Hong Kong lead with $966 million, skyrocketing 65%—a growth rate that reflects both increased consumption and Vietnam’s competitive position against other suppliers. The U.S. shrimp market absorbed $587 million, up a more measured 4%, as American importers navigate tariff uncertainties while maintaining relationships with Vietnamese suppliers.

European shrimp buyers imported $434 million worth, growing 21%, attracted by Vietnam’s improving sustainability credentials and competitive pricing compared to Latin American suppliers. Japan took in $426 million, up 15%, valuing Vietnamese whiteleg shrimp for its quality and consistency.

Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) dominates Vietnam’s shrimp production and export, favored for its fast growth, adaptability to various farming systems, and market acceptance. Vietnamese farmers have become increasingly sophisticated in farming techniques, producing sizes and quality grades that meet diverse market requirements.

Despite facing U.S. tariffs that add complexity to pricing, Vietnamese shrimp exporters have adapted through several strategies: product mix optimization (focusing on value-added products with better margins), market diversification (reducing over-reliance on any single destination), and quality improvements that justify premium positioning.

See more: How to Source High Quality Shrimp from Vietnamese Shrimp Suppliers

Pangasius Export Market and Opportunities in Vietnam Seafood Export

Pangasius, Vietnam’s signature freshwater fish, tells an interesting story of adaptation and emerging opportunities in 2025.

With nearly $1.6 billion in exports and 9% growth, pangasius is staging a comeback. After several difficult years marked by price pressures and market challenges, the sector shows renewed vitality—though the path forward isn’t without obstacles.

The most encouraging development? Emerging markets are stepping up. CPTPP countries increased pangasius imports by 35% to $271.4 million, now accounting for about 17% of total pangasius exports compared to 14% previously. Tariff elimination under the trade agreement makes Vietnamese pangasius more competitive against other white fish options.

Brazil continues its strong appetite for affordable protein, boosting pangasius imports 45% to $128 million—now representing 8% of total exports. Brazilian consumers appreciate pangasius for its mild flavor, versatility, and value proposition. Thailand, surprisingly, grew 27% to $58.3 million as Thai buyers use Vietnamese pangasius for both domestic consumption and re-export.

Meanwhile, traditional markets show different dynamics. China and Hong Kong, the largest pangasius market, reached $409.8 million but declined slightly by 2%. This plateau reflects China’s own aquaculture expansion and economic factors affecting consumer spending. The U.S. pangasius market generated $257.2 million, also down 2%, as American consumers face inflation and potentially shift spending patterns.

Here’s where it gets interesting for importers: global cod supply is tightening dramatically. Norway and Iceland have cut quotas significantly—Iceland’s 2026 cod quota will be the lowest since 2013. This shortage is pushing cod prices up 27-32%, creating substantial opportunities for white fish alternatives like pangasius and tilapia. When premium white fish becomes expensive, buyers look for substitutes that deliver similar versatility in the kitchen.

The challenge? Rising input costs in Vietnam—feed, energy, and labor—are squeezing margins. Pangasius producers must optimize operations and maintain quality to remain competitive while managing costs. For importers, this means working with suppliers who invest in efficiency and can deliver consistent quality at reasonable prices.
See more: Inside Vietnam Pangasius Farming What Every Seafood Importer Must Know Before Buying

Advantages and Challenges in Vietnam Seafood Export Industry

Every industry boom comes with both opportunities and obstacles, and Vietnam’s seafood sector is no exception.

On the advantage side, global dynamics are working in Vietnam’s favor. The tightening global cod supply we mentioned creates real opportunities for Vietnamese white fish species. When traditional sources become scarce and expensive, buyers search for alternatives. Vietnamese pangasius and tilapia can fill gaps in markets ranging from Europe to North America, particularly for processed products like fish sticks, portions, and value-added items.

Vietnam’s established infrastructure for processing, freezing, and logistics gives the country competitive advantages over emerging suppliers. Decades of experience mean Vietnamese exporters understand international standards, documentation requirements, and buyer expectations.

Additionally, Vietnam’s diverse production base—both marine capture and aquaculture—provides flexibility that single-source suppliers can’t match. Whether you need wild-caught or farmed, whole fish or specific cuts, Vietnamese suppliers can generally accommodate.

However, challenges persist. Tariff policies, particularly from the United States, add complexity and cost. While not insurmountable, tariffs require careful planning around pricing, product mix, and market strategy. The uncertainty around trade policies makes long-term planning more difficult.

Production costs continue rising across Vietnam. Feed costs fluctuate with global grain and fishmeal prices, energy costs vary with international fuel markets, and labor costs increase as Vietnam’s economy develops. These pressures affect margins throughout the supply chain.

Quality consistency remains important. While top-tier Vietnamese exporters meet international standards reliably, variance still exists across the industry. Importers must conduct due diligence, inspect facilities, and establish clear specifications with suppliers.

For seafood importers, the message is clear: opportunities exist, but success requires choosing the right partners, understanding cost structures, and staying informed about market dynamics.

Opportunities for Importers in Vietnam Seafood Export Market 2025

So what does all this mean for you as an importer or distributor looking at the Vietnam seafood market?

First, recognize that demand is growing across multiple markets and species. Whether you’re serving retail, foodservice, or processing segments, Vietnamese seafood can likely fill needs in your portfolio. The diversity of products means you’re not locked into a single species or market approach.

Second, quality seafood products command premium pricing in most markets. Consumers increasingly care about sourcing, sustainability, and traceability. Vietnamese exporters who invest in certifications—ASC, BAP, MSC, organic—can differentiate themselves and justify better pricing. If you serve quality-conscious buyers, partnering with certified Vietnamese suppliers opens premium segments.

Third, sustainable seafood trends aren’t slowing down. Restaurants, retailers, and institutional buyers increasingly require sustainability credentials. Vietnam’s improving performance in this area creates partnership opportunities. Work with suppliers who take environmental and social responsibility seriously.

Fourth, the CPTPP market opportunities are real and growing. If you operate in Canada, Japan, Mexico, Australia, or other member countries, Vietnamese seafood benefits from favorable tariff treatment. This advantage won’t disappear and provides pricing competitiveness worth exploring.

Looking ahead to Q4 2025 and early 2026, market forecasts suggest strong performance. The holiday season in Western markets drives demand spikes, particularly for shrimp and premium products. Additionally, Vietnamese Tet season (Lunar New Year) in early 2026 creates procurement urgency as Vietnamese producers and buyers prepare for the major festival.

Pangasius should see continued recovery as buyers seek cod alternatives and emerging markets grow. Shrimp will likely maintain momentum, though watch for any trade policy changes that could affect dynamics.

Strategic partnerships matter more than ever. Rather than simply transactional buying, consider developing deeper relationships with reliable Vietnamese suppliers. Such partnerships enable better planning, product development, quality consistency, and potentially better pricing through volume commitments.

See more: Top 5 exotic vietnam white fish that the importers should consider

Conclusion for Vietnam seafood export 2025

Vietnam seafood export is clearly in a strong growth phase in 2025, with the $8.4 billion achieved in nine months representing genuine momentum across multiple species and markets. Shrimp export growth at 22% and pangasius recovery at 9% provide solid foundations, while emerging markets add new dimensions to traditional trade patterns.

For seafood importers and distributors, the opportunities are diverse: growing markets from Asia to Latin America, species ranging from premium tuna to affordable pangasius, and sustainability credentials that appeal to conscious consumers.

At VNSeafoodInsider, we encourage you to look beyond simple price comparisons. Explore partnerships with Vietnamese suppliers who can deliver quality, consistency, and values aligned with your business goals. The trends and challenges we’ve discussed aren’t abstract—they directly affect your sourcing decisions, pricing strategies, and competitive position.

Vietnam’s seafood industry has proven resilient and adaptive. As global markets continue evolving, Vietnamese exporters are positioning themselves not just as cost-effective suppliers, but as reliable partners offering quality products that meet modern standards.

Whether you’re expanding existing Vietnamese sourcing or considering it for the first time, 2025 offers a promising window to build relationships that can deliver value for years to come. The growth numbers speak for themselves—now it’s about finding the right partners to capture these opportunities together.