In the first seven months of 2025, Vietnam’s seafood exports reached USD 5.4 billion, marking a 7% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Key products such as shrimp, pangasius, and tuna recorded notable growth, with the US, EU, China, and Japan remaining the main markets. Industry experts predict continued export momentum in the coming months, especially during the year-end festive season, although challenges such as rising raw material prices and stricter import regulations persist.

Vietnam’s surimi exports grew 28.7% in H1 2025 to USD 164.94 million, driven by strong demand in Asia, CPTPP members, and niche markets. China, Hong Kong, and Japan recorded robust growth, while the US showed signs of slowing. The EU market rose slightly but unevenly. Emerging markets such as the UAE, Mauritius, and New Zealand posted triple-digit growth, though still small in scale. Challenges in H2 include fierce regional competition, higher logistics and raw material costs, and changing consumer trends in developed countries.

The U.S. has imposed a 25% retaliatory tariff on Indian shrimp, reshaping the global shrimp market and opening doors for other suppliers. While Ecuador gains ground in the low-cost segment, Vietnam stands out with high-quality, value-added products. Despite facing its own 20% tariff, Vietnam has a chance to strengthen its position in the premium U.S. market—if businesses adapt strategically, focus on deep processing, and uphold sustainability standards.

VNSEAFOOD is excited to participate in Vietfish 2025, Asia’s premier seafood exhibition, taking place from August 20–22, 2025 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City.

Visit us at Booth 802 – Hall A to explore our wide range of products including pangasius, barramundi, shrimp, squid, breaded items, and sushi ebi. We welcome all importers, distributors, and business partners to meet, connect, and explore new opportunities with us.

For appointments or more info, please contact:
Ms. Elena Pham – Commercial Director
elena@vnseafoods.com
+84 988 657 255

In June 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports dropped by 21% year-on-year due to U.S. tariff concerns and raw material shortages. While exports to major markets like the U.S. and EU declined, CPTPP markets such as Japan and Canada showed positive growth. Thailand saw a sharp increase of 137%. However, the tuna industry faces significant challenges related to policy delays, traceability regulations, and EVFTA tariff quotas, impacting competitiveness and export potential for the second half of the year.

Vietnam’s squid and octopus exports reached USD 335 million in the first half of 2025, up 16% year-on-year, driven by strong demand from Asian markets such as South Korea, Japan, Thailand, and China. However, exporters continue to face significant challenges, including technical barriers, the EU’s IUU yellow card, and potential trade risks from the U.S. To maintain growth, businesses are urged to diversify markets, strengthen traceability systems, and prepare for possible regulatory changes, especially in high-risk markets like the U.S. and EU.

In Week 28 of 2025, the U.S. wholesale shrimp market remained stable despite sluggish trading. Key market drivers include weak demand, concerns over upcoming tariffs, and rising replacement costs. New U.S. tariffs set to take effect on August 1 are reshaping competitive dynamics among major exporters like Ecuador, Thailand, Indonesia, India, and Vietnam. While overall supply remains steady, the market may experience significant shifts in the near future.

On July 7, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to extend the suspension of retaliatory tariffs on most U.S. trade partners until August 1, 2025. China is excluded from this suspension. Starting August 1, the U.S. will impose new retaliatory tariffs ranging from 19% to 50% on imported goods from 27 countries, including Vietnam (20%). The U.S. government warned that tariff rates may be adjusted based on bilateral relations and could increase if retaliatory measures are taken by affected countries.

Vietnam has officially become a partner country of BRICS, aiming to strengthen the voice and role of developing nations. This move reflects Vietnam’s independent and multilateral foreign policy and its commitment to international cooperation and sustainable development.

Vietnam and the United States have reached a reciprocal trade framework under which the US will impose a 20% tariff on Vietnamese-origin goods and 40% on suspected transshipped products, while granting 0% tariffs for American goods entering Vietnam. This agreement aims to balance trade but raises concerns about compliance costs and competitive pressure on key Vietnamese industries. Both sides also pledged to expand cooperation in strategic sectors including science and technology.