In September alone, the exports earned nearly US$991 million, rising 7.5% compared to the same month last year. The results reflect not only the sector’s solid recovery after recent fluctuations but also the adaptability of Vietnamese enterprises to global market shifts.

Shrimp remained the leading export, bringing in nearly US$410 million in September and pushing the nine-month total to over US$3.38 billion, up 20.3%. Demand from the US, Japan, the EU and regional markets remained stable, while orders expanded in Asia.

Tra fish (pangasius) also showed impressive momentum, with September exports reaching almost US$191 million, up 11%. Cumulative exports of tra fish stood at more than US$1.6 billion, up nearly 10% year on year, thanks to a strong recovery in the markets of China, the US and the Middle East.

Other products posted notable growth, such as marine fish exports reached US$1.61 billion, up 18.5%; squid and octopus nearly US$550 million, up 18.7%; and shell molluscs surged by over 30% to US$192 million. By contrast, tuna exports dipped 3.2% to US$705 million, reflecting fiercer competition in the global ocean fish segment.

Among export markets, China (including Hong Kong) was the standout. Despite a slight decline in September, total exports in the first nine months jumped 32.1% to US$1.76 billion, making China the largest buyer, supported by strong consumption demand and lower logistics costs.

Japan and the EU maintained steady growth, with turnover reaching US$1.27 billion (up 15.6%) and US$885 million (up 13.3%), respectively. The Republic of Korea emerged as a fast-growing market, surging nearly 50% in September and lifting nine-month exports to US$645 million, up more than 13%. ASEAN and Middle Eastern markets also showed strong potential, with shipments to ASEAN valued at US$536 million (up 23.3%) and to the Middle East nearly US$295 million (up 7.6%). Notably, September exports to the Middle East soared by more than 50%.

According to VASEP Deputy Secretary-General Le Hang, these impressive results underscore the flexibility of enterprises, which accelerated shipments ahead of new tariffs and technical barriers, while restructuring market flows to Asia and reinforcing traditional strongholds. Growing investment in value-added processed products that meet stricter quality and traceability standards is also enhancing competitiveness, particularly in mid- and high-end market segments.

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