Data from the General Department of Customs indicates that Vietnam's seafood exports reached US$773.95 million in January 2025, a 3.5% rise compared to January 2024. Key markets such as China, Australia, Thailand, and Germany saw notable growth.

Among these, exports to China recorded the strongest growth, up 80.8% compared to the same period in 2024. In contrast, exports to Japan, the US, and the Republic of Korea (RoK) fell by 7.6%, 3.5%, and 9.5%, respectively, year-on-year.

Specifically, in the shrimp segment, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) reported that in 2024, Vietnam’s shrimp exports to China hit US$843 million, a 39% increase from 2023. Thanks to this growth, China and Hong Kong (China) overtook the US to become Vietnam's largest shrimp importers.

China's domestic shrimp supply has decreased due to unfavorable weather conditions, while Ecuador also reduced its shrimp exports to China in 2024. In response, China has introduced various measures to boost consumer spending, which has supported its shrimp imports.

In 2024, among the shrimp products exported to China and Hong Kong (China), other types of shrimp accounted for the largest share at 51.7%, driven by increased imports of lobster from Vietnam. Whiteleg shrimp made up 36.1%, while black tiger shrimp accounted for 12.2%.

China is currently the largest importer of Vietnamese lobster, accounting for 98-99% of total exports. VASEP forecasts that in 2025, the Chinese market will see stronger demand for shrimp, although prices may be lower.

Regarding catfish, total export value to China fetched US$581 million in 2024, a slight increase of 1% compared to 2023. Chinese consumers highly favored frozen catfish fillets from Vietnam. In 2024, China accounted for 29% of Vietnam's total catfish export value.

According to VASEP, the Vietnamese catfish industry will continue to face challenges, including competition from other white fish species and increasing quality demands from importing markets, especially China. Therefore, improving product quality to meet international standards remains key.

The Import and Export Department also predicts that the global seafood market in 2025 will experience many fluctuations, with factors such as changing consumer habits, trade policies, and supply-demand volatility affecting Vietnamese seafood exports. As a result, Vietnam must increase product value, improve quality, and expand into new export markets.

Leading consumers of Vietnamese seafood in 2025

VOV.VN - The United States, China, ASEAN, and the Middle East are the leading seafood importers of Vietnam, and they are expected to maintain their prominent positions in 2025, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).