In February alone, seafood exports jumped 42.6% to US$655.2 million. VASEP highlighted shrimp as a key driver of this growth, with export revenue rising 30.8% to US$542.4 million during the period. Notably, shrimp exports in February saw a sharp increase, hitting US$231.4 million, signaling a recovery in the industry after a period of low prices from 2023 to early 2024.

Despite fierce competition from Ecuador and India in the EU market, Vietnamese shrimp businesses are advised to focus on value-added products and diversify their markets to maintain a competitive edge.

Experts remain optimistic about the shrimp industry’s outlook this year, despite global uncertainties such as trade tensions under the Trump administration. Import prices have rebounded since October 2024 and are expected to stay high throughout the year due to stable inventories.

Meanwhile, pangasius prices have soared to a three-year high of VND32,000 - 33,000 per kilo, bringing substantial profits to farmers. This surge is driven by rising export demand, with businesses securing stable orders through June. However, challenges remain, including higher raw material costs and an additional 10% US tariff on processed seafood from China, which could impact the market.

Pangasius farmers are therefore advised to avoid unchecked production expansion, strengthen ties with businesses, adopt modern farming technologies, and focus on value-added products to sustain long-term growth.

Vietnamese tuna exports have remained stable despite difficulties in the global market.

Other seafood categories also posted impressive growth. Export of other fish rose 13.6% to US$302.8 million; squid and octopus increased 13.8% to US$101 million; shellfish skyrocketed 121.6% to US$39.1 million; and crab exports climbed 86.1% to US$62.8 million.

Aquatic exports face fresh hurdles despite impressive performance last year

VOV.VN - Though the seafood industry witnessed impressive export growth, earning US$10 billion last year, it is likely to encounter numerous challenges to achieve its double-digit growth target in 2025 to meet the 2030 development strategy.