According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), seafood exports in the first four months of 2025 recorded a 21% year-on-year increase to US$3.3 billion. Shrimp remained the top export item, rising by 30%, followed by tra fish (pangasius), which grew by 9%.

China was the largest buyer of Vietnamese aquatic products, with turnover soaring by 56%, followed by Japan (up 22%) and the US (up 7%).

Despite a recovery in overall exports, trade with the US was hindered by recipocal duties and new technical barriers. Phan Hoang Duy, Deputy General Director of the Can Tho Seafood Import-Export Joint Stock Company (Caseamex), said the firm currently ships tra fish to about 30 countries, with the US accounting for over 50% of its volume. However, rising tariffs are straining costs and competitiveness. To cope with the situation, the company is shifting towards European and Asian markets, reconnecting with past partners, and reducing production costs.

Le Hang, Deputy Secretary General of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), advised Vietnamese businesses to tap into markets offering tariff incentives by effectviely utilizing free trade agreements such as the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). These deals can help expand seafood exports to key markets like the European Union, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.

Enterprises are also encouraged to explore new markets in the Middle East and South America in order to minimize risks and lessen dependence on traditional buyers.

In this context, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) and 28 domestic firms joined the 31st Global Seafood Expo in Spain in May to enhance trade promotion.

As part of its market expansion strategy,  Singapore is viewed as a promising market for Vietnamese seafood exports. The country has become Singapore’s fourth-largest seafood supplier, surpassing Malaysia, Indonesia, and Norway for the first time. Notably, Vietnam leads in key categories such as fish fillets and chilled or frozen fish, which enjoy steady demand in the market.

Brazil is another strategic market in South America. With competitive pricing, stable demand, and favorable policies, the country offers new growth opportunities for Vietnamese tra fish.

Tran Dinh Luan, Director General of the Directorate of Fisheries, noted that diversifying products is also crucial. Tilapia has been identified as a priority species to complement key exports like shrimp and tra fish, helping to balance the industry’s export portfolio.

Industry leaders underlined the need for Vietnamese exporters to comply with international standards, including Halal requirements, while improving quality control, reducing costs, and strengthening processing and trade promotion capacity.

Vietnam becomes Brazil’s second largest seafood supplier

Vietnam has emerged as the second largest supplier of seafood to Brazil, representing 17.33% of the total volume and 8.69% of the total value of seafood imports, according to data from the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Ministry of Industry and Trade.