China overtakes US to become Vietnam’s largest seafood export market
China surpassed the United States to become Vietnam’s largest seafood importer in the first half of 2025, with purchases exceeding USD 1 billion, according to data from Vietnam Customs.
Surging exports to China
Vietnam’s seafood exports in June reached over USD 906 million, marking an 8% increase year-on-year. Total exports for the first six months rose to USD 5.11 billion, up 15.9% compared to the same period last year.
Several key markets posted double-digit growth, led by Brazil with a 111% surge in June and a 77% rise over six months. Exports to China stood out with a 48% jump to more than USD 1 billion, accounting for 19.64% of total export value and surpassing the US share of 17.56%.
Certain product categories saw particularly sharp gains in China. In January alone, Vietnam exported USD 70 million worth of lobsters to China – nine times the value of the previous year, and USD 18.5 million worth of crabs, an 18-fold increase. In Q1, mollusk exports to China soared by nearly 2,000% to nearly USD 23 million, raising China’s market share in this category to 37%, up from just 4% a year earlier.
US market hit by tariff volatility
Exports to the US totaled nearly USD 898 million in the first half, up 14.5%, largely due to a spike in orders in May ahead of the new retaliatory tariffs imposed from July 9. However, exports in June fell to USD 132 million, a 17.7% decline.
According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), frequent changes in US tariff policy have made it difficult for Vietnamese businesses to plan production, secure contracts, and arrange shipments. These disruptions have heightened financial risks in the seafood sector, which is particularly sensitive to seasonal patterns and logistics costs.
By contrast, China’s stable trade policies despite tightened quality controls have enabled Vietnamese exporters to pursue long-term planning.
Firms seek alternative markets
Sao Ta Foods Joint Stock Company reported a profit of around VND 170 billion (USD 6.7 million) in the first half of the year. However, sales in the US market were subject to an 8% provision due to anti-dumping and countervailing duty lawsuits.
The company is closely monitoring the outcome of the 19th administrative review (POR19), under which it currently faces a preliminary anti-dumping duty rate exceeding 35%. In response, Sao Ta is shifting its focus to alternative markets, boosting exports to Canada, Australia, and South Korea, and has begun securing contracts in China.
Industry experts recommend that Vietnamese exporters diversify their markets, particularly targeting CPTPP countries, and improve product quality to maximize the benefits of free trade agreements.
VFM