Vietnam’s seafood exports reached a record USD 1.14 billion in October 2025, marking the country’s third monthly export value above $1 billion and the highest ever, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment said.
Total seafood shipments in the first ten months of 2025 hit USD 9.31 billion, up 12.9% from the same period last year, with China, the U.S., and Japan as the top markets, accounting for 20%, 17.4%, and 15.1% of exports, respectively. Exports to China jumped 34.6%, to the U.S. 6.2%, and to Japan 11.2%, while Brazil recorded the fastest growth among the top 15 markets at 43.1%.
Vu Tuan Cuong, Director of the 3K Center, said the sector is performing well despite global economic volatility and adverse weather. From January to October, aquaculture production rose 5.1% year-on-year to 4.88 million tons, including 3.19 million tons of fish and 1.14 million tons of shrimp. Wild-caught seafood reached 3.12 million tons, a modest 0.4% increase.
Shrimp prices stabilized in October due to slightly lower harvests and steady demand from processing plants, while pangasius benefited from rising domestic demand and strong export expectations. Cuong said Vietnam remains on track to meet its USD 10.5-11 billion seafood export target for 2025.
Positive signals are emerging from key international markets. Pangasius exports to Japan rose 14% as demand grows amid declining supplies of pollock and cod. Favorable CPTPP tariffs have improved competitiveness, and Vietnamese pangasius now features in major Japanese restaurant chains, including Kura Sushi.
In the U.S., Vietnamese crab exporters welcomed the temporary suspension of an import ban over the Marine Mammal Protection Act, while tuna exports could benefit from a potential 0% tariff under a new bilateral trade framework. Eligible products include fresh or chilled albacore, frozen tuna loins, and certain processed tuna, which would strengthen Vietnam’s position in one of the world’s largest tuna markets.
VFM
