Shrimp and pangasius push Vietnam’s seafood exports beyond USD 8.3 billion in first nine months
Vietnam’s seafood exports reached more than USD 8.3 billion in the first nine months of 2025, up 15.5% year-on-year, driven mainly by strong shipments of shrimp and pangasius to key and emerging markets, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).
Seafood export value in September alone hit nearly USD 991 million, 7.5% higher than the same period last year, reflecting continued recovery across major product lines.
Shrimp remained the top export earner, bringing in over USD 3.38 billion in the first nine months, up 20.3% year-on-year. Growth was supported by stable demand from the US, Japan, and the EU, and rising orders from several Asian markets.
Pangasius exports also performed well, generating more than USD 1.6 billion, nearly 10% higher than the same period in 2024. Increased demand from China, the US, and Middle Eastern countries has strengthened Vietnam’s foothold in the global whitefish market.
Other product categories, including marine fish, squid, and octopus, also showed solid growth. Marine fish exports totaled USD 1.61 billion (up 18.5%), squid and octopus reached nearly USD 550 million (up 18.7%), and bivalve mollusks rose over 30% to USD 192 million. Tuna was the only major product to decline slightly, slipping to USD 705 million.
China and Hong Kong remained Vietnam’s largest seafood destination, with combined sales of USD 1.76 billion in the first nine months, up 32.1%. Exports to the US slowed in September, down more than 6%, but still totaled USD 1.41 billion, up 6.8% overall, despite the impacts of anti-dumping duties and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
Japan and the EU maintained steady demand, importing USD 1.27 billion and USD 885 million worth of seafood, respectively. Shipments to South Korea reached USD 645 million, while ASEAN and Middle Eastern markets contributed USD 536 million and nearly USD 295 million.
Industry analysts noted that sustaining this growth will require Vietnam’s seafood sector to stay resilient to policy shifts, diversify markets, and invest more heavily in value-added, eco-friendly products.
Greater application of technology in farming and processing, along with stronger national brand promotion through gastronomy and e-commerce platforms, is expected to enhance product value and further expand Vietnam’s global seafood footprint.
VFM
