Vietnam’s seafood exports slow in May amid U.S. tariff concerns
Vietnam’s seafood exports slowed in May as businesses grew cautious over potential U.S. tariffs. Shrimp exports continued to grow, but shipments of pangasius and tuna dropped significantly.
According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), May exports reached USD 851 million, up just 2.7% year-on-year, the slowest monthly growth so far this year. However, total exports for the first five months still rose 18.2% to USD 4.2 billion.
The slowdown follows the U.S. government’s April announcement of a provisional 10% tariff on various Vietnamese goods, including seafood. In response, exporters accelerated shipments in April and early May to avoid potential duties of up to 46% after July 9, when the 90-day grace period ends.
Vietnam’s seafood exports to the U.S. reached nearly USD 160 million in May, up 9.7% year-on-year. However, shipments slowed after May 20 as exporters grew more cautious amid trade risks.
Rising costs, market volatility, and policy uncertainty contributed to the overall slowdown, weighing on total monthly exports.
Shrimp remained the sector’s bright spot, generating USD 363 million in May, up 12.4% and accounting for over 42% of total seafood exports. In the first five months of 2025, shrimp exports reached more than USD 1.66 billion, a 28.3% increase, driven by strong demand from the U.S., Japan, and CPTPP countries.
Meanwhile, pangasius exports dropped 17.3% to USD 138 million, the steepest decline among major seafood products. According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), many firms temporarily adjusted shipment schedules to the U.S. – Vietnam’s top pangasius market, to avoid high tariffs and diversify market exposure. Companies like Caseamex are shifting focus to the EU and Asian markets, which pose fewer tariff risks despite higher technical standards.
Tuna exports also declined, falling 23.2% in May to USD 65 million, as the sector struggled with high logistics costs and growing competition from Latin America.
VFM
