AsemconnectVietnam - In the first two months of 2025, Vietnam’s seafood exports showed a strong recovery, reaching $1.423 billion, a growth of 18.2% compared to the same period in 2024. In February 2025 alone, exports totaled $655.2 million, a significant increase of 42.6%, signaling a promising turnaround for the industry.

Shrimp: The Main Growth Driver
Shrimp remains the leading export product, generating $542.4 million in the first two months of the year, up 30.8%. In February alone, shrimp exports reached $231.4 million, a 33.9% increase.
• The EU market imported 376,875 tons of shrimp in 2024, growing 4% year-on-year.
• Ecuador and India dominated, with exports increasing 78% and 47%, respectively.
• Vietnam faces intense competition and must focus on value-added processed shrimp to sustain market share.
2025 Outlook: Shrimp exports are expected to grow due to higher prices and stable inventory levels, but trade tensions could impact long-term prospects.
Pangasius: Benefiting from High Prices but Facing Risks
• First two months of 2025: $253.2 million in exports (down 0.8% year-on-year).
• February 2025 alone: $120 million, a 32.8% increase, signaling short-term recovery.
• Current pangasius prices: VND 32,000 - 33,000/kg, the highest in three years, giving farmers VND 2,000 - 3,500/kg profit.
Challenges: Rising input costs. U.S. tightening tariffs on processed seafood from China, which indirectly affects Vietnam’s pangasius exports. Large inventories and weak U.S. demand may lead to price adjustments later in the year.
Strategy: Farmers should avoid unplanned expansion, partner with businesses, and focus on sustainable growth.
Tuna: Stable but Facing International Barriers
• First two months of 2025: $126.5 million (down 3.5%).
• February 2025: 15.9% increase year-on-year.
• Japan remains stable, but prices are lower than last year due to supply shortages from the Indian and Eastern Pacific Oceans.
Challenges:
• Strict international regulations like the IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing) rule from the EU and MMPA (Marine Mammal Protection Act) from the U.S.
• Failure to comply could lead to a U.S. seafood export ban from January 1, 2026.
Solution: Vietnamese exporters must improve traceability and strengthen supply chains to meet international standards.
Other Key Seafood Exports
• Other fish: $302.8 million, up 13.6%
• Squid & octopus: $101 million, up 13.8%
• Mollusks with shells: $39 million, up 121.6% 🚀
• Crabs & swimming crabs: $62.8 million, up 86.1%
China’s strong demand has fueled growth in crab and mollusk exports, but these products face the same IUU and MMPA compliance pressures as tuna.
Conclusion: A Strong Recovery Amid Challenges
Vietnam’s seafood exports are rebounding, especially in shrimp and pangasius, but trade policies, global competition, and tightening regulations remain key obstacles. Compliance with sustainability standards and diversification of value-added products will be essential for long-term growth.
Vietnam’s Shrimp Exports to the UK Gain Momentum After the UK's Accession to CPTPP
Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the UK saw a strong start in 2025, with January exports reaching over $16 million, an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The UK is currently the sixth-largest individual market for Vietnamese shrimp, accounting for 5.5% of total shrimp exports. Shrimp remains the leading seafood export to the UK, comprising 70% of Vietnam’s total seafood shipments to this market.
Key Shrimp Products Exported to the UK
• Peeled and tail-off white-leg shrimp
• Frozen white-leg shrimp (PD)
• Steamed or boiled frozen white-leg shrimp
• Fresh or frozen white-leg shrimp
• Battered white-leg shrimp
Fluctuations in Shrimp Exports to the UK
Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the UK have experienced instability in recent years. The peak was in 2020, with shipments exceeding $243 million, followed by a decline, reaching a low in 2023. However, 2024 showed signs of recovery, with exports surpassing $212 million, and this positive momentum continues into 2025.
Trade Agreements and Competitive Advantages
Vietnam benefits from two major Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the UK:
• Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
• UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA)
These agreements provide tariff advantages and trade facilitation, strengthening Vietnam’s position as the largest shrimp supplier to the UK. However, Vietnamese shrimp faces price competition from India and Ecuador.
UK Market Demand and Consumer Preferences
• Shrimp accounts for 10% of total seafood consumption in the UK.
• 61% of restaurants and foodservice businesses in the UK use shrimp.
• Shrimp is a key ingredient in Indian and Chinese cuisine, featured in dishes like wraps, soups, dumplings, and spring rolls.
Challenges & Market Entry Strategies
To maintain and expand its market share, Vietnamese shrimp exporters must:
✔ Meet strict UK and EU standards on quality, sustainability, and traceability.
✔ Ensure compliance with social responsibility and environmental requirements.
✔ Improve packaging, appearance, and taste to match UK consumer preferences.
✔ Leverage e-commerce and direct partnerships with UK buyers to enhance competitiveness.
Top 5 Vietnamese Shrimp Exporters to the UK in 2024
1. Soc Trang Seafood Joint Stock Company
2. Thong Thuan Cam Ranh Seafood Joint Stock Company
3. Trang Seafood Joint Stock Company
4. C.P. Vietnam Livestock Joint Stock Company – Hue Branch
5. Tai Kim Anh Seafood Processing Joint Stock Company
With preferential tariffs, growing demand, and strategic investments, 2025 is expected to be a promising year for Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the UK.
Dong Thap Province Sets Sustainable Development Goals for the Pangasius Industry
Dong Thap Province continues to strengthen its position as a leading hub for Pangasius farming and processing in Vietnam, with a strong focus on sustainability and export growth.
Current Status of Pangasius Farming
• Farming Area: Over 1,332 hectares, with 180+ hectares harvested, yielding 81,733 tons of fish.
• Compliance & Certification:
o 87% of the farming area adheres to official planning regulations.
o 99% of ponds have traceability codes.
o 91.5% of farms meet safe food production standards, approaching the 100% target.
o 242.4 hectares (38 farms) certified under Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) standards.
o 500 million high-quality fingerlings supplied for commercial farming.
• Environmental Measures: 628.77 hectares equipped with wastewater and sludge treatment systems.
Pangasius Processing and Value-Added Products
Dong Thap leads the region in Pangasius processing, contributing to raw material coordination, branding, and exports.
• Processing Sector Overview:
o 28 seafood processing enterprises with a total capacity exceeding 700,000 tons per year.
o Products include fish fillets (rose-shaped, skewered), fish chunks, whole fish (headless and butterfly-cut).
• Value-Added Processing:
o 11 enterprises in the production chain.
o 1 company processing fish oil (17,700 tons/year).
o 1 company producing collagen and gelatin (1,800 tons/year) from Pangasius skin.
o 9 enterprises producing fish meal and fish oil (80,000 tons/year).
Technology & Export Growth
• 100% of enterprises use modern processing technology with international certifications:
o HACCP, BRC, GlobalGAP, IFS, ASC, BAP, ensuring compliance with market demands.
• Major Export Markets: China, the United States, and the EU.
Sustainable Development Goals for 2025
• Expand Pangasius farming area to 2,450 hectares.
• Increase production to 555,000 tons, generating an estimated 9,000 billion VND in revenue.
With its commitment to sustainable farming, advanced processing, and high-quality exports, Dong Thap is set to strengthen its global position in the Pangasius industry.
Positive Outlook for Vietnam’s Crab Exports to China
Over the past few years, Vietnam’s crab exports to China have experienced significant fluctuations.
• 2022: China imported over $62 million worth of crabs, with a stable monthly average of $5-9 million, reflecting consistent demand.
• 2023: Exports plummeted to $13.3 million (only $1-2 million per month) due to China’s stricter quarantine controls and weakened consumption demand.
• 2024: A dramatic recovery occurred, with exports soaring to $122.5 million—nearly 10 times higher than in 2023.
o Monthly revenues exceeded $10 million, with August and September surpassing $14.7 million—three times the 2023 average.
o This surge signals a strong and stable demand for Vietnamese crabs in China.
2025: A Strong Start for Vietnam’s Crab Exports
• January 2025: Vietnam’s crab exports to China skyrocketed to $19 million, a 12-fold increase year-over-year.
• Key Factors Driving Growth:
o Supply shortages from Indonesia, the Philippines, and India.
o Rising demand for premium seafood among China’s affluent consumers, despite economic uncertainties.
o Market anticipation of potential tariff adjustments from President Trump’s administration.
Opportunities for Vietnamese Crab Exporters
• Ensuring a stable supply and strict quality compliance will be crucial to maintaining export momentum.
• Expanding sales channels via e-commerce and direct partnerships with Chinese importers can help businesses optimize costs and grow market share.
• Stronger price negotiations are possible due to the declining supply from competing countries, giving Vietnamese exporters a competitive edge.
With the positive trends of 2024 continuing into 2025, the outlook for Vietnam’s crab exports to China remains highly favorable.
Bình Định Sets 3.0% Growth Target for Aquaculture in 2025
The Bình Định Department of Agriculture and Environment has released its Action Plan to implement growth targets for agriculture, forestry, and aquaculture in 2025. The plan aims to achieve an overall GRDP growth rate for the sector between 3.6% and 3.8%, with a strong push toward the higher end of the target.
Growth Targets by Sector
• Crop production: Increase by 1.55%
• Livestock: Increase by 5.5%
• Forestry: Increase by 5.9%
• Aquaculture: Increase by 3.0%, contributing to an overall provincial growth of 8.5% to 9%
Aquaculture and Fisheries Production Targets
For 2025, the total fisheries production in Bình Định is projected to reach 305,586 tons, marking an increase of 10,446.6 tons compared to 2024. This includes:
Wild-caught fisheries: Expected to reach 290,085 tons, an increase of 8,885 tons
Tuna production: 58,000 tons, an increase of 5,000 tons
Ocean tuna: 14,050 tons, an increase of 405 tons
Aquaculture production: Expected to reach 16,000 tons, an increase of 2,060.4 tons
o White-leg shrimp: 11,843 tons, an increase of 2,431 tons
Key Measures to Achieve Growth Goals
Strengthening Fisheries Management and Sustainability
o Strict enforcement of the Fisheries Law 2017
o Preventing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing
o Ensuring no Bình Định fishing vessels violate foreign waters
Enhancing Fisheries Resource Protection and Support for Fishermen
o Implementing resource protection policies
o Encouraging the formation of fishing teams and groups for offshore operations
o Promoting technological advancements in fishing to reduce post-harvest losses and improve product quality
Expanding High-Tech and Sustainable Aquaculture
o Transitioning intensive and semi-intensive shrimp farms into high-tech shrimp farming
o Converting low-efficiency aquaculture areas into high-value mollusk farming
o Promoting economically efficient aquaculture models in Phù Cát, Phù Mỹ, and Hoài Nhơn
o Attracting investment in the High-Tech Agricultural Zone for shrimp development in Mỹ Thành Commune, Phù Mỹ District
o Supporting the adoption of Biofloc technology for sustainable shrimp farming
Encouraging Private Sector Expansion in High-Tech Shrimp Farming
o Supporting companies like Vietnam-Australia Co., Ltd., Thành Ly Co., Ltd., and Ngọc Châu Co., Ltd. in expanding shrimp farming capacity
o Expanding shrimp farming areas and increasing both production and value
Implementing Large-Scale Fisheries Development Projects
o Advancing fisheries transition projects in Bình Định
o Executing the Aquaculture Development Project (2025-2030) with a vision towards 2050
Policy Advocacy for the Tuna Industry
o Recommending amendments to Decree No. 37/2024/ND-CP to adjust regulations on tuna catch sizes
o Creating favorable conditions for enterprises to purchase, export, and increase the value of tuna, particularly striped and bigeye tuna
o Encouraging fishermen to continue tuna fishing activities to help meet production and growth targets
With these strategic initiatives, Bình Định aims to strengthen its aquaculture and fisheries sector, ensuring both economic growth and sustainability.
T.Huong
Source: Vitic/Vasep