AsemconnectVietnam - Vietnam’s shrimp export value reached 542 million USD in the first two months of 2025, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

The growth was attributed to Vietnam’s effective utilisation of free trade agreements (FTAs), strategic market expansions and the increasing emphasis on adding value through deep processing.
Vietnam’s network of FTAs with over 60 countries and economies, has been instrumental in creating a solid foundation for seafood businesses to expand into international markets.
VASEP Secretary General Nguyễn Hoai Nam highlights that Vietnam seafood is now reaching over 160 markets globally. They include the markets importing Vietnamese shrimp worth billions of US dollars that have established bilateral or multilateral FTAs with Vietnam.
Among the most significant agreements is the Vietnam-European Union Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), which experts believe holds substantial potential for expanding shrimp exports to the EU.
Despite the EU being the world's largest seafood consumer, Vietnam’s share in this market remains relatively small, presenting significant growth opportunities for the future.
Vietnam has also entered into two high-profile FTAs with the United Kingdom (UK), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Vietnam-UK Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA).
The UK is the sixth-largest market for Vietnam shrimp, accounting for 5.5% of the total turnover, with shrimp exports to the UK seeing an 8% growth in January compared to the previous year.
Additionally, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in late 2024 is expected to open up new opportunities for Vietnam’s seafood exports in the Middle East, a region increasingly important to Vietnam's trading portfolio.
Mr. Ho Quoc Luc, Chairman of the Sao Ta Food Joint Stock Company, emphasises that through the efforts of businesses and with the support of FTAs, Vietnamese shrimp has established a strong presence in key markets in the world such as Japan, the Republic of Korea and the EU.
However, VASEP points out that expanding into new markets also comes with challenges. The seafood industry faces stiff competition from leading shrimp-producing countries such as Ecuador, India, and Thailand.
In addition, stricter regulations related to traceability, quality control, and standards in major markets like the US and EU require continuous adaptation from local firms.
To maintain competitiveness, Vietnamese shrimp exporters must focus on improving product quality, enhancing value-added processing, and ensuring compliance with stringent market requirements.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade also works to remove technical barriers, reduce tariffs, and open up new export avenues for Vietnam seafood.
CK
Source: VITIC/Vietnamplus.vn