Vietnam Seafood exports strengthen toward the end of 2025
MEKSEA. COM – According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnam seafood exports reached USD 989.5 million in November 2025, representing a sharp 64.6% year-on-year increase. This strong November performance significantly supported overall export results, bringing cumulative seafood exports in the first 11 months of 2025 to USD 10.5 billion, up 19% compared to the same period in 2024.
Vietnam Seafood exports strengthen toward the end of 2025
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Year-End demand drives export momentum
The recovery of Vietnam’s seafood exports in 2025 aligns with improving global demand, but growth became more pronounced toward the end of the year. Increased consumption during the year-end holiday season across major markets, together with exporters’ ability to adjust product offerings and market strategies, helped accelerate shipments in the final quarter.
Key markets show uneven but positive growth
Key markets show uneven but positive growth
CPTPP markets continued to play a central role in export growth, supported by tariff advantages and stable demand from Japan, Canada, and Australia. In the first 11 months of 2025, exports to CPTPP countries reached USD 2.85 billion, growing 28.6% year-on-year.
China and Hong Kong remained the fastest-growing destinations, with exports totaling USD 2.26 billion, up 36% compared to the same period last year. Demand was particularly strong for live and fresh seafood, reinforcing the importance of this market in Vietnam’s export structure.
Exports to the United States reached USD 1.8 billion, an increase of nearly 11% year-on-year. Growth was more moderate due to ongoing challenges such as reciprocal tariffs, anti-dumping duties on shrimp, and compliance requirements under the MMPA. Despite these constraints, the U.S. continued to be a high-value market for key products including shrimp, pangasius, and tuna.
In the European Union, seafood exports exceeded USD 1 billion, growing 17.4% year-on-year, as demand gradually improved, particularly for aquaculture products. Exports of wild-caught seafood, however, remained affected by IUU-related restrictions. South Korea maintained steady growth, with exports reaching USD 803.9 million, up 14.7% compared to 2024.
Core Products maintain growth leadership
Among product categories, shrimp remained the primary growth engine, with exports reaching approximately USD 4.32 billion in the first 11 months, an increase of 27.7% year-on-year. A diversified product portfolio, including both raw and value-added items, continued to support competitiveness across markets.
Pangasius exports surpassed USD 2 billion, growing 11.8%, driven mainly by stable demand in Asian markets, particularly China. Tuna exports reached around USD 856 million, slightly lower than last year, reflecting challenges related to raw materials and traceability, although demand for processed products showed signs of recovery.
Exports of squid and octopus recorded solid growth, reaching approximately USD 704 million, up 21.5% year-on-year, while other marine fish products contributed nearly USD 2.0 billion, highlighting the breadth of Vietnam’s seafood export base.
Shrimp
Pangasius
Tuna
Octopus
Outlook for December and Full-Year 2025
VASEP expects seafood exports in December 2025 to ease to around USD 840 million, as exporters remain cautious about shipments to the U.S. amid MMPA-related restrictions and concerns over potential changes in shrimp anti-dumping duties in early 2026. Nevertheless, total seafood exports for 2025 are projected to exceed USD 11.3 billion, an increase of 11% compared to 2024, underscoring the sector’s continued recovery and resilience.
III. Meksea – The Leading Seafood Distributor in Vietnam
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Meksea – The Leading Seafood Distributor in Vietnam – supplies a wide range of Vietnamese seafood to markets worldwide. Renowned for its competitive pricing, reliable sourcing, and broad culinary applications, Vietnamese seafood is well suited for households, retailers, and food-service operators alike. At Meksea, we offer a diversified seafood portfolio, carefully selected and customized to meet varying market demands and consumer preferences across different regions. |
Don’t hesitate to contact us to explore more Vietnam seafood products!
Mr. Hoang Duy – Commercial Director
Mobile/WhatsApp/Wechat: + 84 903 872 469
Email: hoang@mekseaconnection.com
Joy Nguyen (Meksea Team)
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