Vietnam’s surimi and fish cake exports maintained strong momentum in the first seven months of 2025, despite global market uncertainties. According to Vietnam Customs, Vietnam’s surimi export value in July reached over USD 30 million, up 23% year-on-year. Cumulatively, Vietnam’s surimi shipments totaled more than USD 195 million during the January–July period, an impressive 28% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Key markets sustain positive growth of Vietnam’s surimi

South Korea and Thailand remained the two largest buyers of Vietnam’s surimi, importing USD 49 million (+21%) and USD 46 million (+24%) respectively. Both markets consume directly while also reprocessing for regional supply.

• The CPTPP: Within the CPTPP bloc, exports of Vietnam’s surimi rose 23% to USD 31 million. Japan recorded a 25% increase, signaling recovery in demand for traditional processed products. Malaysia and Singapore also showed solid growth of 19% and 21%, respectively.
• China and Hong Kong: A standout performance came from China and Hong Kong, where Vietnam’s surimi exports in July skyrocketed 104% year-on-year. For the first seven months, shipments to this market reached USD 26 million, up 57%, reflecting rising demand for consumption and reprocessing.
• The EU: The EU also emerged as a bright spot for Vietnam’s surimi industry, with July imports climbing 89%. Overall, exports to the bloc in the seven-month period surged 47% to USD 16 million, led by Lithuania and Spain.
• The U.S: In contrast, exports of Vietnam’s surimi products to the U.S. remained modest at USD 6 million, up only 2%. Notably, shipments in July fell sharply by 74% year-on-year, impacted by retaliatory tariff measures and cautious buying from importers.

Global market developments of Surimi

Global market developments of Surimi

Global surimi supply remains abundant, putting downward pressure on prices. Japanese buyers are only accepting price increases for grade-A surimi, while lower-grade products remain unchanged. In the EU, consumer demand is gradually recovering thanks to easing inflation, supporting mid-value processed products. South Korea also reported higher seafood imports in the first half of the year, reinforcing its role as a key market for Vietnam’s surimi exports.

The U.S., however, remains highly uncertain due to policy risks. New retaliatory tariffs could undermine the competitiveness of Vietnam’s surimi products, particularly as tariff exemptions for specific HS codes remain unclear.

Outlook of Vietnam’s surimi for the second half of 2025

Looking ahead, Asian markets are expected to continue driving Vietnam’s surimi export growth thanks to stable demand and flexible pricing. The EU is likely to sustain its recovery, with demand focusing on convenient, small-packaged products aligned with cost-conscious consumption trends.

China–Hong Kong may continue to post strong growth, though competition from Russian and ASEAN suppliers is expected to intensify. The U.S. will remain the most unpredictable market, where exporters of Vietnam’s surimi are advised to proceed cautiously and only finalize contracts once tariff conditions are clearly confirmed.

Meksea – The seafood supplier distribute seafood Vietnam to global 

As one of Vietnam’s leading seafood exporters, Meksea is proud to specialize in high-quality surimi, a product that represents both tradition and innovation in the seafood industry. With Vietnam’s surimi gaining strong momentum in global markets, Meksea ensures that every shipment meets international standards of consistency, texture, and traceability.

From versatile surimi blocks for large-scale processors to tailor-made surimi products designed for retail and foodservice, Meksea offers flexible solutions that fit diverse customer needs. This adaptability, combined with strict quality control and sustainable sourcing, makes Meksea a reliable partner for buyers seeking not just seafood, but a trusted source of premium Vietnamese surimi.

With Meksea, partners gain more than a supplier – They gain access to Vietnam’s growing reputation as a world-class surimi hub.

> Meksea’s Surimi

>See more some of Meksea’s seafood

• CO tuna steak

  Cut Poulp Squid

  Peeled & Deveined Black Tiger Shrimp Cooked

  Pangasius fillet

Don’t hesitate to contact us to explore more Vietnam’s surimi!

Mr. Hoang Duy – Commercial Director

Mobile/WhatsApp/Wechat: + 84 903 872 469

Email: hoang@mekseaconnection.com

Joy Nguyen  (Meksea Team)

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