Did you know: Which type of seafood has the highest export value in Vietnam?

Bởi Meksea-Hien - September 25, 2025

Vietnam has firmly established itself as one of the world’s top seafood exporters, with shrimp taking the lead as the highest export value product. Contributing billions of dollars annually, shrimp not only drives Vietnam’s seafood industry but also strengthens its global reputation for quality and sustainability. Alongside shrimp, pangasius and tuna continue to play vital roles in export growth. To bring these premium products to international markets, Mekong Seafood Connection (Meksea) stands as a trusted distributor, delivering certified, safe, and reliable seafood tailored to meet every business need.

I. Which type of seafood has the highest export value in Vietnam?

1. Shrimp is  the leading seafood export

In today’s competitive global seafood trade, Vietnam has risen as a major exporter, thanks to its long coastline and rich aquatic resources. According to official export statistics, Vietnam earned $10.07 billion from seafood exports in 2024. Among all products, shrimp is the seafood that has the highest  export value specific led the way with $4 billion in export value (a 16.7% increase).

Shrimp holds the highest export value because it enjoys strong international demand, diverse product forms (from raw to value-added), and stable year-round farming output. In addition, Vietnam has built a solid reputation in key markets such as the United States, the EU, and Japan, where consumers highly value the quality and sustainability of Vietnamese shrimp. These factors make shrimp not only Vietnam’s top seafood export but also the foundation of the country’s long-term competitiveness in global seafood trade. Thanks to its consistent quality standards, Vietnamese shrimp has earned the trust of international partners worldwide.

Shrimp is  the leading seafood export

Shrimp is  the leading seafood export

2. Pangasius and tuna – other key contributors

Alongside shrimp, pangasius ($2 billion, up 9.6%) and tuna ($1 billion, up 17%) also contributed significantly. These products, together with shrimp, were the main engines of Vietnam’s seafood export expansion.

Pangasius fillet semi trimmed

Globally, Vietnam is recognized as one of the world’s top seafood suppliers. Among its major export products, shrimp consistently holds the highest export value, accounting for nearly half of the country’s seafood export turnover. Alongside shrimp, pangasius and tuna also contribute significantly, but shrimp remains the clear leader, both in value and in driving overall industry growth.

Globally, Vietnam ranks among the top seafood suppliers, only behind China and Norway in total export value. Within this context, shrimp is not only Vietnam’s flagship product but also a strategic item in maintaining the country’s competitiveness in the global market.

tuna

Looking ahead, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) projects that the industry will continue to grow, with total seafood exports expected to surpass $11 billion in 2025. Shrimp will remain the driving force, supported by sustainable aquaculture practices and higher value-added processing, while pangasius and tuna will keep strengthening Vietnam’s product diversity.

In summary, shrimp is the clear leader of Vietnam’s seafood exports, contributing the highest value and growth. Pangasius and tuna, though smaller in scale, play essential roles in diversifying the country’s seafood portfolio and ensuring stable expansion in the years to come.

II. The leading seafood distributor in Vietnam: Mekong Seafood Connection 

A trusted distributor of Vietnamese seafood, Meksea delivers products with international certifications that guarantee safety and reliability in every shipment. With Meksea, we commit not only to consistent quality but also to tailored solutions that fit your market needs. From strict sourcing and processing to professional logistics, our team ensures that your business receives seafood you can trust – fresh, safe, and ready to succeed in global markets.

Meksea - Solution for long term

Meksea – Solution for long term

Don’t hesitate to contact us to explore more Vietnam Har Gow!

Mr. Hoang Duy – Commercial Director

Mobile/WhatsApp/Wechat: + 84 903 872 469

Email: hoang@mekseaconnection.com

Joy Nguyen  (Meksea Team)

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