Vietnam's seafood exports see uneven growth in key markets

Vietnam's seafood export market showcased diverse consumption trends in January 2025. While China and Hong Kong (China) experienced robust growth with a combined increase of 64.9%, the US and EU markets faced notable challenges, with declines of 16.0% and 17.6%, respectively.

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnam's seafood export turnover in January reached $774.3 million, reflecting a 3.3% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

The decline in consumption in the US is attributed to President Donald Trump's tariffs on imported seafood products, potentially impacting the demand for Vietnamese seafood, particularly shrimp and salmon.

However, the rising demand for easy-to-process seafood products, such as frozen shrimp, may partially offset the decrease in high-end product consumption.

The ASEAN market displayed stable growth with a 10.5% increase, highlighting the potential from Southeast Asian countries as a bright spot for Vietnam's seafood exports. Conversely, the Middle East and other markets experienced a decline in consumption, necessitating adjustments in export strategies by Vietnamese seafood enterprises.

VASEP forecasts that the global seafood market in 2025 will be volatile, with factors such as changing consumption habits, tariff policies, and supply and demand fluctuations influencing Vietnam's seafood exports.

Nonetheless, with increasing demand from ASEAN markets and supportive tariff policies from major countries, the Vietnamese seafood industry can sustain its growth momentum in 2025.

Focusing on developing value-added products, enhancing product quality, and expanding into new export markets will be crucial for the sustainable development of Vietnam's seafood industry in the future.