Vietnam's seafood exports reached an all-time high of nearly USD 11.3 billion (EUR 9.6 billion) in 2025, rising 12.4 percent from 2024 as exporters pivoted to Asian markets and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) member nations in response to mounting trade barriers in the U.S.
Sales to CPTPP member countries rose 20.8 percent year over year to USD 3 billion (EUR 2.6 billion) in 2025, followed by China (including Hong Kong), which bought USD 2.4 billion (EUR 2 billion), representing an increase of 28.5 percent. Other major markets included the U.S., which bought USD 1.9 billion (EUR 1.6 billion), an increase of 4.9 percent year over year. Japan bought USD 1.7 billion (EUR 1.4 billion), rising 10.8 percent year over year, and the E.U. bought USD 1.1 billion (EUR 930 million), which was up 12.1 percent year over year, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) said in a statement.
Exports particularly accelerated in the fourth quarter of 2025, when the country sent USD 3.1 billion (EUR 2.6 billion) worth of seafood products abroad, representing 10.3 percent growth year over year driven by festive seasons in global markets, particularly in Asia.
Meanwhile, exporters rushed shipments in December to get ahead of U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) regulations and import bans effective 1 January 2026, VASEP said.
Shrimp remained the top seafood product sent abroad by Vietnam last year, with sales value of USD 4.6 billion (EUR 3.9 billion), marking 19 percent growth from 2024. Pangasius came next, with USD 2.2 billion (EUR 1.9 billion) worth of the product exported, up 7.5 percent year over year. Other main commodities included squid and octopus, with USD 758.7 million (EUR 646.9 million) worth of exports, which was 15.5 percent higher year over year. Bivalve mollusks comprised USD 263.2 million (EUR 224.4 million) worth of exports, which was up 20.6 percent year over year, and crab and crustacean exports were worth USD 384.9 million (EUR 328.2 million), representing growth of 18.7 percent, VASEP said.
Notably, sales of tilapia from Vietnam soared 141 percent year over year to USD 99 million (EUR 84.4 million) in 2025.
However, tuna exports fell 6.5 percent to USD 924.3 million (EUR 787.9 million) last year due to significant headwinds from U.S. MMPA regulations, the E.U.’s continued "yellow card" warning on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and raw material shortages, VASEP said.
The overall rise in exports underscores the strategic agility and market diversification of Vietnamese exporters, who have successfully optimized their product mix and shipping schedules, VASEP said, adding that the data highlights the pivotal role of free trade agreements (FTAs) in facilitating broader market access.
“We have adapted with flexibility, maintaining our production momentum while expanding and securing our market presence. By enhancing quality, diversifying our product range, and increasing added value, we have, more importantly, continued to strengthen the reputation of Vietnamese seafood on the global stage,” VASEP Chairman Tai Kim Anh said.
Still, external pressures faced by seafood exporters, such as a surge in trade, tariff, and technical barriers, were compounded by rising costs and stricter international standards for environmental protection, labor, and traceability. Domestically, the seafood industry also had to struggle with the heavy toll of natural disasters and extreme weather on production and logistics, Anh said.
Looking ahead to 2026, Vietnam aims for total seafood output of over 10 million metric tons (MT), which if achieved would be up 0.6 percent from 2025. This plan includes a 2.1 percent reduction in wild-capture output to 3.75 million MT, which would be offset by a 2.2 percent increase in aquaculture to 6.25 million MT. The export target for 2026 is set at USD 11.5 billion (EUR 9.8 billion), slightly higher than 2025.
