In the context of ongoing global trade instability and significant fluctuations in domestic raw material prices at the beginning of the year, Vietnam’s exports of fish cakes and surimi recorded good growth in the first half of 2025.
Surimi is an ingredient, while fish cakes are the final product made from surimi, combined with spices and other additives.
According to data from the Vietnam Customs Department, Vietnam’s exports of fish cakes and surimi in the first six months of 2025 reached 164.94 million USD, an increase of 28.7% compared to the same period in 2024.
This recovery comes from improved demand in many major markets, especially in Asia and CPTPP countries. Along with that, the strategy of expanding niche markets and non-traditional markets by Vietnamese enterprises is effective.
Vietnam’s exports of fish cakes and surimi recorded good growth in the first half of 2025.
Asia continues to play a leading role. South Korea remains the largest export market with a turnover of 42 million USD, an increase of 26% compared to the same period last year. However, in June, the export value to this market slightly decreased compared to May.
Exports to Thailand reached 39 million USD, an increase of 28% compared to the same period last year. This country continues to play a role as the center for surimi recycling and re-exporting in the ASEAN region.
China and Hong Kong (China) recorded the highest growth in the core market group. In the first six months of the year, this market reached 22 million USD, an increase of up to 49%. This is the result of China increasing the import of domestically processed raw materials while the domestic supply is facing difficulties.
Exports to CPTPP member countries were nearly 26 million USD, an increase of 19%, thanks to the recovery of orders from Japan (up 24%), Malaysia (up 6%), and Canada (up 21%).
The EU had strong but uneven growth. Some small markets experienced explosive growth compared to the same period last year, such as Spain with an increase of 840%; however, the scale remains small (less than 1 million USD), and Belgium with an increase of 156%.
Although the export turnover to the US in the first 6 months of 2025 reached 6 million USD, an increase of 15% compared to the same period in 2024, in June alone, exports sharply decreased by 35.4% compared to May.
Some niche markets with strong growth include the UAE, increasing by 470%; Mauritius, by 261%; and New Zealand, by 1,171%. There is a lot of room for Vietnamese businesses if they focus on products that match the preferences of each market.
According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), the export market for Vietnamese fish cakes and surimi in the second half of the year will face many challenges despite positive growth. The reason is due to price competition from regional competitors such as India, Thailand, and China. In addition, logistics costs and input materials are expected to increase from the third quarter of 2025.
Moreover, the changing consumer preferences in developed countries, especially the decrease in the consumption of frozen processed products in the US and Europe, also pose a challenge that this industry must face.
The VASEP emphasized that if the current export pace is maintained and strategies are adjusted flexibly, the export turnover of fish cakes and surimi for the entire year of 2025 is expected to continue to grow.