Vietnam’s seafood exports in September 2025 reached nearly 991 million USD, bringing the total in 9 months to 8.33 billion USD. This is an increase of 15.5% compared to the same period last year.
This figure not only reflects the recovery of the seafood industry after many fluctuations but also demonstrates the rapid adaptability of businesses in the face of potential global market barriers.
In the product structure, shrimp remains in the No. 1 position, with nearly 410 million USD in September. This result brings the total value in 9 months to over 3.38 billion USD, an increase of 20.3%. The main drivers of growth are stable demand in the US, Japan, and the EU, and an increase in orders in regional markets.
Catfish also made a mark, with September’s export value reaching nearly 191 million USD, an increase of 11%. By the end of September, catfish exports were over 1.6 billion USD, an increase of nearly 10% compared to the same period last year. The recovery of demand in China, the US, and some Middle Eastern markets has helped strengthen the position of Vietnamese catfish on the global seafood map.
Meanwhile, marine fish, squid, and octopus are growing strongly. In 9 months, other marine fish reached 1.61 billion USD (+18.5%), while squid and octopus reached nearly 550 million USD (+18.7%). Mollusks with shells saw a notable increase of over 30%, reaching USD 192 million. Conversely, tuna exports decreased slightly, remaining at only 705 million USD (-3.2%).
Seafood exports reached 8.33 billion USD in 9 months.
In terms of market, China and Hong Kong continue to be bright spots. Despite a slight decrease in September, the total in 9 months increased by 32.1%, reaching 1.76 billion USD, which accounts for the largest market share. These markets are attractive due to high demand and favorable logistics costs.
The US showed a slowdown as September saw a drop of over 6%. However, exports to the US in 9 months still reached 1.41 billion USD, an increase of 6.8%.
Japan and the EU maintained steady growth momentum, with Japan reaching 1.27 billion USD (up 15.6%) and the EU reaching 885 million USD (up 13.3%). Notably, South Korea emerged as a breakout market with a nearly 50% increase in September and over 13% in 9 months, reaching USD 645 million.
Additionally, ASEAN and the Middle East are potential “niche markets” for the entire industry. ASEAN reached 536 million USD (up 23.3%), and the Middle East nearly 295 million USD (up 7.6%), with September alone seeing an increase of over 50%.
The VASEP believes the positive figures reflect the flexibility of businesses in restructuring their markets and taking advantage of exporting goods before new tax policies and technical barriers come into effect. Many businesses are focusing on value-added processed products, meeting requirements for quality, safety, and traceability, thereby maintaining an advantage in the mid- and high-end segments.
However, the fisheries industry still faces many challenges. Anti-dumping and countervailing duties in the US and other markets are reducing profit margins. The MMPA regulations on marine exploitation are putting pressure on the seafood group. The EU’s IUU yellow card has not been lifted and continues to affect Vietnam’s reputation and export costs. Additionally, competition from India, Thailand, Indonesia, or Ecuador is becoming increasingly fierce, especially in the shrimp and catfish products.
Experts said that to maintain growth momentum, the fisheries industry needs to closely update market developments and trade policies and proactively adjust its strategy when new barriers come.
At the same time, it is necessary to restructure the market, more strongly exploit less competitive niche markets, and diversify products while enhancing value addition to align with global consumer trends.
The industry also needs to promote innovation and apply technology in cultivation and processing while strengthening the national brand through high-end culinary channels and e-commerce.