Seafood exporters face challenges but remain hopeful

Seafood exporters face challenges but remain hopeful

Việt Nam's seafood exports this year are projected to be only US$9 billion, a 10 per cent decline from 2024, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers.

At the press conference to introduce the Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition (Vietfish 2025) in HCM City on Wednesday. — VNS Photo

Seafood exports are expected to face numerous challenges in the second half of 2025, particularly due to the US’s tariffs and raw material shortages.

But demand is recovering in Asia and the EU.

If a 20 per cent tariff is slapped in August by the US, exports for the year are projected to be only US$9 billion, a 10 per cent decline from 2024, according to Lê Hằng, deputy general secretary of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

In the first seven months of this year, exports were worth $6.22 billion, up 17.2 per cent year-on-year, she said, adding that this reflects improving demand, the adaptability of Vietnamese enterprises to global volatility, and efforts by exporters to accelerate shipments to the US ahead of high tariffs imposed in August.

Exports to major markets such as China, the US, Japan, CPTPP (Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) countries, and the EU increased.

Exports were up by 43 per cent to China and 10.4 per cent to the US despite a 19.6 per cent drop in July.

Of the projected annual total exports, shrimp is expected to contribute $3.6–3.8 billion, pangasius about $1.8 billion tuna $850–900 million, and other seafood around $3 billion.

“The US imposition of a 20 per cent tariff starting in August poses a significant threat to Việt Nam’s major seafood exports to that market, particularly shrimp and tuna,” Hằng said.

“Combined with existing anti-dumping and countervailing duties, these measures are weakening the competitiveness of Vietnamese products compared to those from Ecuador, Indonesia and the Philippines.”

She urged businesses to continue improving product quality, investing in advanced processing technologies and diversifying their customer base.

Amid market fluctuations and ongoing global geopolitical uncertainties, the Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition (Vietfish 2025), Asia’s leading seafood exhibition, is expected to help sustain the momentum of Việt Nam’s seafood trade, according to VASEP.

Vietfish to bolster Việt Nam’s seafood trade

At the press conference to introduce the Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition (Vietfish 2025) in HCM City on Wednesday. — VNS Photo

Vietfish, with the theme “Innovation and Sustainability” this year, will be held from August 20 to 22 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center in HCM City.

It will feature 526 booths set up by 280 exhibitors from 17 countries and territories, according to Tô Thị Tường Lan, another VASEP deputy general secretary.

She added that Vietfish 2025 is not only targeted at international buyers but also domestic consumers.

High-end seafood products, which currently dominate global supermarket shelves, will be widely introduced to the Vietnamese market.

This strategic move aims to shift consumer habits from traditional fresh seafood to modern frozen and processed products that meet the highest food safety standards, culinary diversity and convenience.

Vietfish strives to become Asia’s premier international seafood exhibition, showcasing the latest aquaculture and seafood processing technologies and fostering cooperation between international enterprises.

It will feature specialised seminars on industry trends, challenges and growth opportunities. A culinary experience zone will offer live cooking demonstrations and tastings of gourmet seafood dishes prepared by renowned chefs.

Since its inception in 1999, Vietfish has been Việt Nam’s only specialised seafood trade event, bringing together the full seafood value chain.

It is a major platform to promote Việt Nam’s seafood industry globally, Lan said. 

Bizhub