Vietnam’s Seafood Sector 2025: Golden Opportunity to Restructure Export Markets
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1. Strong Growth in Q1/2025
According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnam’s seafood export turnover reached $2.45 billion in Q1/2025, marking a 26% increase year-over-year. The U.S. alone accounted for over $500 million, representing one-fifth of the country’s total seafood export value.
With over 400 Vietnamese seafood exporters serving the U.S. market, approximately 37,500 metric tons of seafood are en route and another 31,500 tons are projected to ship by late April 2025.
2. U.S. Tariff Pause: A Window of Opportunity
The U.S. government recently announced a 90-day suspension of retaliatory tariffs, immediately boosting seafood orders and increasing production activity.
“This is a golden window for the industry to restructure market strategies,” said Ms. Le Hang, Market Analyst at VASEP. However, she emphasized that the tariff removal is only temporary, and businesses must remain cautious. Future trade policy reversals are still possible, especially under President Trump’s unpredictable administration.
Recommended actions for seafood exporters:
- Expedite delivery of in-transit shipments within the 90-day window
- Identify and develop alternative markets beyond the U.S. (ASEAN, Middle East, etc.)
- Reinforce a resilient logistics and market access strategy
3. Vietnamese Pangasius Gains Edge over Chinese Tilapia
With the U.S. imposing record-high tariffs on Chinese tilapia, Vietnamese pangasius – a white-fleshed fish with similar characteristics – is gaining a competitive edge.
Vietnam remains the largest supplier of pangasius to the U.S., with established brand recognition among American consumers. As Chinese suppliers face higher costs, Vietnam’s pangasius could capture greater market share.
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4. Cần Thơ Businesses Push for Market Diversification
Cần Thơ City, a seafood export hub in the Mekong Delta, hosts over 22 export companies, many of which are directly impacted by U.S. trade measures. Companies like Caseamex export to over 30 markets, with the U.S. accounting for over 50% of their total volume.
In response to trade tensions, businesses are:
- Reconnecting with former buyers in Europe, Canada, Brazil, Japan, and Australia
- Reducing production costs through lean operations
- Boosting domestic consumption and worker training to enhance supply chain capacity
They’ve also called for government support in land rental discounts, faster VAT refunds, and targeted trade promotion initiatives.
5. Technical Barriers and Origin Traceability: The Bigger Threat
A survey by VCCI (Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry) found that 84% of Mekong Delta exporters fear U.S. tariffs will impact 2025 plans. However, many believe the greater challenge lies in technical barriers, such as:
- Stringent quality controls
- Enhanced traceability standards
Given that Vietnam’s seafood industry is heavily reliant on linked value chains (raw materials – processing – export), these requirements demand coordination across the supply chain to maintain competitiveness.
6. Real Logistics Insight: Adapting to Trade Disruptions with Agility
As a trusted logistics partner for many seafood exporters, Real Logistics supports end-to-end solutions to navigate trade turbulence. Our services include:
- Strategic market entry consultation
- Cold chain logistics and reefer container handling
- Customs clearance at key ports
- Real-time tracking and risk management tools
- Multimodal freight and bonded warehousing
The temporary U.S. tariff pause offers a critical turning point for Vietnam’s seafood exporters. Businesses must act decisively—restructuring markets, reinforcing logistics, and diversifying their portfolios—to mitigate risks and unlock new opportunities.
With robust logistics infrastructure and deep expertise in international trade, Real Logistics stands ready to help Vietnam’s seafood sector navigate uncertainty and accelerate global growth.
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Real Logistics Co.,Ltd
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