Vietnam’s aquatic product industry has recorded a strong rebound, with export turnover in the first nine months of 2025 reaching 8.33 billion USD, up 15.5% year-on-year, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).
In September alone, the exports earned nearly 991 million USD, rising 7.5% compared to the same month last year. The results reflect not only the sector’s solid recovery after recent fluctuations but also the adaptability of Vietnamese enterprises to global market shifts.
Shrimp remained the leading export, bringing in nearly 410 million USD in September and pushing the nine-month total to over 3.38 billion USD, up 20.3%. Demand from the US, Japan, the EU and regional markets remained stable, while orders expanded in Asia.
Tra fish (pangasius) also showed impressive momentum, with September exports reaching almost 191 million USD, up 11%. Cumulative exports of tra fish stood at more than 1.6 billion USD, up nearly 10% year-on-year, thanks to a strong recovery in the markets of China, the US and the Middle East.
Other products posted notable growth, such as marine fish exports reached 1.61 billion USD, up 18.5%; squid and octopus nearly 550 million USD, up 18.7%; and shell molluscs surged by over 30% to 192 million USD. By contrast, tuna exports dipped 3.2% to 705 million USD, reflecting fiercer competition in the global ocean fish segment.
Among export markets, China (including Hong Kong) was the standout. Despite a slight decline in September, total exports in the first nine months jumped 32.1% to 1.76 billion USD, making China the largest buyer, supported by strong consumption demand and lower logistics costs.
Japan and the EU maintained steady growth, with turnover reaching 1.27 billion USD (up 15.6%) and 885 million USD (up 13.3%), respectively. The Republic of Korea emerged as a fast-growing market, surging nearly 50% in September and lifting nine-month exports to 645 million USD, up more than 13%. ASEAN and Middle Eastern markets also showed strong potential, with shipments to ASEAN valued at 536 million USD (up 23.3%) and to the Middle East nearly 295 million USD (up 7.6%). Notably, September exports to the Middle East soared by more than 50%.
According to VASEP Deputy Secretary-General Le Hang, these impressive results underscore the flexibility of enterprises, which accelerated shipments ahead of new tariffs and technical barriers, while restructuring market flows to Asia and reinforcing traditional strongholds. Growing investment in value-added processed products that meet stricter quality and traceability standards is also enhancing competitiveness, particularly in mid- and high-end market segments.
