In what’s seen as a major win for the UK seafood industry, Vietnam has granted market access for British live seafood products, opening new opportunities for growth and trade, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has confirmed.
The agreement unlocks significant opportunity for exports of live seafood from the UK to Vietnam, who are amongst the highest consumers of seafood per capita and the highest in the region.
Defra said British seafood is known globally for its taste, quality and rich heritage, and Vietnamese consumers will now have access to premium seafood products in their preferred live form, including popular varieties such as lobster and brown crab.
British seafood exports to Vietnam have already shown strong growth, with fresh, frozen and processed products seeing a 40% increase in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023.
In line with the UK government’s priority of delivering economic growth and putting more money into working people’s pockets under the Plan for Change, this breakthrough creates new export opportunities that coastal communities have pushed for in recent years. Unlocking the Vietnamese live seafood market will boost local economies and support jobs across Britain’s shorelines, contributing to nationwide economic growth.
“This is a tremendous win for our seafood industry. By securing access to Vietnam’s thriving live seafood market, we’re opening new opportunities for British businesses while supporting jobs across the UK as part of our Plan for Change,” UK Minister for Food and Rural Affairs Daniel Zeichner.
“Our high-quality seafood is increasingly sought after worldwide, and this agreement demonstrates our commitment to get British exports moving by helping producers reach valuable international markets.”
UK Minister for Exports Gareth Thomas said: “This is a welcome and significant breakthrough, opening up a new and lucrative market to live seafood exporters across the UK. We know that when businesses export the whole economy benefits. That is why this government will continue to support businesses by removing trade barriers to enable them to take advantage of export opportunities abroad to grow the economy at home.”
Access to the Vietnamese market is estimated to generate around GBP 20 million for the UK seafood industry over the next five years, according to the Shellfish Association of Great Britain (SAGB).
“We have been delighted to engage with government officials in the UK and Vietnam and help achieve this export agreement,” SAGB CEO David Jarrad said. “The opening of another market for our sector is great news for the industry and demonstrates the strong worldwide demand for the UKs quality live shellfish.”
According to Defra, Vietnamese importers are willing to pay competitive prices for British seafood varieties that have less demand in UK and European markets, providing an important alternative revenue stream for dozens of seafood traders.
Through dialogue and collaboration with Vietnamese officials, Defra and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) resolved concerns, cleared regulatory barriers, and showcased the high standards of British seafood production to create new opportunities for UK exporters.
Defra said these officials will work closely with the UK seafood sector and industry bodies to ensure a smooth transition into the Vietnamese market.
