By the end of 2025, Vietnam’s seafood industry had made a strong impression, with export turnover reaching nearly $11.3 billion, up 12.4% year on year.
The result – which exceeded expectations – reflected a recovery in global consumption demand and the agility of domestic businesses as they navigated tighter trade barriers and higher technical standards across major markets.
Momentum strengthened sharply in the final months of the year. In the fourth quarter alone, seafood exports totalled $3.103 billion, an increase of 10.3% compared with the same period of 2024. December accounted for $954.5 million, up 9.2%.
Exporters accelerated shipments to meet year end demand in Asian markets, particularly China and Hong Kong, which posted growth of 22.9% in the quarter. December also became a crucial period for shipments to the US, as companies moved ahead of new compliance requirements related to marine mammal protection rules, upcoming import bans on certain fisheries, and expected anti-dumping duty announcements on shrimp.
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Growth in the fourth quarter was driven mainly by shrimp, which generated $1.244 billion, up 16.8%. Other seafood products such as squid and octopus rose 20.4%, while crab and other crustaceans increased 20.9%. Tuna exports declined 10.8%, affected by regulatory pressure, unresolved illegal fishing warnings and limited raw material supply.
The figures highlight the resilience of leading exporters with the top ten companies contributing a substantial share of total export turnover. STAPIMEX led with $309.8 million, followed by Minh Phu Group with combined revenue exceeding $542 million. Vinh Hoan reinforced its leadership in pangasius with $249 million. Several rising firms focusing on deep processed products and the Chinese market also entered the top tier.
Looking ahead, results from late 2025 signalled mounting pressure from technical barriers affecting wild caught seafood. Sustaining growth in 2026 will depend on improved supply chain transparency, cost optimisation and compliance with increasingly strict environmental and sustainability requirements.
