In the bustling seafood markets of Vietnam, the air is filled with anticipation. From the shrimp farms in the Mekong Delta to the deep-sea fishing harbors along the coast, Vietnam’s fisheries industry is gearing up for an ambitious milestone—$11 billion in aquatic exports by 2025. After securing an impressive $10 billion in 2024, the country is now focused on refining quality and efficiency, rather than merely expanding farming areas.
A Path to Sustainable Growth
The journey to this landmark goal is not without challenges. As Vietnam strengthens its position in the global seafood market, it faces increased scrutiny over antibiotic residues in exports. According to Le Thanh Hoa, Deputy Director of the National Authority for Agro-Forestry-Fishery Quality, Processing, and Market Development, ensuring strict quality standards will be essential in maintaining Vietnam’s export credibility.
The US Market: A Major Battleground
The United States remains one of Vietnam’s most crucial export markets, particularly for shrimp and tra fish (pangasius). Despite fierce competition from industry giants like India, Ecuador, and Indonesia, Vietnam’s shrimp exports saw a 15% rise in 2024, reaching nearly $3.9 billion. The country’s success lies in its strategic approach to value-added seafood products, including frozen fillets, tra fish skewers, skin snacks, and pureed fish balls—a growing favorite among American consumers.
Adding to Vietnam’s advantage is a recent resolution with the US at the WTO, which ended a long-standing anti-dumping dispute over pangasius exports. This victory is expected to smooth trade relations and strengthen Vietnam’s presence in the global market.
Challenges on the Horizon
Despite its achievements, Vietnam’s seafood industry faces mounting climate change impacts, rising production costs, and tougher competition from major seafood-exporting nations. Higher feed, fuel, and transportation expenses threaten profit margins, making it crucial for the industry to innovate.
Recognizing these challenges, the Directorate of Fisheries has outlined a shift in focus for 2025: rather than expanding shrimp and tra fish farms, the priority will be on deep processing techniques to enhance product value and reduce waste. The industry is also diversifying its aquaculture species, incorporating eel, tilapia, seaweed, and mollusks to tap into new market demands.
A Future Rooted in Sustainability
Vietnam is also embracing circular economy principles—finding innovative ways to utilize seafood byproducts to minimize environmental impact. By investing in value-added processing, the industry aims to extract greater value from each harvest while maintaining long-term sustainability.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Phung Duc Tien, sees a bright future for Vietnam’s fisheries sector. However, he emphasizes that productivity improvements, tighter quality controls, and disease management will be key to success. The industry must also address concerns about shrimp feed and antibiotic use to meet international safety standards and maintain its competitive edge.
Vietnam’s Seafood Industry: Rising to the Challenge
As Vietnam charts its path to $11 billion in seafood exports, the industry is proving that growth is not just about numbers—it’s about innovation, sustainability, and resilience. With a strong export strategy, a commitment to quality enhancement, and a growing portfolio of seafood products, Vietnam is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in the global market.
For seafood lovers across the world, the future looks promising. Vietnam’s journey is a testament to how a country can transform its fisheries sector into a powerhouse—balancing growth with responsibility, and setting a benchmark for sustainable aquaculture worldwide.
