Vietnam’s fisheries industry has demonstrated a strong rebound throughout the first nine months of 2025, marking steady recovery after a period of global market volatility. The steady rise in export value, coupled with renewed demand from key and emerging markets, underscores the sector’s adaptability and strategic transition toward sustainability and digital transformation. These encouraging results provide a firm foundation for Vietnam’s fisheries to strengthen its global position and move toward a greener, more resilient future.

Vietnam’s Fisheries Industry: Accelerating Export Growth with a Sustainable Outlook

In 2025, Vietnam’s fisheries exports showed solid progress, reaching an estimated USD 8.11 billion in the first nine months, an increase of 12.3% year-on-year, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP). In September alone, export turnover reached nearly USD 991 million, up 7.5% compared to the same period last year. With this momentum, Vietnam’s total fisheries export value is projected to reach USD 10 billion by the end of 2025, up 4% year-on-year.

These results affirm the solid recovery of Vietnam’s fisheries sector while reflecting its strong efforts to transform toward a green, sustainable, and adaptive development model that effectively responds to global market fluctuations.

Shrimp: The Core Growth Engine of Vietnam’s Aquaculture

Within the export structure, aquaculture products continue to dominate, particularly shrimp which remains the leading contributor, accounting for around 41% of total fisheries exports. In the first nine months of 2025, shrimp exports reached USD 3.38 billion, a 20.3% increase compared to the same period last year. Whiteleg shrimp retains its leading position, while black tiger shrimp and value-added processed shrimp are gaining greater market share in premium destinations such as Japan, the EU, and South Korea.

Pangasius exports also maintained strong momentum, reaching USD 191 million in September and over USD 1.6 billion cumulatively, up nearly 10% year-on-year. The rebound in demand from China, the United States, and the Middle East has reinforced Vietnam’s status as one of the world’s leading aquaculture exporters.

Meanwhile, other fisheries segments also recorded impressive gains. Marine fish exports rose to USD 1.61 billion (+18.5%), squid and octopus exports reached USD 550 million (+19%), and bivalve mollusks surged over 30% to USD 192 million thanks to strong consumption in Asian and European markets. In contrast, tuna exports slightly declined to USD 705 million (-3.2%), reflecting rising competition in deep-sea fishing.

To sustain this growth, enterprises are investing in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), biosecurity technologies, and sustainable breeding programs, while pursuing international certifications such as ASC and BAP to enhance quality and environmental compliance.

Export Markets: Diversifying to Strengthen Global Position

In terms of market distribution, China and Hong Kong remain the largest export destinations, with a combined value of USD 1.76 billion, up 32% year-on-year, supported by growing demand and efficient logistics.

Exports to the United States experienced a slight dip in September but still reached USD 1.41 billion (+6.8%) over nine months. Japan and the EU continued steady growth, hitting USD 1.27 billion (+15.6%) and USD 885 million (+13.3%), respectively. South Korea emerged as a rapidly expanding market with USD 645 million (+13%) in exports. Meanwhile, ASEAN and the Middle East are becoming key emerging markets, contributing USD 536 million (+23.3%) and USD 295 million (+7.6%), respectively.

Behind these impressive growth figures lies the proactive and flexible approach of Vietnamese enterprises. Many companies accelerated their export activities ahead of new tax policies and technical barriers taking effect, while strategically restructuring their market focus, reducing dependence on the U.S. and EU, and expanding exports to Asia and emerging markets.

VietShrimp Asia 2026 & Aquaculture Vietnam 2026: Keeping Pace with Global Trends, Shaping a Sustainable Future

Although Vietnam’s fisheries sector has achieved significant progress in recent years, it continues to face numerous challenges on its path toward recovery and sustainable growth.

In this context, for the first time, VietShrimp Asia 2026 – The Vietshrimp Aquaculture International Fair will be co-located with Aquaculture Vietnam 2026 – Vietnam’s International Aquaculture Industry Event, taking place from March 11–13, 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Organised by Informa Markets, a leading global exhibition organiser, the event will feature over 200 exhibitors and attract more than 7,000 professional visitors from over 30 countries and territories, spanning 8,800 m² of exhibition area

The exhibition will encompass the entire fisheries value chain, from breeding stock, feed, aquaculture equipment, environmental treatment technologies, processing, inspection, to traceability and export, with a strong emphasis on sustainable development and environmental responsibility, driving a greener and more resilient future for the aquaculture industry. Alongside the exhibition, a comprehensive series of conferences and technical seminars, match and meet programs, industry forums, and aquaculture roadshows will take place with several interesting activities. 

With its debut in Vietnam’s most dynamic economic hub, VietShrimp Asia 2026 and Aquaculture Vietnam 2026 are set to become the strategic gateway for global collaboration, empowering businesses to innovate, connect, and elevate their position on the world stage, contributing to the vision of a modern, green, and sustainable fisheries sector for Vietnam and the region.

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📅Date: 11 – 13/03/2026

📌Location: SECC, TP. Hồ Chí Minh

Booth registration: https://www.aquafisheriesexpo.com/en/dat-gian-hang/

📞 Contact us:

  • Booth Booking: Ms. Sophie Nguyen – sophie.nguyen@informa.com
  • Visitor Support: Ms. Phuong – phuong.c@informa.com
  • MarCom Support: Ms. Anita Pham – anita.pham@informa.com