Summary – 10 Key Highlights of Vietnam’s Seafood Industry in 2025
- Record Seafood Export Value
Vietnam’s seafood exports reached a historic high of $11.3 billion in 2025, up ~13% compared to 2024 despite global trade volatility and trade barriers, especially from the U.S.
- Trade Policy and U.S. Countervailing Duties
New U.S. countervailing tariffs were announced in April 2025, initially proposed up to 46% for Vietnam but later applied at 20% after negotiations. This created a rush in shipments before policy enforcement and pushed exporters to diversify beyond the U.S. market.
- Positive Anti-Dumping Outcome for Pangasius in the U.S.
In June 2025, the U.S. DOC finalized its review (POR20) with seven Vietnamese pangasius exporters receiving a 0% duty rate, and one company exiting the review list entirely.
- Preliminary Unfavorable Anti-Dumping Results for Shrimp
Preliminary results from a shrimp anti-dumping review (POR19) showed duties as high as 35.29%, posing a major challenge for shrimp exporters with final results expected in early 2026.
- U.S. MMPA Equivalency Rejection for Fishing Methods
In August 2025, the U.S. declined to grant equivalency for 12 Vietnamese fishing methods under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), triggering potential bans on imports of certain species starting January 2026 unless compliance documentation is provided.
- Green Crab Fishery in Kien Giang Upgraded to Category A
The Kien Giang blue crab fishery achieved a Category A rating under a Fishery Improvement Project (FIP), helping maintain exports after a temporary U.S. import suspension was paused by a U.S. trade court.
- Government Adjusts Catch Size Regulations
A new decree temporarily suspended minimum catch size rules for 10 species to address practical challenges faced by fishers and businesses.
- Stronger Government Action Against IUU Fishing
2025 saw intensified government and industry efforts to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, aiming to lift the EU “yellow card” warning and ensure sustainable fishing practices.
- Corporate Income Tax Incentives for Seafood Processors
Decree 320/2025 officially confirmed corporate income tax incentives for seafood processing, reducing tax burdens and improving competitiveness.
- VAT Law Amendments Passed
The National Assembly approved changes to the VAT law, easing tax procedures (e.g., removing VAT on semi-processed agricultural products, full exemption for certain inputs) and helping free up working capital for exporters.
MARKET UPDATE – VIETNAM TILAPIA SECTOR
U.S. Investment Strengthens Vietnam’s Tilapia Development
A major U.S. investment valued at USD 15.2 million has been announced for Vietnam’s tilapia industry, marking a significant step forward in the country’s aquaculture diversification strategy.
Tilapia often referred to as the “chicken of aquaculture” due to its affordability and adaptability is expected to emerge as a strategic export product, complementing Vietnam’s established shrimp and pangasius sectors.
Why This Matters to the Market
Diversification of Vietnam’s seafood exports, reducing reliance on traditional species
Strong global demand from the U.S., EU, and Asian markets
Improved sustainability standards, supporting access to premium and regulated markets
Industry Implications
Advanced farming technologies will help improve yield consistency and product quality
Vietnam’s tilapia is expected to become more competitive in high-value markets
The scale of investment reflects strong confidence from U.S. partners in Vietnam’s long-term seafood growth potential
Outlook
This investment sends a positive signal for Vietnam’s seafood industry, reinforcing its position as a reliable and forward-looking global supplier. Tilapia is likely to gain stronger market presence in the coming years alongside shrimp and pangasius.
TILAPIA SASHIMI GRADE
AT SEAFOOD GLOBAL LIMITED will continue to monitor this investment closely and explore opportunities to leverage Vietnam’s expanding aquaculture landscape.
We are pleased to inform you that we can now supply Sashimi-grade Tilapia fillets and Sashimi-grade Barramundi fillets.
We have undergone multiple strict inspections to be certified for Sashimi production, from seed selection, feed, and farming conditions to processing procedures and finished products.
We hope you may have interest in these items in the future. If so, please feel free to let me know. I look forward to discussing further with you.
By AT Seafood Team
Source: Vasep & compilation
