In 2024, Vietnam’s seafood industry spectacularly surpassed the USD 10 billion export mark — a remarkable achievement driven by coordinated efforts from central and local authorities, businesses, farmers, and industry associations.
Strong Momentum from 2024: Exceeding USD 10 Billion in Exports
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According to Mr. Trần Đình Luân, Director General of the Directorate of Fisheries (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development – MARD), favorable market signals in late 2024, coupled with effective government coordination, helped maximize production efficiency.
Vietnam ensured sufficient raw materials for export — not only in aquaculture but also in capture fisheries such as tuna, squid, and octopus, all of which achieved high export values.
Equally important was the agility of localities and enterprises in leveraging market opportunities and strengthening supply-chain linkages, reflecting the industry’s successful restructuring and efficient production model. This forms a crucial foundation for continued growth in 2025.
Building an FTA-Driven Ecosystem to Boost Exports
Mr. Ngô Chung Khanh, Deputy Director General of the Multilateral Trade Policy Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade – MOIT), shared that the MOIT is developing a comprehensive ecosystem for leveraging Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
The ecosystem includes two key components — the regulatory framework and the business community, considered the “core drivers” of implementation.
The Ministry is currently gathering input from enterprises and local authorities to ensure feasibility and effectiveness. Pilot projects will be rolled out across selected sectors, and if successful, this model will significantly improve problem-solving efficiency.
According to MOIT, this FTA ecosystem for the seafood sector will be a fundamental and innovative approach, enabling exporters and the entire industry to better capitalize on trade preferences and enhance export competitiveness.
Enhancing Sustainability and Reducing Emissions
The Directorate of Fisheries has been implementing innovative production models to improve feed-conversion efficiency, increase survival rates, and reduce environmental emissions.
Although there is no mandatory requirement yet for low-carbon or green growth in seafood, Vietnam recognizes that global markets increasingly demand sustainable practices. Proactively aligning with these standards is therefore an inevitable trend for Vietnamese seafood exporters.
The Directorate is also collaborating with businesses and innovators to develop models that calculate and reduce emissions in specific aquaculture operations — including shrimp, pangasius, and marine fish farming. Early results show notable emission reductions and efficiency gains.
Integrated farming systems combining fish, mollusks, and seaweed are proving highly sustainable, simultaneously cutting emissions and increasing profitability.
Focus on Quality, Deep Processing, and Diversification
Under the Government-approved Fisheries Development Program, Vietnam will not expand farming areas for shrimp and pangasius but instead focus on improving quality and productivity. The industry aims to sustain export growth through:
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Deep processing to extend the value chain
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Reducing by-products and waste to increase efficiency
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Diversifying aquaculture species to expand export markets
Freshwater farming has seen promising developments — such as eel farming, which is beginning to yield export potential, and tilapia farming, especially in northern provinces, which offers significant opportunities.
Promoting Offshore and Marine Aquaculture
According to Mr. Trần Đình Luân, Vietnam will continue to tap its vast water surface resources — including reservoirs, rivers, and coastal zones — and promote cooperative and value-chain-linked production.
Training programs have been organized to improve farmers’ technical capacity and develop sustainable marine aquaculture models, such as oysters and seaweed, while expanding to high-value species like abalone, sea cucumbers, and marine fish.
Many companies have expressed strong interest in offshore aquaculture. The Directorate believes that once Vietnam grants offshore sea areas (beyond six nautical miles) for large-scale investment, marine farming will become a breakthrough growth sector, contributing significantly to Vietnam’s seafood export turnover in 2025 and the years ahead.