According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), the five largest export marketsfor Vietnamese seafood in January 2025 were Japan, the United States, China, South Korea, and the European Union (EU).
Japan – Vietnam’s Largest Seafood Import Market
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VASEP reported that in the first month of 2025, Vietnam’s total seafood export value reached USD 323 million, down 4% year-on-year (YoY).
Japan remained the largest destination, with USD 83 million in seafood imports from Vietnam, a decrease of 8% YoY.
The United States ranked second with USD 52 million (+2%), followed by:
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China & Hong Kong: USD 44 million (+91%)
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South Korea: USD 37 million (–15%)
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European Union: USD 29 million (–12%)
Export Volume Decreases Across Key Product Categories
Overall, Vietnam’s seafood exports saw mild declines across most major products compared to the same period last year:
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Tuna: –16%
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Squid & octopus: –15%
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Other marine species: –13%
However, exports of bivalve mollusks and crabs & crustaceans surged by 118% YoY, showing growing global demand for these products.
Tuna Exports: The Key Driver Amid Decline
In January 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports totaled over USD 66 million, accounting for around 20% of total seafood exports.
According to VASEP, most tuna categories declined, except for fresh, frozen, and dried tuna (HS03, excluding frozen fillet HS0304).
Canned tuna suffered the sharpest drop (–36% YoY).
Tuna exports to key markets also fell:
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United States: –2% YoY (USD 26 million)
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EU: –13% YoY (with canned tuna down 21%)
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Japan: –26% YoY
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Canada: –36% YoY
Market Challenges in the United States and EU
U.S. importers had stockpiled tuna in late 2024 amid concerns about potential tariff hikes under the administration of President Donald Trump, leading to high inventory levels at the start of 2025.
This, coupled with new U.S. tariff policies, has made importers more cautious in signing fresh contracts.
Meanwhile, in the EU market, a shortage of domestic skipjack tuna continues to constrain canned-tuna production and exports.
Outlook for Vietnamese Seafood Exports
While Vietnam faces short-term challenges from fluctuating demand and stricter import conditions, the surge in bivalve and crustacean exports highlights emerging opportunities.
VASEP emphasizes that to sustain growth, exporters should:
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Diversify markets within CPTPP and RCEP blocs,
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Invest in processing innovation, and
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Ensure traceability and sustainability compliance to maintain competitiveness in major destinations such as Japan, the U.S., China, South Korea, and the EU.