After three years of implementing the UK–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) — and especially since the United Kingdom officially joined the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on December 15, 2024 — many Vietnamese seafood products have been gaining a strong competitive edge in this promising market.
Seafood Export Performance
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According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Vietnam’s agriculture, forestry, and fishery exports reached USD 9.38 billion in the first two months of 2025, achieving a trade surplus of USD 2.05 billion.
Notably, forestry and fishery products recorded the highest growth rates. Specifically, forestry exports were estimated at USD 2.68 billion, up 11.9% year-on-year, while seafood exports totaled USD 1.42 billion, up 18.6% compared to the same period in 2024.
Shrimp Exports – A Key Advantage
According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), the UK remains one of the most important markets for Vietnamese shrimp, benefiting from trade preferences under both bilateral and multilateral agreements.
In 2024, Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the UK exceeded USD 212 million, and the positive growth trend continued in January 2025.
The UK ranks as Vietnam’s sixth-largest single shrimp importer, accounting for 5.5% of total shrimp exports. Shrimp products also make up about 70% of Vietnam’s total seafood exports to the UK.
With tariff advantages from both the UKVFTA and CPTPP, Vietnamese shrimp enjoy a stronger competitive positioncompared to exporters from China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and Brazil.
Tuna Exports Continue to Grow
Tuna is another Vietnamese seafood product gaining momentum in the UK market.
According to Vietnam Customs, exports of tuna to the UK have been steadily increasing since the CPTPP took effect — rising from USD 5.1 million in 2021 to nearly USD 7.9 million in 2024, a growth of 54%.
As of early 2025, the UK remains one of the few markets where Vietnam’s tuna exports are still expanding, up 24% year-on-year.
Under the CPTPP, tariffs on processed and canned tuna exported from Vietnam to the UK will be reduced from 20% to 0% within seven years, whereas under the UKVFTA, the 0% tariff only applies within a quota of 11,500 tons.
This means CPTPP offers long-term tariff advantages and new opportunities for Vietnam’s tuna industry.
Opportunities and Challenges Ahead
Both CPTPP and UKVFTA are high-standard trade agreements that require Vietnamese exporters to enhance internal capacity.
Rules of origin under CPTPP are a key factor ensuring that Vietnamese seafood maintains its competitive edge.
Experts emphasize that policy support for fishermen—such as promoting offshore fishing and reinvestment—and simplified administrative procedures for exporters are crucial for maximizing these trade advantages.
Ms. Le Hang, Communications Director of VASEP, stated that the UK’s accession to CPTPP not only opens wider access to the UK market but also helps Vietnamese seafood enterprises expand into other CPTPP member markets.
However, she also warned of increased competition from other CPTPP countries, requiring Vietnam’s seafood sector to adopt more flexible and sustainable growth strategies.
Recommendations for Sustainable Growth
To fully leverage both UKVFTA and CPTPP, Ms. Hang recommended that government agencies should:
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Strengthen training and market information support;
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Improve product quality and logistics infrastructure;
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Establish sustainability funds for the seafood industry;
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Support enterprises in developing export strategies and branding.
Such comprehensive support will not only help Vietnamese seafood maintain its market share in the UK but also expand to other promising markets within the CPTPP bloc.