Fisheries industry aims for 10 billion USD by 2025

Along with market diversification and taking advantage of incentives from agreements such as EVFTA and CPTPP, the seafood industry is aiming for a target of 10 billion USD this year.

Shrimp and tra fish exports grow impressively

According to estimates from the Association of Processors and Seafood export Vietnam (VASEP), in the first 6 months of 2025, the total seafood export turnover reached about 5.11 billion USD, an increase of 16% over the same period in 2024. Of which, shrimp export recorded impressive growth of nearly 2.14 billion USD (up 30.4%), while pangasius brought in about 925 million USD (up 8%).

This year, shrimp export turnover is forecast to reach 4 - 4.3 billion USD. Illustrative photo

Mr. Nguyen Hoai Nam - General Secretary of VASEP - commented that this result was achieved thanks to the recovery of the international market, along with the continuous efforts of the business community and the active support from Vietnamese representative agencies abroad, especially trade offices. At many trade promotion programs in key markets, embassies and trade offices have accompanied and effectively supported seafood enterprises in promoting, connecting and expanding markets.

Also according to Mr. Nam, the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) The agreements negotiated and signed by the Government are proving to be effective, bringing many practical benefits to the industry. Tariff incentives, favorable market access conditions and trade openness commitments help businesses improve their competitiveness and expand their export scale.

However, in addition to positive signals, the fisheries sector still faces many challenges. Mr. Nhu Van Can - Deputy Director of the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Control, said that tariff barriers, along with the European Commission (EC) maintaining its "yellow card" warning for exploited aquatic products, are affecting the international reputation of Vietnamese aquatic products. In addition, the increasingly high requirements of import markets for product traceability and legality also put considerable pressure on the industry.

Mr. Ngo Hong Phong - Director of the Department of Quality, Processing and Market Development ( Ministry of Agriculture and Environment ) - assessed that the export target of 10 billion USD in 2025 is a big challenge, especially in the context of the US market still having many difficulties.

Therefore, in the last 6 months of the year, there needs to be specific, breakthrough solutions to complete the goal. One of the important directions is to promote the reopening of the Chinese market for products. lobster cotton, if successful, will create new growth momentum. In addition, the Brazilian market also opens up new opportunities when it officially loosens physical and chemical regulations on pangasius and allows the import of Vietnamese tilapia.

According to Mr. Nguyen Hoai Nam, in the upcoming FTA reviews, VASEP expects to have more new incentives, especially for key products such as shrimp and tuna, which are closely linked to the livelihoods of Vietnamese farmers and fishermen. Specifically, the Association proposes to expand the shrimp quota in the FTA with Korea and expand the tuna quota in the FTA with the European Union (EU).

Expectations of breakthroughs through technological innovation and effective integration

According to the assigned target, the fisheries sector must achieve a growth rate of 4.35% in 2025. To achieve this target, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien emphasized that it is necessary to focus on the aquaculture sector, in which the issue of breeds is the key factor determining production efficiency. Improving the quality and proactively sourcing breeds requires stronger participation from the private business sector.

For marine aquaculture, it is necessary to promote the application of technology, call on large corporations to participate in large-scale investment, modernize equipment and technology for marine aquaculture. At the same time, it is necessary to build a close chain linking the stages of farming, processing and consumption. The Deputy Minister also particularly emphasized the development of seaweed and algae as a strategic direction with high potential in the context of climate change.

The fishing sector also needs strong changes, especially in the design and construction of modern fishing vessels, investment in equipment for preserving and processing products on board. Training for chief engineers and captains must also be focused on to improve operational capacity and sustainable fishing efficiency.

Regarding the conservation of aquatic resources, the Deputy Minister said that it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive review of existing conservation areas and evaluate their actual effectiveness. From there, appropriate proposals will be made to ensure a balance between exploitation and conservation.

Regarding the IUU issue, the Ministry will continue to step up inspection and supervision in localities, resolutely implementing necessary solutions to move towards the goal of soon removing the "yellow card" warning from the EC.

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/nganh-thuy-san-huong-toi-muc-tieu-10-ty-usd-trong-nam-2025-3368764.html