Aquatic exports hit US$10 billion

Shrimp and pangasius accounted for 60% of the total revenue, with shrimp shipments climbing 16.7% to US$4 billion and pangasius increasing 8.9% to US$2 billion compared to 2023. Tuna exports, despite raw material shortages, hit US$1 billion, an 18% year-on-year rise. Other fish contributed US$1.9 billion, while squid and octopus generated US$662 million.

VASEP Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Thu Sac said the industry aimed to recover export revenue to 10 billion in 2024 amid stabilising inflation in major markets and a slowly recovering global economy.

Despite these hurdles, the domestic aquatic sector demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and determination, Sac added. As the world's third-largest seafood exporter—trailing only China and Norway—Vietnam is firmly on the path to sustainability in the industry.

The results provide a solid foundation for Vietnam’s seafood industry to anticipate even greater growth in 2025 and beyond.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien also affirmed Vietnam's position on the global seafood map, noting that the industry would face new challenges in 2025, including the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, climate change, environmental pollution, and market barriers.

However, there are reasons for optimism, such as improved raw material supplies and expanding export markets. Vietnamese seafood companies are increasingly showcasing their capabilities in advanced processing and high-quality production, laying the foundation for the sector to exceed US$10 billion in 2025, toward the goal of US$11 billion, the official said.