Vietnamese seafood enterprises face global tariff challenges

This issue has drawn significant attention from enterprises and was highlighted by experts at the seminar “Prospects of the seafood market in 2025”, jointly organized by Vietnam Market Analysis and Forecast Joint Stock Company (AgroMonitor) and ILDEX Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City.

Mr. Pham Van Hanh, Director of AgroMonitor, noted that the United States is preparing to impose a 20% reciprocal tariff on Vietnamese seafood by the end of this year. The most critical issue, he explained, is whether this new duty will be added on top of the existing anti-dumping tariffs currently applied to Vietnamese products. If the duties are accumulated, export costs could surge dramatically, bringing major risks to pricing, profitability, and competitiveness in the U.S. market.

That said, industry experts emphasized that Vietnam is not the only country targeted by this U.S. trade measure. Other major seafood-exporting nations, including India, Indonesia, and Thailand, will also be subject to reciprocal tariffs. The variation in tax levels among these competitors will play a decisive role in shaping market advantages, compelling Vietnamese exporters to stay vigilant, monitor developments closely, and craft timely strategies.

Despite these looming risks, the seafood sector has managed to deliver encouraging results in the first half of 2025, largely thanks to the “early delivery” approach adopted by many enterprises. Between January and July, Vietnam’s seafood export turnover reached USD 6.22 billion, marking a 17.2% increase compared to the same period last year. Still, as highlighted by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), the industry continues to grapple with two major challenges: uncertainties in U.S. tariff policies and the persistent shortage of domestic raw material supplies.

Experts unanimously recommended that Vietnamese enterprises diversify their export markets to reduce excessive dependence on the United States, while at the same time adopting more flexible pricing policies in order to preserve market share in an increasingly competitive global landscape. The recovery of demand in major destinations such as Asia and the European Union is expected to provide strong momentum, potentially enabling Vietnam’s seafood exports to reach USD 10 billion in 2025.

Alongside market analysis, the organizers also introduced ILDEX Vietnam 2026, positioned as a leading international exhibition for livestock, dairy production, meat processing, and aquaculture. According to Mr. Nguyen Trung Chinh, Director of ITEC and representative of VNUE AP in Vietnam, ILDEX is not merely a trade show but a comprehensive ecosystem that brings together global enterprises, fosters innovation, and promotes collaboration across the entire animal protein value chain.

Vietnam’s animal protein market is currently undergoing significant structural shifts. Pork continues to dominate consumption, accounting for around 70 percent, while poultry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by affordable prices and health considerations. Beef consumption remains relatively modest but holds promising potential for expansion. Notably, aquaculture, particularly fish and shrimp, has been receiving increasing attention within the overall consumption structure.

Looking ahead, forecasts suggest that if input costs remain elevated and weather conditions are favorable, prices of commercial fish may see a modest upward trend. This scenario presents opportunities for enterprises and farming households to take the initiative in securing quality broodstock, shortening production cycles, and optimizing costs, thereby capitalizing on the positive momentum shaping the sector.

Building on these market dynamics, ILDEX Vietnam 2026 is set to showcase a diverse range of international pavilions from Europe, China, Turkey, and other regions, bringing the latest technologies, aquaculture solutions, and innovations to the Vietnamese market. The Vietnam Pavilion, jointly organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Departments of Livestock Production and Animal Health, along with industry associations, will highlight leading domestic brands. Notably, ILDEX Vietnam remains the only flagship event in the VIV Worldwide system hosted in Vietnam.

The exhibition will also feature a series of specialized forums and seminars with both commercial and academic value, designed to foster networking, knowledge sharing, and new partnerships. ILDEX Vietnam 2026 will take place from May 20 to 22, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. Businesses interested in participating are encouraged to register via the official website.