Vietnamese seafood enterprises are ramping up exports to the United States over the next two months in a “race” to get ahead of the new tariff policy set to take effect on July 9. Shrimp and pangasius are the two key products leading this final push.

Boosting Shipments Before U.S. Tariffs Take Effect

According to the latest statement from the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnamese companies are expected to significantly increase seafood exports to the United States in May and June—particularly shrimp and pangasius—to take advantage of the remaining window before new U.S. tariff policies take effect.

VASEP data shows that Vietnam's seafood exports reached $3.3 billion in the first four months of 2025, up 21% year-on-year. Although exports to the U.S. saw a decline in April, many businesses are now pushing shipments to this market ahead of the implementation of the new anti-dumping duties, which could reach as high as 46% starting July 9, 2025.

Export turnover to the U.S. is expected to increase by 10–15% compared to April, driven by urgently signed contracts and price-cutting strategies to maintain market share.

Shrimp remains the leading product in the sector, bringing in $1.27 billion in the first four months—up 30% compared to the same period last year. In April alone, shrimp exports hit $330.8 million, a 15% increase thanks to recovering demand in major markets such as China, the EU, and Japan.

Pangasius exports totaled $632.7 million, up 9%, although April figures showed stagnation at $167.7 million—roughly the same as last year.

Other products such as tilapia, red tilapia, crabs, and mollusks (e.g., octopus and squid) also posted impressive growth, indicating positive signs from efforts to diversify the product portfolio.

Rising Costs Prompt Businesses to Diversify Markets

Although seafood exports to the U.S. recorded a 7% increase in the first four months of the year—reaching $498.4 million—they fell by 15% in April alone, down to $120.5 million. The decline is mainly attributed to caution among U.S. importers in anticipation of the upcoming tariff policy.

According to VASEP, high anti-dumping duties on pangasius and shrimp are inflating costs, prompting U.S. buyers to reconsider sourcing strategies and shift toward alternative suppliers such as India and Ecuador. Additionally, technical barriers such as traceability requirements and food safety inspections are posing challenges for Vietnamese exporters.

Amid tightening U.S. trade restrictions, Vietnamese companies are redirecting their focus toward markets with free trade agreements, such as the EU, Japan, and South Korea.

Exports to China and Hong Kong surged to nearly $710 million over four months—a 56% increase—making it the largest export market, driven primarily by strong demand for premium seafood like shrimp, crabs, and mollusks.

However, this momentum may slow in the next two months due to intensifying competition from domestic Chinese seafood products, which are being diverted to Asian markets as a result of U.S. tariffs.

Meanwhile, ASEAN markets saw impressive growth of 25%, reaching $218.8 million. Experts warn, however, that these markets may also face increased pressure from low-cost Chinese seafood, especially in the budget segment.

Final Push Through a "Narrow Window"In the next two months, Vietnam’s seafood exports are expected to see a clear shift. The U.S. will be the focus for businesses to seize the "narrow window" before July 9. However, VASEP notes that front-loading shipments to the U.S. is only a temporary solution. "In the long term, the industry’s development strategy must aim to increase product value, invest heavily in processing, raise food safety standards, and promote traceability. At the same time, it is necessary to expand into potential markets and reduce dependence on a few traditional ones,” VASEP recommends.

Source: Tuoi tre online