LSN News › Vietnam

Politics · Vietnam Bureau

Vietnam's seafood sector eyes record $12 billion exports as year-end demand surges

Vietnam's seafood exporters are accelerating shipments to capitalize on strong year-end demand, targeting over $1 billion monthly in the final quarter to help the nation achieve its $74 billion agro-forestry-fisheries export goal for 2026.

LSN Vietnam · 30 October 2026

Vietnam's seafood industry is positioning itself to capitalize on heightened international demand in coming months, with shrimp exports expected to remain the primary growth driver. Industry sources indicate that seafood shipments need to maintain a pace exceeding $1 billion per month through year-end to support the broader agricultural and fisheries export target of $74 billion. Current market conditions suggest exporters have the opportunity to exceed these benchmarks as global appetite for Vietnamese seafood products remains robust.

To sustain this export momentum while maintaining product integrity, authorities in coastal provinces have intensified oversight of fishing operations and supply chain management. Regional administrations have ordered stricter controls on fishing fleet activities to ensure compliance with maritime regulations and traceability standards. These measures aim to protect Vietnam's seafood reputation in international markets while preventing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices that could undermine export credentials.

Ho Chi Minh City has taken the lead in implementing enhanced seafood traceability protocols designed to combat IUU fishing and strengthen consumer confidence. The stricter tracking systems enable regulators to verify the origins and handling of seafood products from harvest through export, a requirement increasingly demanded by international buyers. Industry analysts view these quality assurance measures as essential to maintaining Vietnam's competitive position in premium seafood markets while addressing growing global concerns about sustainable fishing practices.