According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnam’s tra fish exports reached USD 1.4 billion in the first 8 months of 2025, a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This underscores tra fish as a key export commodity for Vietnam’s seafood industry.
Among the exported products, HS03 category items (fresh/frozen/dried) contributed USD 1.383 billion, accounting for nearly 98% of the total tra fish export value. Specifically, frozen tra fish fillets (HS0304) reached over USD 1.1 billion, an 11% increase year-over-year.
Notably, processed products (HS16) achieved USD 36 million, a remarkable 32% growth compared to 2024, signaling progress in diversifying value-added offerings.
In key export markets, tra fish exports to China and Hong Kong declined by 4% in the first 8 months, totaling USD 357 million (25% of Vietnam’s total tra fish exports). In August alone, exports to this region dropped 4% year-over-year to USD 55 million.
Meanwhile, CPTPP member countries led growth, importing USD 242 million worth of tra fish—a 36% increase, the highest among all market blocs.
Stable demand was observed in Japan, Canada, Mexico, and Chile, particularly for premium fillets and processed products.
VASEP attributes this to CPTPP’s 0% tariff advantage, enhancing tra fish’s competitiveness against species like cod and tilapia. Compliance with quality and traceability standards has also elevated average order values in these markets.
South America, particularly Brazil, emerged as a high-potential market. By August 2025, exports to Brazil reached USD 118 million, up 54% year-over-year, driven by tilapia substitution and growing consumer familiarity with tra fish. Colombia and Chile maintained steady imports, expanding Vietnam’s footprint in the region.
CPTPP and South America not only offset China’s decline but also offer higher-margin opportunities through premium orders, improved payment terms, and stronger profitability.
VASEP highlights the strategic importance of H2 2025 for market restructuring. Tightening raw material supply and recovering export prices in Q4 present opportunities to secure contracts in fast-growing markets like CPTPP and South America, ahead of the holiday season.
The U.S. and EU remain stable markets with stringent sustainability demands, prompting quality upgrades to maintain market share.
ASEAN’s potential is evident, with Thailand and the Philippines importing USD 52 million and USD 26 million, respectively, both up 31% year-over-year.
By strengthening positions in CPTPP, South America, and traditional markets like the U.S., EU, and ASEAN, Vietnam’s tra fish industry can achieve a multi-polar market structure, reducing dependency on any single market and enhancing resilience to global trade volatility, VASEP concludes.
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