Illustrative Image
According to statistics from the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnam’s tra fish exports in September 2025 reached $181 million, a 5% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The overall trend for the tra fish industry remains positive, with total export value in the first nine months of 2025 reaching nearly $1.6 billion, a 9% increase year-on-year.
Among key markets, China and Hong Kong continued to lead with September exports valued at $53 million, accounting for 29% of total September exports, an 11% increase compared to 2024. Tra fish exports to the U.S. in September 2025 reached $23 million, a 23% decrease year-on-year, yet this market still accounted for 13% of total September exports.
In the EU, September exports totaled $14 million, a slight 1% decrease compared to the same period last year. Within the bloc, performance varied: while traditional markets like Germany saw a sharp 23% decline, Belgium emerged as a bright spot with a remarkable 67% growth (compared to September 2024), helping sustain growth in Europe.
Exports to CPTPP member countries in September reached $29 million, a 34% increase year-on-year. Within this bloc, Japan stands out as a promising market, with total tra fish exports in the first nine months reaching $34 million, a 14% increase compared to the same period last year, driven by stable demand and favorable tariffs.
Meanwhile, Brazil, the largest market in South America, recorded September exports of $10 million, a 16% decrease compared to 2024. Despite the slight decline, Brazil remains a significant market with strong growth potential following the completion of FTA negotiations between Vietnam and Brazil.
In terms of product structure, as of September, frozen tra fish fillets (HS code 0304) dominated exports with a value of nearly $1.3 billion, accounting for 98% of total exports, an 11% increase year-on-year. Meanwhile, processed tra fish exports (HS code 16) in the first nine months reached $39 million, a robust 23% increase, highlighting the significant potential of value-added products, though they currently represent only 2% of total exports.
The price of tra fish fry (30 fry/kg) has doubled since the beginning of the year to 55,000–58,000 VND/kg, increasing input costs. Experts predict this rise will directly impact tra fish export prices in Q4/2025 as factories ramp up purchases to fulfill year-end orders.
Vietnam’s tra fish is a globally favored seafood product, with Vietnam leading the world in tra fish exports and successfully penetrating over 140 international markets.
Amid volatile global markets, proactive supply regulation, strengthened value chain linkages, deep processing, and market diversification will remain strategic priorities for Vietnam’s tra fish industry. These efforts will help maintain stability, especially as global import demand is expected to surge in Q4 to meet year-end holiday season needs.
Unlocking a Billion-Dollar Opportunity: Vietnam’s Strategic Venture into Latin America’s Largest Economy
This is one of Vietnam’s fastest-growing single markets, second only to the United States and China.
Vietnam’s Billion-Dollar Industry: What Makes One Product Account for 98% of Exports So Irresistible?
This is Vietnam’s flagship export product.
Vietnam’s Underwater Treasure: The Billion-Dollar Industry That Makes It the Global Leader in Affordable, High-Quality Seafood
Vietnam earned a staggering $1.4 billion from exporting this product in the first eight months of the year.
Unlocking Global Markets for Vietnamese Seafood
The Vietnamese seafood industry is a powerhouse, contributing significantly to the country’s economic landscape. With a remarkable export turnover surpassing the 10-billion-USD mark in 2024, Vietnam has cemented its position as the world’s third-largest seafood exporter.
“Vietnamese Products Hit a 10-Year High: Seizing the Golden Opportunity to Soar on the Global Stage”
The Vietnamese crab and shrimp industry has witnessed a remarkable surge in exports, propelling the sector to record-breaking heights. This exceptional performance has positioned the industry at its pinnacle over the last decade.
