Vietfish 2025 Opens, Affirming Vietnam's Position on Global Seafood Stage
Editor/Mohamed Shihab
The leading seafood trade event showcases the industry's commitment to "Innovation and Sustainability" while navigating a complex global market to reach its $10 billion export goal.
HO CHI MINH CITY – On the morning of August 20, 2025, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition 2025 (VIETFISH 2025) officially opened its doors at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), marking a significant moment for the country's thriving aquaculture industry. Organized by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), the exhibition's opening ceremony was attended by a host of government officials, industry leaders, and international delegations from 17 countries, including the USA, EU, Japan, and China.
The event's theme, “Innovation and Sustainability,” directly addresses the dual vision of the Vietnamese seafood industry: to overcome global challenges, create long-term value, and cement its position among the world's top three seafood exporters.
A Hub for Global and Domestic Commerce
This year’s VIETFISH 2025 is its most expansive yet, featuring 526 booths from 280 Vietnamese enterprises and 17 national pavilions. This robust participation from countries like China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, and Thailand highlights the event's stature as a leading trade platform in Asia.
Beyond the exhibition floor, the event includes a series of specialized programs to foster development and cooperation. These include a cooking show to promote creative seafood cuisine, international seminars on critical topics like ESG, ASC standards, and sustainable development, and trade networking sessions designed to open up new opportunities for Vietnamese businesses with international partners.
For the first time, VIETFISH 2025 is also placing a stronger emphasis on the domestic market. High-quality seafood products that have successfully entered global supermarkets are now being introduced to Vietnamese consumers, aiming to promote the use of safe, modern, and convenient processed products within the country.
Navigating a Volatile Global Market
The exhibition comes at a critical time for the industry. While Vietnam's seafood export turnover reached an impressive $6.22 billion in the first seven months of 2025—a 17.2% increase over the same period in 2024—the sector faces significant headwinds. Challenges include global market fluctuations, high logistics costs, and new tariffs. The U.S., in particular, has imposed a 20% countervailing duty, posing a major threat to key Vietnamese exports like shrimp and tuna.
In response, VASEP has noted that Vietnam is diversifying its export markets, successfully increasing its presence in the EU, Japan, and ASEAN countries. Recent data shows that China has surpassed the U.S. to become Vietnam's largest seafood market in the first half of 2025, with exports reaching $1.1 billion, a 45% year-on-year increase.
A Vision for a Sustainable and Integrated Future
The Vietnamese government is actively supporting the industry's transition. A leader from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development highlighted that VIETFISH 2025 is not just about commercial contracts but also about strengthening the "Vietnam Seafood" brand on the world stage. The government's development strategy is focused on green, sustainable growth and climate change adaptation, which includes a plan to expand marine farming to 300,000 hectares by 2030.
With strong support from government agencies, the business community, and international partners, VIETFISH 2025 is poised to be a pivotal event that helps the Vietnamese seafood industry expand its markets, adopt new technologies, and reinforce its position as a global leader in sustainable seafood production.
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