Vietnam has grown into one of the world’s leading seafood suppliers, exporting to more than 170 countries. While many people know Vietnam for its aquaculture strength, fewer understand how the fishery industry actually works from a buyer’s perspective, from product categories to processing standards, pricing, and supplier evaluation.
This guide is designed for importers, wholesalers, food-service buyers, and brands sourcing seafood across Asia, the EU, and the United States. It expands beyond farming and sustainability to show what international buyers should expect when working with Vietnamese seafood factories.
Key Takeaways:
- Vietnam is a major global seafood hub, exporting to more than 170 markets and offering both aquaculture and wild-caught products.
- The country supplies shrimp, pangasius, tuna, squid, octopus, mollusks, and an expanding portfolio of value-added seafood.
- Processing factories are modern and export-ready, with HACCP, BAP, ASC, MSC, EU code, and FDA-registered facilities.
- Buyers can expect competitive pricing, consistent supply, and strong compliance standards across most species.
- Key production regions include the Mekong Delta, the South Central Coast, and the Northern coastal provinces.
- Successful sourcing depends on verifying certifications, processing capacity, traceability, samples, and documentation.
- Working through VALO Vietnam gives buyers access to verified, export-approved suppliers without commissions or hidden fees.
Table of Contents:
- Vietnam’s Fishery Industry at a Glance
- Key Seafood Products Exported by Vietnam
- How Vietnam’s Seafood Processing Factories Operate
- Certifications Buyers Should Look For
- Pricing Factors in Vietnam’s Seafood Industry
- Top Fishery and Aquaculture Regions for Buyers
- Challenges Buyers Should Be Aware Of
- How International Buyers Can Choose Reliable Suppliers in Vietnam
- Why Buyers Source Seafood Through VALO Vietnam
- Final Thoughts: Vietnam’s Growing Role in Global Seafood Supply
- FAQ: Vietnam Fishery Industry for International Buyers
Vietnam’s Fishery Industry at a Glance
Vietnam’s fishery sector consists of two major parts:
- Capture fishery: wild-caught tuna, skipjack, mackerel, squid, octopus, crab, and marine fish
- Aquaculture: shrimp, pangasius, tilapia, clams, and increasingly marine fish
The country’s long coastline, deep-water fishing grounds, and warm climate allow consistent year-round production. For buyers, this means stable supply, competitive pricing, and diverse species across both wild-caught and farmed categories.
Key exporting partners include the United States, Japan, China, the EU, South Korea, and the Middle East.
Key Seafood Products Exported by Vietnam
Vietnam offers one of the widest seafood portfolios in Asia. Below are the categories most relevant for global buyers.
1. Shrimp (Whiteleg & Black Tiger)
Shrimp is Vietnam’s top seafood export. The Mekong Delta has extensive shrimp-farming infrastructure and a large concentration of export-approved factories.
Buyers typically choose between:
- Whiteleg shrimp (Vannamei): stable supply, uniform size, cost-efficient
- Black Tiger shrimp: premium texture, preferred by Japanese and EU markets
Available forms include HOSO, HLSO, PD, PDTO, PUD, IQF blocks, and value-added products such as breaded and cooked shrimp.
2. Pangasius (Basa / Catfish)
Vietnam is the global leader in pangasius exports. Its mild flavor and consistent fillet size make it ideal for retailers, food service chains, and secondary processors.
Common formats:
- Fillets
- Portions
- Breaded or seasoned value-added items
- Skin-on / skinless blocks
- Frozen product
It remains one of the most cost-effective white fish options for large-volume buyers.
3. Tuna
Vietnam’s tuna industry is centered in the South Central Coast. Factories process:
- Yellowfin tuna loins
- Skipjack for canning
- Steaks and saku blocks
- Frozen whole round tuna
Tuna buyers value Vietnam’s strong compliance with export documentation and traceability.
4. Squid and Octopus
Vietnam is a major exporter of cephalopods, especially to Korea, Japan, and Southern Europe.
Available products include:
- Whole cleaned squid
- Squid rings
- Baby octopus
- Cuttlefish
- IQF blocks and trays
- Dried squid
The cephalopod segment is attractive for importers looking for year-round supply.
5. Other Export Products
- Blue swimming crab
- Clams and mussels
- Scallops
- Barramundi
- Mixed seafood packs for retail
- Ready-to-cook value-added products
This diversity allows buyers to consolidate multiple SKUs in a single country.
How Vietnam’s Seafood Processing Factories Operate
One of Vietnam’s biggest advantages is the quality and scale of its processing facilities. Many factories are export-approved for the US, EU, Japan, and Korea.
Typical capabilities include:
Modern processing lines
- Cleaning, trimming, grading
- IQF freezing
- Blast freezing
- Cold storage with temperature monitoring
Value-added production
- Breaded
- Cooked
- Marinated
- Retail-ready packaging
- Ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook formats
Packaging options
- Vacuum-sealed pouches
- Retail trays
- Bulk 10kg or 20kg master cartons
- Private-label packaging for international brands
Factories vary significantly in capacity and technology, so vetting is essential, which is why buyers often work through trusted networks like VALO Vietnam to find reliable suppliers.
Certifications Buyers Should Look For
When sourcing seafood from Vietnam, documentation is key. Export-oriented factories typically carry certifications such as:
- HACCP
- BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices)
- ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council)
- MSC (Marine Stewardship Council)
- ISO 22000 or ISO 9001
- EU Code approval
- FDA registration
These certifications ensure traceability, food safety, and compliance with major market requirements. Buyers should request copies directly from factories before placing orders.
Pricing Factors in Vietnam’s Seafood Industry
Seafood pricing in Vietnam is influenced by several variables. Understanding these factors helps buyers forecast costs and negotiate more effectively.
Key elements that impact pricing include:
- Seasonality: Wild-caught species like tuna, squid, and mackerel fluctuate in availability, affecting market prices.
- Farm input costs: Feed, seed quality, electricity, and labor significantly shape the cost of farmed shrimp, pangasius, and tilapia.
- Size and grade: Larger or premium-grade products command higher prices due to lower yields and longer grow-out periods.
- Value-added processing: Cooking, breading, marinating, portioning, or retail-ready production increases labor and processing time.
- Packaging requirements: Vacuum sealing, custom printing, retail trays, and private-label formats add to the final cost.
- Order volume and frequency: Larger, recurring orders typically receive more favorable pricing.
- Logistics and freight rates: Global shipping conditions, cold-chain requirements, and container availability affect landed cost.
Overall, Vietnam consistently delivers high-value, competitive pricing compared with Thailand, India, Indonesia, and China, especially for shrimp and pangasius, where Vietnam remains one of the most cost-efficient supply origins in Asia.
Top Fishery and Aquaculture Regions for Buyers
Vietnam’s seafood production is regionally specialized. Understanding these areas helps buyers choose suppliers more effectively.
1. Mekong Delta
- Shrimp and pangasius capital of Vietnam
- Dense network of export-approved factories
2. South Central Coast
- Tuna, mackerel, and offshore fishing fleets
- Large wet-processing and freezing facilities
3. North & Red River Delta
- Clams, crabs, marine fish
- Strong supply of mollusks for EU export
Each region offers different strengths depending on the species and processing requirements.
Challenges Buyers Should Be Aware Of
While Vietnam is a strong and reliable seafood sourcing market, international buyers should be aware of a few common challenges that can affect planning and costs:
- Seasonal supply gaps: Wild-caught species such as tuna, squid, and marine fish can experience shortages during off-season periods.
- Disease pressure in aquaculture: Shrimp farming can be affected by weather extremes or water-quality changes, leading to short-term price fluctuations.
- MOQ requirements: Value-added items (breaded, cooked, marinated, portioned) often require higher minimum order quantities due to production setup costs.
- Lead-time variations: Peak export seasons and holidays may extend processing or shipping timelines.
- Documentation and regulatory delays: Some markets require strict export paperwork, which may occasionally slow down shipments.
A strong, verified supplier network helps buyers navigate these challenges by ensuring better planning, more stable supply, and faster problem-solving.
How International Buyers Can Choose Reliable Suppliers in Vietnam
When evaluating a supplier, consider:
1. Certification and compliance history
Ask for HACCP, BAP, ASC, or MSC documentation.
2. Processing capacity
Confirm daily tonnage, freezing capacity, and cold storage size.
3. Sample quality
Evaluate moisture content, glaze level, texture, color, and odor.
4. Traceability
Ensure catch certificates (wild-caught) or farm records (aquaculture) are available.
5. Pricing transparency
Request detailed quotations that specify size, form, glaze, packaging, and yield.
6. Factory visits or third-party audits
If a visit isn't possible, VALO Vietnam can connect buyers to verified suppliers with proven export histories.
Why Buyers Source Seafood Through VALO Vietnam
VALO Vietnam streamlines seafood sourcing by connecting international buyers directly with verified, export-ready processors across the country. This reduces risk, improves communication, and saves time during supplier selection.
Buyers gain several advantages:
- Direct access to reputable factories already exporting to the US, EU, Japan, and high-standard markets.
- No commissions or buyer fees, ensuring full cost transparency.
- Clear, reliable communication with processors, avoiding misunderstandings during negotiations.
- Verified certifications and compliance checks, giving buyers confidence in product quality and export readiness.
- Broader sourcing options, from shrimp and pangasius to tuna, squid, mollusks, and value-added products.
Together, these benefits create safer transactions, stronger partnerships, and a more predictable supply chain for importers. Ready to connect with trusted seafood suppliers in Vietnam? Contact VALO Vietnam today.
- Call us 24/7: +84 79 928 7929
- Email: alo@valovietnam.com
Final Thoughts: Vietnam’s Growing Role in Global Seafood Supply
Vietnam’s fishery industry is well-positioned for long-term success. The country continues to invest in technology, sustainability, and processing upgrades, making it a reliable sourcing destination for international buyers. With diverse species, competitive pricing, strong factory capabilities, and export-ready compliance, Vietnam remains a strategic hub for seafood procurement.
If you’re looking to connect with verified seafood suppliers across Vietnam, VALO Vietnam can help you get started quickly and confidently.
FAQ: Vietnam Fishery Industry for International Buyers
1. Is Vietnamese seafood safe for international markets?
Yes. Most export-oriented factories meet HACCP, EU, FDA, BAP, ASC, or MSC standards. Buyers should always request certifications directly from suppliers.
2. What seafood species does Vietnam export the most?
The top exported products include shrimp (whiteleg & black tiger), pangasius, tuna, squid, octopus, crab, clams, and marine fish.
3. How competitive is Vietnam compared to Thailand, India, or China?
Vietnam offers strong pricing, stable volumes, modern processing, and reliable export documentation. It is particularly competitive in shrimp and pangasius.
4. What factors impact pricing in Vietnam’s seafood industry?
Prices depend on species, size/grade, value-added processing, packaging, seasonality, and overall global demand.
5. How can buyers find reliable seafood suppliers in Vietnam?
Working through trusted networks such as VALO Vietnam helps buyers connect directly with verified suppliers that already export to the US, EU, Japan, and Korea.