Seafood exports to surge if EU removes yellow card

Enjoying advantages of tax incentives from the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), coupled with the removal of the European Commission (EC)'s yellow card, mean that seafood exports to the EU are anticipated to witness robust growth over the next five years, a seminar in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho heard on October 16.

Local businesses are required to meet stringent food safety standards set by the EU market and combat the IUU fishing following the EC's recommedations

Local businesses are required to meet stringent food safety standards set by the EU market and combat the IUU fishing following the EC's recommedations

Le Thanh Hoa, deputy director of the Agro-Processing and Market Development Authority (Agrotrade), emphasised that the elimination of tariffs in line with the terms of the EVFTA are expected to offer a wealth of opportunities for local seafood exports.

Since the enforcement of the trade deal last August, the number of export orders in the sector has seen a 10% increase compared to July, with seafood export turnover to the EU market in September enjoying a surge of 13% to US$92 million, while the nine-month export value reached US$692 million.

According to the National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department (NAFIQAD), Vietnam has 579 enterprises that export seafood to the EU, accounting for 72% of the total number of enterprises. Vietnamese aquatic products have successfully penetrated and secured a firm foothold within the EU market.

At present, Vietnamese seafood ranks 11th in terms of the market share in the EU, behind the United States, China, Japan, Hong Kong (China), the Republic of Korea, India, Mexico, Canada, Singapore, and Taiwan (China).

The NAFIQAD has been recognised by the EU as a competent Vietnamese authority with regard to food safety inspection and issuing certification for fisheries exports to the EU market.

Despite this, NAFIQAD representatives recommended that local businesses meet stringent food safety standards set by the EU market while simultaneously combating the acts of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, as previously put forward by the EC.

Dao Trong Hieu, deputy head of the Agrotrade’s Fisheries Market Development Department, revealed that Vietnamese seafood exports to the demanding market remain modest, between US$1.2 billion and US$1.4 billion each year in comparison to the EU's seafood imports of more than US$22 billion annually.

Seafood exports to the EU market this year are projected to suffer a decline of 20% to more than US$1 billion due to the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

According to figures released by the General Department of Vietnam Customs, total Vietnamese seafood exports in September rose by 1.4% to more than US$826 million from the previous month, while throughout the nine-month period the value of seafood fell 3% to over US$6 billion in comparison with the same period from last year.

VOV

Other News

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

More than a year after the Politburo's Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private sector development came into effect, expectations now extend beyond increasing the number of enterprises. The goal is to build a stronger business community with greater resilience, larger ambitions and the capacity to compete in global supply chains.

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam is expected to remain one of ASEAN’s fastest-growing economies in 2026, supported by resilient exports, strong investment inflows and an ambitious reform agenda, despite mounting global uncertainties, according to the World Bank’s latest Vietnam Economic Update released on May 15.

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Under a new circular, the exchange of greenhouse gas emission quotas and carbon credits is conducted on the domestic carbon credit exchange through the carbon trading system, which is interconnected with the national registration system.

Biofuel ready for nationwide rollout

Biofuel ready for nationwide rollout

For biofuels, particularly E10, to develop successfully, stronger and more coordinated policies are needed, especially pricing mechanisms capable of creating a sufficiently attractive gap between E10 and mineral-based petrol, an expert has said.

Vietnamese farm produce promoted at African investment, trade forum

Vietnamese farm produce promoted at African investment, trade forum

The 12th Africa Forum for Investment & Commerce (AFIC 12) opened in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, on May 9, drawing around 2,000 participants, including officials, economists, businesses, financial and development organizagtions from 43 African countries and international partners, including Vietnam.

Int'l medical, pharmaceutical expo opens in Hanoi

Int'l medical, pharmaceutical expo opens in Hanoi

The exhibition, which runs until May 9 at the Hanoi International Centre for Exhibition, showcases advanced products and technologies across a range of fields, including pharmaceuticals, drug manufacturing machinery and equipment, medical devices, hospital and clinic services and dental equipment.

Mega projects to transform Ho Chi Minh City urban landscape

Mega projects to transform Ho Chi Minh City urban landscape

Leading the charge in this massive building spree is the new central city square in the core of the Thu Thiem new urban area. Spanning more than 20 ha, it’s the crown jewel of the Central Square and new administrative center complex.

Vietnam establishes itself as one of region’s most dynamic manufacturing and supply bases

Vietnam establishes itself as one of region’s most dynamic manufacturing and supply bases

The country’s stable political and economic environment provides a critical foundation for long-term sourcing strategies. At the same time, Vietnam has demonstrated a strong ability to scale up manufacturing, supported by a continuously expanding industrial base capable of meeting both high-volume demand and increasingly complex technical and quality requirements.

Vietnamese pomelos gain broader access to Australian market

Vietnamese pomelos gain broader access to Australian market

The update by Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to its Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) on April 10, officially setting out import conditions for Vietnamese pomelos, is regarded as a major milestone in market access efforts.

Vietnam's industry spearheads transition to circular economy

Vietnam's industry spearheads transition to circular economy

The circular economy is no longer just a policy choice. It has become an inevitable trend for delivering sustainable and green growth, sharpening competitiveness at home and abroad, and meeting Vietnam’s net-zero emissions target by 2050. It is now a prerequisite to sustain long-term economic expansion, particularly in industrial production and supporting industries.

Nearly 100 tonnes of Vietnamese fruits, vegetables airlifted to UAE

Nearly 100 tonnes of Vietnamese fruits, vegetables airlifted to UAE

Vietnamese fresh produce and processed foods are increasingly recognised for their quality, with items such as cashew nuts, coffee and spices gaining popularity among Middle East consumers. In 2025, Vietnam’s farm produce exports to the UAE exceeded 445 million USD, up nearly 24% year-on-year.