According to statistics from the Singapore Enterprise Agency, Vietnamese seafood has made significant progress in the Singapore market in recent years. In 2024, Vietnam surpassed Japan to become the fifth largest partner, and in the first quarter of 2025, Vietnam continued to surpass China to become the fourth largest seafood export partner to Singapore. With impressive export figures for the whole year of 2025, Vietnam successfully maintained its position as the third largest seafood supplier to Singapore, behind only Malaysia and Indonesia.
In 2025, the value of Singapore’s overall seafood imports (HS03) from Vietnam reached SGD 125.5 million, an increase of 10.7% compared to the same period in 2024, accounting for 10.3% of the total seafood import market share in Singapore. Specifically, chilled/frozen fish fillets and fish meat (HS code 0304) are the highest-valued seafood imports from Vietnam to Singapore, reaching S$63 million, a 4.8% increase compared to the same period in 2024, accounting for 29.7% of the market share. This is also the seafood import group where Vietnamese products maintain a dominant position in the Singapore market. In addition, in 2025, Vietnam also strongly exported processed/unprocessed crustaceans (HS code 0306) and processed/unprocessed mollusks (HS code 0307) to Singapore, reaching S$28.6 million and S$15.8 million respectively, accounting for 9.8% and 11.4% of the market share. Import values into Singapore are also currently showing positive growth (25.4% and 35.8%).
The above results are still quite modest compared to the potential of Vietnam’s seafood exports to Singapore. According to a comprehensive report by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Processing and Export (VASEP), Vietnam’s total seafood export turnover in 2025 will reach US$11.3 billion, an increase of 12.4% compared to 2024, setting a new record and exceeding the US$11 billion mark for the first time. Vietnam is currently the 3rd largest seafood exporter in the world.
Vietnam’s key seafood export groups in 2025 include shrimp (export turnover reaching US$4.6 billion, an increase of 19% compared to 2024), with strong growth in lobster exports to China; pangasius (reaching US$2.1 billion, an increase of 7.5%); squid and octopus (reaching US$758.7 million, an increase of 15.5%); Shellfish (reaching US$263.2 million, up 20.6%); Crabs, lobsters and crustaceans (reaching US$384.9 million, up 18.7%); Other fish species (reaching US$2.1 billion, up 10.9%). Regarding Vietnam’s main seafood export markets, the CPTPP bloc continues to be the largest market cluster with a turnover of US$3 billion, up 20.8% compared to the same period. Considering individual markets, China and Hong Kong lead with US$2.4 billion, up 28.5%; followed by the US market with US$1.9 billion, up 5%; Japan with US$1.7 billion, up 11%; the EU with US$1.1 billion, up 12.1%; and South Korea with US$864 million, up 7.2%.
These figures demonstrate the improved quality standards of Vietnamese seafood, meeting the requirements of demanding markets; the market diversification capacity and product strategy flexibility of Vietnamese businesses; and reflect the practical role and contribution of free trade agreements in expanding market space for Vietnamese seafood.
In 2026, the seafood industry aims to achieve an export turnover of US$11.5 billion and, in the long term, target US$16 billion. Government policies issued in 2025, such as Decree 309/2025/ND-CP on temporarily suspending the minimum size requirement for harvesting 10 seafood species; and Decree 320/2025/ND-CP officially confirming corporate income tax incentives for seafood processing activities, further contribute to this success. The government and the Prime Minister’s decisive direction in combating IUU fishing, aiming to lift the EU’s yellow card, is a stepping stone and demonstrates the Vietnamese government’s support for the seafood export industry, one of Vietnam’s key sectors.
Given the aforementioned factors, Vietnam is an ideal destination for seafood importers in general and Singaporeans in particular. Many Singaporean business delegations, including those from the Singapore Seafood Industry Association (SIAS), have visited Vietnam to explore the market and seek suppliers. Good news for Singaporean businesses seeking business opportunities and reputable Vietnamese exporters: from September 3-5, 2026, the Vietnam International Sourcing 2026 (VIS) will be held at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), 799 Nguyen Van Linh Street, Tan Phu Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The fair will bring together over 600 Vietnamese manufacturers/exporters showcasing 12,000 export-eligible products in the following sectors: Food and Beverages; Household Goods; Lifestyle & Personal Care; and Export Supply Chain Exhibition. The organizers aim to facilitate and promote connections between foreign retail distribution channels, importers, and domestic manufacturing and exporting businesses. Participants include Vietnamese industry associations, manufacturing and exporting companies, and corporations. International retail and distribution delegations (including Acon, Amazon, Central Retail, Carrefour, Coppel, Decathlon, MegaMarket, Walmart, etc.), foreign businesses supplying machinery, equipment, and raw materials for production in Vietnam, and supply chain service providers (including logistics, banking, and insurance companies) are invited to participate.
Interested businesses are invited to visit the event website at https://www.vietnamsourcingexpo.vn/en/
or contact the Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore using the following contact information:
VIETNAM TRADE OFFICE – EMBASSY OF VIETNAM IN SINGAPORE
Address: 10 Leedon Park, S267887
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Mobile (Whatsapp/Viber): +65 89075885 (Ms. Quynh)
