Photo: VASEP/FIS

Vietnam's Fish Cake and Surimi Exports See Continued Growth Amidst Industry Transformation

VIET NAM
Wednesday, July 09, 2025, 17:00 (GMT + 9)

As Vietnam's seafood industry accelerates its focus on value-added products, surimi and fish cake are proving to be crucial drivers of export growth, despite rising input costs and stringent market demands.

HANOI – Surimi products, a type of processed and refined minced fish meat, are increasingly asserting their vital role in Vietnam's seafood export strategy. With abundant raw materials and continuously improving processing skills, surimi is becoming a bright spot in Vietnam's seafood exports, especially during the current challenging period, as reported by Ms. Nguyen Ha, Tuna Market Expert at the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

According to statistics from Vietnam Customs, Vietnam's fish paste and surimi exports in May 2025 reached their highest level since the beginning of the year, hitting nearly $31 million. This figure marks a significant 33% increase over the same period last year. This strong performance contributed to raising the export turnover of these products in the first five months of the year to over $140 million, up 32% year-on-year, representing the highest growth in the past three years.

Exports of fish cake and surimi to key markets such as South Korea, Thailand, China, and Japan all recorded high growth, exceeding 30% compared to the same period in 2024. Additionally, Vietnamese businesses are expanding their exports to other markets, including the EU, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Russia. This diversification highlights the industry's efforts to exploit niche markets amidst increasing global competition.

Source: VASEP

Navigating Challenges for Sustained Growth

According to businesses in the sector, global demand for surimi is currently increasing strongly, spanning Asia, Europe, and North America, presenting numerous opportunities for Vietnam to boost exports. However, the product still faces several significant challenges.

Firstly, input material prices are trending upwards due to increasingly scarce raw fish resources, directly impacting production costs and overall competitiveness.

Secondly, technical barriers from import markets are becoming increasingly strict. This is particularly true for controls on chemical residues, preservatives, and general food safety conditions, demanding higher compliance from Vietnamese exporters.

Furthermore, logistics costs and fierce competition from other countries in the region also exert considerable pressure on Vietnamese producers.

To maintain this positive growth momentum, enterprises need to focus on stabilizing raw material sources, improving product quality, and consistently meeting international standards. Simultaneously, it is crucial to diversify export markets, exploit niche segments, and increase the development of value-added products. Close coordination with government authorities in streamlining.

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