The UK seafood industry is celebrating a significant breakthrough today, April 1, 2025, as Vietnam has granted market access for British live seafood products. This agreement opens up new avenues for growth and trade, allowing British seafood to reach one of the highest seafood-consuming nations in Southeast Asia. With Vietnamese consumers averaging approximately 37 kilograms of seafood per person each year, this development promises to enhance culinary options and provide premium seafood products to Vietnamese markets.
The agreement is expected to generate around £20 million for the UK seafood industry over the next five years, as reported by the Shellfish Association of Great Britain (SAGB). British seafood is recognized globally for its quality and flavor, and popular varieties such as lobster and brown crab will now be available in their preferred live form to Vietnamese consumers. This move not only enriches the culinary landscape in Vietnam but also supports the UK’s coastal communities, which have long advocated for expanded export opportunities.
British seafood exports to Vietnam have already shown remarkable growth, with fresh, frozen, and processed products experiencing a 40% increase in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the previous year. This trend underscores the rising demand for high-quality British seafood in international markets.
Daniel Zeichner, Minister for Food and Rural Affairs, hailed the agreement as a "tremendous win for our seafood industry." He emphasized that securing access to Vietnam's thriving live seafood market opens new opportunities for British businesses while bolstering jobs across the UK. "Our high-quality seafood is increasingly sought after worldwide, and this agreement demonstrates our commitment to get British exports moving by helping producers reach valuable international markets," Zeichner added.
Gareth Thomas, Minister for Exports, also expressed enthusiasm about the agreement, calling it a "welcome and significant breakthrough." He stated, "This opens up a new and lucrative market to live seafood exporters across the UK. We know that when businesses export, the whole economy benefits. That is why this government will continue to support businesses by removing trade barriers to enable them to take advantage of export opportunities abroad to grow the economy at home." This sentiment reflects the government's broader strategy to revitalize the UK economy by fostering international trade.
Moreover, the opening of the Vietnamese market is particularly crucial for British food and drink exporters, who have faced challenges since Brexit. Many fish sellers, who previously relied on Europe as a major market, have struggled with new bureaucratic hurdles that have hampered their ability to sell abroad. The agreement with Vietnam provides a much-needed alternative revenue stream, particularly for seafood traders dealing in varieties that have less demand in the UK and European markets.
David Jarrad, CEO of the Shellfish Association of Great Britain, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration that led to this export agreement. "We have been delighted to engage with government officials in the UK and Vietnam and help achieve this export agreement. The opening of another market for our sector is great news for the industry and demonstrates the strong worldwide demand for the UK’s quality live shellfish," Jarrad stated.
The success of this agreement is attributed to the ongoing dialogue and collaboration between UK officials, including those from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), and their Vietnamese counterparts. By addressing regulatory concerns and showcasing the high standards of British seafood production, they have cleared the way for UK exporters to enter this lucrative market.
As the UK seafood industry looks ahead, the prospects seem promising. With Vietnam being one of the highest consumers of seafood per capita in Southeast Asia, the demand for British seafood products is expected to continue growing. The agreement not only signifies a win for exporters but also highlights the potential for further collaboration between the UK and Vietnam in the food sector.
In conclusion, today's announcement marks a pivotal moment for the UK seafood industry, providing new opportunities for growth and trade. As the country seeks to bolster its economy and support its coastal communities, the opening of the Vietnamese market serves as a beacon of hope for exporters navigating the post-Brexit landscape.
