Vietnam Frozen Fish Fillets HS0304 Export Data 2025 January Overview

Vietnam Frozen Fish Fillets (HS 0304) 2025 January Export: Key Takeaways

Vietnam Frozen Fish Fillets Export 2025 January (HS Code 0304) reveals a dual-market dynamic, with the U.S. dominating volume at 16.82% share and lower unit prices (2.41 USD/kg), while Japan commands premium pricing (5.55 USD/kg) for niche demand. The market shows stable demand but requires diversification to mitigate tariff risks in key markets like China and the U.S. This analysis covers January 2025, based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

Vietnam Frozen Fish Fillets (HS 0304) 2025 January Export Background

Vietnam's Frozen Fish Fillets (HS Code 0304), covering fish fillets and other fish meat, fresh, chilled, or frozen, is a staple for global food industries due to its affordability and versatility. In January 2025, Vietnam's exports of this product grew by 11%, driven by strong demand from the US and Brazil, despite new US tariff uncertainties [VASEP]. As a top exporter, Vietnam continues to adapt by focusing on value-added products and diversifying markets, ensuring its competitive edge in the global seafood trade.

Vietnam Frozen Fish Fillets (HS 0304) 2025 January Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

Vietnam's Frozen Fish Fillets HS Code 0304 Export in January 2025 recorded a strong value of $228.48 million, signaling a robust start to the year despite incomplete volume data, aligning with the sector's historical growth trajectory.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The absence of volume data for January limits direct comparisons, but the high export value suggests sustained demand, typical for frozen seafood which often sees steady early-year shipments due to global supply chain replenishment cycles. Industry patterns indicate that Vietnam's pangasius fillets maintain consistent pricing resilience, supported by efficient production and export logistics, though precise QoQ or YoY metrics require fuller dataset integration for detailed analysis.

External Context and Outlook

This performance is bolstered by external factors, including aggressive market diversification efforts and adaptations to US trade policies. [Seafood VASEP] reports an 11% growth in frozen pangasius fillet exports, driven by key markets like the US and Brazil, while exporters navigate tariff uncertainties by focusing on value-added products (Seafood VASEP). Ongoing expansion into CPTPP and Middle Eastern markets should further support Vietnam Frozen Fish Fillets HS Code 0304 Export momentum through 2025.

Vietnam Frozen Fish Fillets (HS 0304) 2025 January Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In January 2025, Vietnam's export of Frozen Fish Fillets under HS Code 0304 is dominated by frozen catfish fillets (Pangasius spp.), which represent nearly half of the export value at 47 percent and over two-thirds of the quantity at 67 percent. This high volume and lower value per unit suggest a bulk commodity trade, with catfish fillets serving as the core product driving market concentration.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining exports split into two clear categories: higher-value specialty fillets like salmon, tuna, and trout, which show higher value per unit despite smaller shares, and lower-value processed fish meat (excluding fillets), which has significant quantity but lower value. This structure indicates a mix of commodity bulk trade and differentiated, higher-grade products, with Vietnam exporting both standardized and premium items.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

Vietnam holds strong pricing power in bulk pangasius exports due to high market share, but faces pressure from commodity price fluctuations and external factors like US tariff changes [seafood.vasep.com.vn]. Strategic focus should prioritize diversifying into value-added products to mitigate risks and capture higher margins, as seen in shifts toward processed offerings (seafood.vasep.com.vn).

Check Detailed HS 0304 Breakdown

Vietnam Frozen Fish Fillets (HS 0304) 2025 January Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In January 2025, the United States was the dominant importer of Vietnam Frozen Fish Fillets HS Code 0304 Export by value, holding a 16.82% share. The valueRatio of 16.82 is slightly lower than the quantityRatio of 18.71, indicating a unit price around 2.41 USD per kilogram, which points to a commodity-grade product. Japan follows with a valueRatio of 16.30 but a much lower quantityRatio of 7.86, suggesting a higher unit price of about 5.55 USD per kilogram for premium-quality imports.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The importers form two main clusters: high-value per unit countries like Japan, which likely seek premium fillets for niche markets such as sushi, and medium-value per unit countries like the United States, China Mainland, and Vietnam, which import larger volumes at lower prices for mass consumption. This split reflects varying consumer preferences and price sensitivities across regions.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Vietnamese exporters should prioritize developing value-added products for high-value markets like Japan to boost margins, while securing volume sales in stable markets like the US, though tariff risks may persist. Diversifying to emerging markets such as Brazil or CPTPP countries can reduce reliance on volatile trade policies, as supported by reports of growth in these areas [seafood.vasep.com.vn].

Get Complete Partner Countries Profile

Vietnam Frozen Fish Fillets (HS 0304) 2025 January Export: Buyer Cluster

Buyer Market Concentration and Dominance

The Vietnam Frozen Fish Fillets Export for 2025 January, under HS Code 0304, shows a highly concentrated buyer market. One segment of buyers, those making frequent and high-value purchases, dominates with 74.08% of the total export value. This group also accounts for 68.82% of all transactions and 75.08% of the quantity, indicating that a small number of regular, large buyers drive most of the trade. The overall market is characterized by high reliance on these key players, with median activity skewed towards consistent, substantial orders.

Strategic Buyer Clusters and Trade Role

Other buyer segments play distinct roles. Buyers with high value but low frequency represent occasional large orders, often for bulk or specialized needs, contributing 7.12% to value. Those with low value and high frequency are regular but smaller purchasers, likely serving local or niche markets, adding 2.81% to value. The segment with low value and low frequency includes infrequent, small buyers, possibly testing the market or handling minor distributions, accounting for 15.99% of value. For a commodity like frozen fish fillets, this structure suggests a mix of stable core clients and variable secondary demand.

Sales Strategy and Vulnerability

For Vietnamese exporters, the strategy should focus on maintaining relationships with dominant high-value, frequent buyers while diversifying to reduce dependency. The high concentration poses a risk if key buyers reduce orders, but opportunities exist in expanding to emerging markets like CPTPP countries or value-added products, as noted in industry reports [VASEP]. Sales models should prioritize reliability for core clients and flexibility for smaller segments to mitigate impacts from external shifts, such as US tariff policies (VASEP).

Check Full Frozen Fish Fillets Buyer lists

Vietnam Frozen Fish Fillets (HS 0304) 2025 January Export: Action Plan for Frozen Fish Fillets Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

The Vietnam Frozen Fish Fillets Export 2025 January under HS Code 0304 operates as a commodity-driven market. Price is primarily determined by product grade and geopolitical risks, such as US tariff policies. High-volume, low-margin pangasius fillets dominate, creating reliance on bulk buyers and key markets like the US. This structure implies supply chain vulnerability to external shocks and underscores Vietnam's role as a processing hub for standardized goods. Diversification into value-added products is critical to mitigate price volatility and capture higher margins.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Frozen Fish Fillets Market Execution

• Analyze buyer purchase frequency data to forecast demand cycles and optimize inventory levels, reducing overstock risks and aligning production with core client needs.
• Develop premium product lines targeting high-value markets like Japan, using trade data to identify specifications that justify higher unit prices and improve margin stability.
• Expand into emerging CPTPP markets such as Brazil by monitoring trade flow reports, reducing dependency on volatile regions like the US and tapping into new volume opportunities.
• Implement flexible logistics protocols based on destination-specific import patterns, ensuring cost-efficient shipping for bulk orders to volume-driven buyers and specialized handling for premium segments.
• Leverage HS Code 0304 transaction records to identify and nurture occasional high-value buyers, converting them into regular clients through tailored offers and strengthening revenue streams.

Take Action Now —— Explore Vietnam Frozen Fish Fillets Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Vietnam Frozen Fish Fillets Export 2025 January?

Vietnam's frozen fish fillet exports in January 2025 show strong demand, with $228.48 million in value, driven by steady global supply chain replenishment and market diversification efforts, particularly in the US and Brazil.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Vietnam Frozen Fish Fillets Export 2025 January?

The US (16.82% share) and Japan (16.30% share) are the top importers, with the US focusing on bulk commodity-grade fillets and Japan importing higher-value premium products.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across Vietnam Frozen Fish Fillets Export 2025 January partner countries?

Price differences stem from product specialization—bulk pangasius fillets (lower value) dominate US imports, while Japan pays higher prices for premium salmon, tuna, and trout fillets.

Q4. What should exporters in Vietnam focus on in the current Frozen Fish Fillets export market?

Exporters should prioritize relationships with high-value, frequent buyers (74.08% of trade) while diversifying into value-added products and emerging markets like CPTPP countries to reduce reliance on volatile bulk demand.

Q5. What does this Vietnam Frozen Fish Fillets export pattern mean for buyers in partner countries?

Buyers in the US benefit from stable bulk supply, while Japanese buyers access premium fillets. However, over-reliance on Vietnamese exports poses risks if trade policies shift.

Q6. How is Frozen Fish Fillets typically used in this trade flow?

Frozen fish fillets are primarily traded as bulk commodity-grade products (e.g., pangasius for mass consumption) or premium cuts (e.g., salmon for sushi), catering to both retail and foodservice markets.

Q7. What is yTrade?

yTrade is a global trade data platform that provides SaaS and API access to provide accurate, structured, and searchable import-export trade data for international business decisions. It enables users to access verified shipment records, analyse buyer and supplier activity, review company trade overviews, assess compliance risks, and monitor real market demand — all from a single, scalable system.

Q8. How can yTrade benefit my business?

yTrade helps businesses:

• Identify active and verified buyers through global import data
• Discover reliable suppliers with real shipment history
• Monitor competitor previous trade activity
• Reduce sourcing and compliance risk with worldwide export data
• Support data-driven sales, procurement, and market expansion decisions
• Save time by replacing manual research with structured trade data analysis

Q9. What features does yTrade offer?

yTrade provides practical, trade-focused tools including:

• Global shipment search by HS code, product, company name, port, or country
• Detailed company trade profiles with ownership and relationship mapping
• Buyer and supplier discovery with real transaction trade records
• Basic compliance with background checks and sanctions risk screening
• Competitor's shipment tracking and selling/buying behaviour analysis
• Trade Trends to identify market demand and trade flow monitoring
• Big-Data Search engine with percised filters to generate accurate data reports
• Global Trade Data API access for Internal Softwares like CRM, ERP, and SaaS integration All data is structured, verified, and cleaned to ensure consistency and reliability.