Vietnamese Seafood: Top 10 Ocean Treasures Loved by Texas and U.S. Importers
Vietnam exporting seafood has become a powerful solution for U.S. buyers facing rising costs and limited seafood supply. From Texas to California, American importers now turn to Vietnam for premium yet affordable marine products like Cà Mau crab, Phu Yen tuna, and Mekong shrimp.
Vietnam: A Trusted Source for Seafood Importers in the U.S.
With over 3,000 km of coastline and a robust aquaculture ecosystem, Vietnam exporting seafood has surged as a reliable partner for U.S. buyers. Particularly in Texas and coastal states, demand for Vietnamese marine products is growing due to rising prices caused by global shortages and U.S. import taxes.
Amid tightened seafood supply chains under recent U.S. trade policies, Vietnam seafood offers certified quality and strong logistics — ideal for restaurants, supermarkets, and wholesalers looking for stability.
In 2024, Vietnam exporting seafood reached $10.07 billion — a 12.7% year-on-year increase. The U.S. remains one of Vietnam’s top destinations.
Seafood Import from Vietnam: Key Production Regions and Products
Vietnam seafood exports come from two main sources:
- Wild-Caught Fisheries (South China Sea)
- Khanh Hoa: lobster, scallop, squid
- Binh Thuan: sweet snail, cuttlefish
- Phu Yen, Binh Dinh: deep-sea sashimi-grade tuna
- Farm-Raised Aquaculture (Mekong Delta)
- Ca Mau, Bac Lieu, Soc Trang: shrimp and Cà Mau crab
- Dong Thap, An Giang, Can Tho: pangasius (basa) fish
All products comply with U.S.-required certifications: HACCP, ASC, GlobalG.A.P., and are traceable via cold-chain systems — essential for seafood import from Vietnam to maintain freshness during transit.
Why Vietnam Exporting Seafood Is Booming in Texas and U.S. Markets
States like Texas, Florida, and California are facing inflation-driven seafood shortages. Vietnam exporting seafood steps in to meet demand with high-volume, competitively priced exports that meet U.S. safety and quality standards.
Mike Robertson, seafood distributor in Houston, shared: “We’ve had to pivot from traditional sources. Vietnam’s seafood supply — especially Cà Mau crab and Mekong shrimp — has been a game changer.” With consistent supply and lower prices, Vietnam seafood is now replacing imports from Latin America and domestic Gulf sources in many foodservice chains.
Top 10 Vietnamese Seafood Products Popular in the U.S.
The U.S. market loves variety, consistency, and flavor — and Vietnam exporting seafood delivers. Here are the top 10 Vietnamese seafood products that U.S. buyers, chefs, and distributors are importing in 2025:
- Cà Mau Black Tiger Shrimp: Large, firm, and sweet. Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached $4B, with Cà Mau alone contributing over 30%. A staple in U.S. frozen seafood aisles.
- Mekong Pangasius (Basa Fish): Mild taste, high protein. Boneless and fillet-ready — ideal for frozen seafood products in U.S. foodservice.
- Phan Thiet Squid: Rich flavor, firm texture. A favorite for Korean BBQ and Asian restaurants in Texas and California.
- Nha Trang Blue Swimming Crab: Bright shell, juicy meat. Frequently used in premium crab cakes and seafood platters.
- Cà Mau Crab: High meat content, rich roe. Known as the “king crab of Vietnam.” Exported to Japan, Singapore, and now surging in U.S. demand.
- Phu Yen Tuna: Sashimi-grade yellowfin tuna. Phu Yen tuna exports are prized for freshness and quality.
- Binh Ba Lobster: Sweet, dense meat from cage-farming systems. Exported to China and the Middle East, with increasing U.S. interest.
- Binh Thuan Sweet Snails (Oc Huong): A delicacy in Asian fusion cuisine. Natural sweetness, grilled or sautéed.
- Lang Co Milk Oysters: Zinc-rich, creamy, and flavorful. Perfect for raw bars and oyster platters.
- Khanh Hoa Scallops: White, tender meat with mild sweetness. Popular in upscale restaurants across the U.S.
Final Words: Vietnam Exporting Seafood Offers Real Value for the U.S. Market
As sourcing challenges rise in the U.S., Vietnam exporting seafood presents a smart, cost-effective solution. The combination of certified quality, consistent supply, and premium taste has made Vietnam seafood a favorite from Texas to New York.
Whether it’s Cà Mau crab, Phu Yen tuna, or Mekong pangasius, Vietnamese seafood is no longer a hidden gem — it’s a growing pillar of American seafood imports.