Vietnam’s seafood industry confronts a fresh hurdle as US President Donald Trump delays reciprocal tariffs on Vietnamese goods for 90 days, excluding China, to allow for trade negotiations. This temporary reprieve, however, offers little comfort to Vietnamese businesses, especially those in the seafood sector. The Mekong Delta provinces, notably Bac Lieu, depend heavily on seafood exports as their economic lifeline, rendering them acutely sensitive to disruptions in global trade policies.

The United States stands as a linchpin for Vietnam’s shrimp exports, absorbing roughly 20% of its total export turnover, valued between $800 million and $1 billion annually. A looming 46% tariff, if not moderated through negotiations, threatens to cripple this trade, likely driving many businesses to cease operations under the weight of unsustainable costs. Yet, the fallout is not confined to the US market. China, a similarly crucial market with $840 million in shrimp exports last year, may also tighten its demand as it pivots toward domestic consumption in response to US tariffs on its own goods, amplifying the strain on Bac Lieu’s exporters.

Diversification and Adaptation: Strategies for Resilience

Faced with these mounting pressures, Vietnamese firms and policymakers are compelled to act decisively. Diversifying export destinations and bolstering domestic consumption emerge as critical tactics to cushion the blow from tariffs. Bac Lieu’s export turnover in the first quarter of 2025 climbed to over $224 million, a 9.13% rise from the prior year, with aquatic products playing a starring role. This uptick signals the industry’s promise but also underscores the urgency of adaptive strategies.

Restructuring the sector to slash production costs, elevate product quality, and broaden the range of offerings is imperative. By expanding beyond shrimp to other seafood varieties, Bac Lieu can better weather market volatility. Moreover, tapping into international trade agreements and cooperative frameworks could unlock new export pathways, offsetting the constraints imposed by tariffs and regulatory barriers.

Government Policies and International Cooperation: Keys to Mitigation

The government’s role in this saga is pivotal. Swift, robust macro-management policies are essential to prop up the seafood industry, extending beyond mere regional or provincial initiatives to a cohesive national approach. Such measures must navigate the intricate web of international trade dynamics, ensuring the sector’s survival amid shifting currents.

Equally vital is the strategic use of trade agreements and global partnerships to enhance export prospects and lessen reliance on any single market. While the tariff postponement buys time, the future of Vietnam’s seafood exports hangs in the balance. For Bac Lieu and the Mekong Delta, resilience hinges on their capacity to innovate, diversify, and forge international alliances, transforming adversity into an opportunity to fortify their economic footing.