Vietnam-EFTA Free Trade Deal Boosts Seafood Exports

Negotiations on a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) – comprising Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein – have concluded, pending signature and ratification. The deal will eliminate tariffs on industrial goods and seafood, widen market access for Vietnamese products, and encourage investment and technology cooperation, especially for small and medium enterprises.

Vietnamese seafood exporters see fresh opportunities to enter high‑value EFTA markets by focusing on premium processed shrimp, pangasius, tuna and other products that meet strict safety and sustainability standards. The agreement also lowers tariffs on imports of Norwegian and Icelandic seafood, increasing competition and prompting Vietnamese producers to improve quality and traceability. Recent export data show shipments to Norway rising sharply, highlighting the sector’s growth potential under the new trade framework.