However, looking at the monthly export sales, it seems that this market is showing signs of improvement. Vietnam's seafood exports to the US in May reached 151 million USD, the highest level since the beginning of 2023. Although still experiencing a negative growth of 39% compared to the same period last year, this is also the smallest decrease compared to previous months. Both shrimp and pangasius exports had a breakthrough compared to previous months: shrimp reached 68 million USD, and pangasius reached 33 million USD
According to the US Department of Agriculture, by the end of April 2023, the US had imported 924 thousand tons of seafood, valued at over US$8 billion, down 12% in volume and 20% in value over the same period last year. Among the leading exporting countries to this market, Vietnam experienced the most significant decline.
Particularly for shrimp, the US also decreased by 12% in import volume and 29% in value. In which, India alone holds the dominant market share of 35%, Ecuador accounts for 22% while Vietnam only accounts for 7%.
Pangasius fillets from Vietnam experienced the sharpest decline among frozen fish products imported into the US, while cod imports increased significantly by 37% in volume and 64% in value
Besides high inflation, a large inventory contributed to the decline in seafood exports from Vietnam to the US. US importers significantly increased purchases in the first half of 2022 due to stock sentiment and market forecast shortfalls from the previous year. However, high inflation weakened consumption demand, resulting in a high inventory. As a result, US importers require time to sell the existing inventory at lower prices, leading to increased competition and depressed prices for newly imported goods. This sharp drop in export turnover is also attributed to Vietnam.
As the inventory continues to decrease, it is expected that importers will start ordering from Vietnam again during the busy season at the end of the year.
Compiled by Thuy Linh
(vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Brazil became the largest market for Vietnamese tilapia, with export value reaching US$44 million, up 22,142% year-on-year and accounting for 49% of Vietnam’s total tilapia exports. In August alone, exports to Brazil reached US$4 million. However, behind this remarkable growth is a market that is imposing increasingly stringent requirements on imported supplies.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports sustained their upward trajectory in August 2026, though the pace remained modest at just 2%. The month saw divergent trends across key markets: the US maintained its leading position, Japan and Canada improved, Russia surged and the EU continued to experience a steep downturn. These developments suggest that exporters are entering the final months of the year amid a market environment marked by greater uncertainty.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Congalsa has acquired the entire charter capital of Lenger Seafood Vietnam, giving it full ownership of the business and its Nam Dinh processing facility.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ninh Binh Province is entering a peak period of action against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, focusing on thoroughly addressing violations, closely monitoring fishing vessels at ports and preventing vessels from violating regulations and operating illegally in foreign waters ahead of the European Commission’s (EC) upcoming inspection in 2026.
(vasep.com.vn) The application of biotechnology in seed production is increasingly viewed as a strategic imperative to upgrade pangasius fingerling quality, optimize farming efficiency and anchor sustainable industry development.
(vasep.com.vn) On September 15, 2026, in Can Tho, VASEP and ASC jointly organized a training course titled “New ASC standards: updates and practical implementation guidance for farms, businesses and aquafeed mills”. Beyond briefing stakeholders on updated ASC requirements for aquaculture facilities and feed production, the workshop dedicated substantial floor time to directly addressing on-the-ground compliance bottlenecks encountered by Vietnamese enterprises.
(searfood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports continued to post positive results in the first eight months of 2026, with total export value reaching US$90 million, up 43% year-on-year. However, exports in August alone stood at US$11 million, down 8%, reflecting uneven market developments. Brazil remained the leading market, while Japan recorded notable growth, opening up new opportunities for Vietnamese tilapia products.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached US$3.3 billion in the first eight months of 2026, up 12% year on year. However, growth has begun to slow and become more differentiated across markets, while the U.S. and EU continue to present significant challenges. The latest insights from the Global Shrimp Forum 2026 (GSF 2026), held in early September, also indicate that the final months of the year will remain highly competitive as global supply continues to expand and buyers increasingly focus on quality, product specifications, supply stability and the ability to meet market-specific demand.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In August 2026, Vietnam’s seafood exports reached $1.14 billion, up 6% year on year. Cumulative eight-month exports rose 11.8% to $8.00 billion, though momentum has cooled compared to the 12.8% growth seen through July. China - Hong Kong and ASEAN are offsetting weakness in the U.S, EU and partly Japan. This divergence will likely widen in Q4 as trade tariffs and traceability requirements directly weigh on new orders.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam–Russia relations are entering a new phase of cooperation, with a focus on expanding trade, investment and economic connectivity. Against this backdrop, tuna is emerging as one of the seafood products with significant growth potential in the Russian market. Export data for the first seven months of 2026 show strong growth in Vietnamese tuna exports to Russia. However, turning this momentum into sustainable market share will require businesses to address challenges related to logistics, payment and supply competition.
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