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
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports to the UK have shown positive signs in the first months of 2026. While the UK’s overall tuna imports from the world declined, imports from Vietnam increased strongly, indicating that there is still room for Vietnam to expand its market share. However, behind this growth, competitive pressure remains intense, especially as the UK continues to be a major market for established suppliers such as Ecuador, Mauritius, and Ghana.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Biofloc technology is being piloted in several rice–shrimp farming models in Ca Mau Province, showing initial positive results in controlling pond environments, improving shrimp seed quality, and supporting sustainable aquaculture development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first four months of 2026, Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia together contributed USD 108 million to Vietnam’s pangasius exports, accounting for around 15% of the industry’s total export turnover. Amid tightening global whitefish supply and slowing demand in several traditional markets, Latin America is increasingly becoming an important expansion destination for the sector.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Alongside the development of high-tech shrimp farming, Ha Tinh Province is accelerating the cultivation of high-value freshwater aquatic species, with red tilapia emerging as an effective and sustainable farming model.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 81 million in April 2026, down 6% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of the year, export turnover totaled USD 289 million, down 4.8%. Although the overall export picture has yet to brighten significantly, market trends are becoming increasingly diversified rather than moving in a single direction.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is undergoing strong restructuring starting from the broodstock and fingerling segment in order to improve productivity, quality, and export competitiveness. This is considered a critical foundation for the sustainable development of the industry amid rising production costs and increasingly stringent market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, pangasius exports in April 2026 reached USD 206 million, up 18% compared to the same period in 2025 — marking another consecutive month of double-digit growth since the beginning of the year. Cumulative pangasius export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 720 million, up 17% year-on-year, reflecting the positive growth momentum of this key export product.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 maintained positive growth momentum, reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, behind this result lies diverging trends across markets, as the global shrimp industry continues to face pressure from inflation, high inventories, price competition, and increasing trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Vinh Tuy commune (Kien Giang Province), many shrimp farmers are adopting bottom aeration systems and reporting clear economic benefits, helping increase income and reduce production risks.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of crabs and other crustaceans reached more than USD 93 million, up 23% compared to the same period last year. The result shows that the sector is experiencing a fairly positive recovery, especially in its two key product groups: crabs and swimming crabs. However, behind the growth figures are several concerns: export markets remain highly concentrated, raw material supply is unstable, and trade barriers from the US and EU are becoming increasingly stringent.
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