Accumulating the first 8 months of 2022, Vietnam tuna export turnover reached nearly 730 million USD, an increase of 55% over the same period 2021.Compared to previous years, the export share of fresh, frozen and dried tuna products in total tuna exports is increasing, and is more than twice that of processed tuna products.
Currently, Vietnam tuna products have been exported to 97 markets around the world. In general, by the end of August 2022, tuna exports to major markets are increasing over the same period, except for Israel.
The inflation in the US and the EU is still high. Specifically, the US’s CPI in August has increased by 8.3% compared to the same period in 2021. Similarly, in Europe, on August 31, the European statistical agency Eurostat announced the CPI in August increased by 9.1% over the same period last year.
This situation caused consumers in the US and EU to tighten their spendings. Demand for canned tuna, one of the favorite low-cost proteins in these two markets, is growing. Therefore, imports of tuna in these markets are expected to increase, especially meat products, frozen tuna loin raw materials for canned tuna production.
According to statistics of Vietnam Customs, Vietnam's tuna exports to the US continued to maintain a good growth momentum over the same period. The export value in August 2022 has increased by 65% compared to the same period in 2021, and is twice as high as in the same period in 2019.
In the EU market, after growing again in July, Vietnam's tuna exports to this market continued to accelerate in August with an increase of 70% over the same period in 2021, reaching US$106 million. This figure has contributed to raising the total tuna export turnover to the EU in the first 8 months of this year to US$106 million. Germany, Belgium and Spain are 3 major tuna import markets in this block.
Notably, after a continuous decline in the past 3 months, Vietnam's tuna exports to Germany in August increased at a galloping rate of 221% over the same period. Along with Germany, tuna exports to Belgium also continued to grow at a high rate of 116%. Meanwhile, tuna exports to Spain decreased. One of the reasons for the decrease in exports to this market is the preferential tariff quota for frozen steamed tuna meat/loin exported to the EU as agreed in the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the EU (EVFTA) has been used up.
Along with the US and EU, some other main markets such as Canada, Japan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and Russia are also experiencing impressive growth rates of 3 to 4 digits in August. The outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic in Vietnam at this time last year had hindered export activities. However, compared to the time before the pandemic, the export value to other markets is also higher. This shows that the markets are recovering.
Compiled by Thuy Linh
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2026 marks a period of strong growth for Vietnam’s tilapia industry, but it is also a time when international export competition is becoming increasingly intense. Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 99 million in 2025, up 140% compared to the previous year. In the first four months of 2026 alone, export value reached USD 49 million, a 151% increase year-on-year. As global demand for affordable whitefish continues to rise, Vietnam is emerging as a noteworthy competitor to traditional tilapia powerhouses such as China, Indonesia, Brazil, and Egypt.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With continued policy support, technological innovation and close coordination among authorities, businesses and farmers, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is expected to make a strong and sustainable breakthrough during the 2026–2030 period, reinforcing its position as the world’s leading exporter of the fish.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to Asian markets showed varying trends across regions and countries. The Middle East recorded strong growth, with Saudi Arabia emerging as the largest Asian market for Vietnamese tilapia. ASEAN markets also expanded significantly, driven primarily by Malaysia. Meanwhile, Japan maintained solid growth, while exports to South Korea declined compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Shrimp and pangasius continued to lead growth, helping seafood exports reach $4.67 billion in the first five months of the year; however, differentiation among product groups and increasingly stringent requirements from importing markets are posing many challenges for the industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Every day, the seafood processing industry in Ca Mau generates large quantities of shrimp heads and shells during processing operations. In the past, these by-products were largely treated as waste, increasing production costs and posing potential environmental risks. However, thanks to advanced processing technologies, materials once considered waste are now being transformed into high-value products, creating a circular economy model within the seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam Clean Seafood Corporation has invested in a 280-hectare super-intensive shrimp farming zone in Tran De Commune, Can Tho City, generating export value of approximately VND 3 billion per hectare per year—around 50 times higher than traditional agricultural production.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports reached USD 1.02 billion in May 2026, up 0.6% year-on-year. Cumulative exports in the first five months of 2026 totaled USD 4.67 billion, an increase of 11% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In a rapidly changing global seafood market, timely insights and reliable data are more critical than ever. The Report on Vietnam Seafood Exports in Q1/2026 provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in Vietnam’s seafood production, trade performance, and export trends, helping businesses navigate uncertainty and identify new growth opportunities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) While many major markets continue to experience slow growth, Russia has emerged as a brighter destination for Vietnamese tuna exports in early 2026. Export turnover to this market increased by nearly 55% in the first four months of the year, indicating a clear improvement in demand. Nevertheless, Russia remains a market that should be viewed with both optimism and caution.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius exports have shown encouraging signs of recovery in 2026. In the first four months of the year, total export turnover reached USD 720 million, up 17% compared to the same period last year. This result reflects improving demand across many markets, as well as the efforts of Vietnamese pangasius enterprises to maintain production, secure orders, and adapt to changing market conditions.
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