Continuing the recovery momentum from the last 2 months of the year, seafood enterprises have promoted the export of many strong aquatic species.
Accordingly, whiteleg shrimp exports increased by 39%, and black tiger shrimp exports increased by 92%. Total shrimp exports brought in $313 million, up 43%. Pangasius exports increased by 78%, bringing in nearly 214 million USD, tuna increased by 108% with a turnover of 88 million USD. Squid increased by 57% and octopus increased by 31%, the total turnover of these two species increased by 45% to 63 million USD...
Aquatic production and processing have almost returned to normal as before the peak of the epidemic. The demand of the markets is very high, businesses receive many orders. The price of domestic raw materials also increased, so both farmers, fishermen and businesses are optimistic about a bountiful year, all are excited to actively produce.
In January, enterprises exported seafood to 117 markets. Exports to all major markets increased by leaps and bounds. The top 6 markets with a proportion of 4-23% of Vietnam's seafood export value include: the US, Japan, Korea, China, Australia and Canada. These markets increased from 17 to 84% of seafood imports from Vietnam in the first month of 2022.
With nearly 200 million dollars, the US still holds the dominant share of 23%. The US sharply increased imports of seafood products from Vietnam: shrimp increased by 61%, pangasius increased by 92%, tuna increased more than 3 times, other fish species increased by nearly 30%...
After a slight decrease in 2021, exports to Japan in January this year recovered by 21% to $134 million. In which, 40% is shrimp products with 54 million USD, up 23%. Japan also sharply increased imports of squid and octopus from Vietnam with a growth rate of 55%.
Japan is the number 1 market for Vietnam's exported marine fish products. In the past month, this market has imported 57 million USD of marine fish from Vietnam, up 14%. In which, Vietnamese enterprises mainly export salmon - which is a raw material product imported for processing and exporting to this market.
Although shrimp exports to China still fell by 16%, exports of pangasius, squid, and octopus have returned strongly with a figure that has more than tripled compared to the same period last year. As a result, seafood exports to China recovered 64% with $62 million.
With $69 million in imports from Vietnam, the Korean market still accounts for a higher proportion than China. In which, exports of two main products, shrimp and octopus, increased by 33% and 18% respectively.
The Australian and Canadian markets both increased strongly in importing Vietnamese seafood, up 29% and 85% respectively, of which increased in all main products.
Seafood exports to the EU increased by 70% to 108 million USD. In which, the major markets in the bloc increased very strongly importing seafood from Vietnam: Germany increased by 28%, Belgium increased by 85%, France increased by 131%... The good news is that pangasius exports to this market group broke out strongly, increasing by 70%, shrimp by 79%, tuna by 81%, cephalopod by 90%...
With many orders, hopefully seafood enterprises will gradually solve the problem of lack of labor and raw materials to take advantage of opportunities this year. With that optimism, we believe that exports in February and the coming months will continue to record positive results. Accordingly, seafood exports in the first quarter of this year may bring in about 2 billion USD, up about 15% over the same period last year.
Please subscribe to VASEP's Quarterly Report on Vietnam Seafood Exports to get more detailed monthly and quarterly assessments and statistical data on Vietnam's seafood exports to markets, raw material price movements. , export prices, export enterprises and comparison with other countries such as India, Ecuador, Thailand, Indonesia...
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, the global food market is facing increasing volatility in logistics costs, energy prices, and supply chains. In the seafood sector, alongside ocean-caught products such as tuna, the surimi-based product group—including fish cakes, crab sticks, fish balls, and other imitation seafood products—has also been affected to some extent by these developments.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to the 2026 brackish-water shrimp farming calendar issued by the Da Nang Department of Agriculture and Environment, the 2026 crop started in early January and is expected to harvest in late June. However, stocking progress has been slower than planned as farmers remain cautious, focusing on pond renovation and production preparations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After the Lunar New Year of Binh Ngo 2026, commercial clam prices in Ha Tinh province surged sharply, nearly doubling compared to normal levels and standing about 20–30% higher than the same period last year. The spike has encouraged many aquaculture households to accelerate harvesting and sell large volumes to the market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In January 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 379.6 million, up 22% compared to the same period in 2025. The double-digit growth in the very first month of the year signals a relatively positive recovery in orders, particularly in Asian markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) From the very beginning of 2026, India’s shrimp industry has received a series of favorable trade signals: U.S. reciprocal tariffs have been reduced, while the successful conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU has opened prospects for eliminating nearly all seafood tariffs in the coming years. This shift not only enables Indian shrimp to quickly offset declines in the U.S. market, but also reshapes the global competitive landscape, placing greater pressure on Vietnamese shrimp exporters in terms of price, market share, and strategic positioning.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Entering 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is recording many positive signals, both in terms of raw fish prices and export prospects. Export turnover this year is projected to reach approximately USD 2.3 billion. Amid ongoing volatility in the global market, diversifying export destinations, reducing dependence on major markets, and effectively leveraging free trade agreements (FTAs) are considered key to maintaining sustainable growth and creating new momentum for the pangasius sector.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With forecasts indicating that weather conditions in 2026 may become more complex—featuring prolonged heatwaves, unseasonal rains, and increased salinity intrusion—the agricultural sector of Can Tho City advises brackish water shrimp farmers to strictly follow the seasonal farming calendar and strengthen pond environmental management to minimize risks and improve production efficiency.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On February 4, a working delegation led by the Authority of Telecommunications (Ministry of Science and Technology) met with the Management Board of Cat Lo Fishing Port (Phuoc Thang Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) to comprehensively review the installation of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), assess signal connectivity, and evaluate the effectiveness of information technology applications in fisheries management across the city.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 marked a significant milestone for China’s lobster market, with total imports reaching a record high and the supply structure undergoing major changes. Amid this surge, Vietnam’s lobster exports—especially green lobster—accelerated dramatically, reaching new highs and contributing substantially to Vietnam’s overall record shrimp export value.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With a range of synchronized solutions, from institutional improvements and strengthened communication to strict fleet control, Quang Ninh is stepping up efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, determined to join the country in soon having the European Commission’s (EC) “yellow card” lifted.
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