1. Vietnam's seafood exports surpassed the pandemic to reach the target of 8.9 billion USD. In 2021, the Covid-19 epidemic broke out strongly in Ho Chi Minh City and 19 southern provinces in the third quarter, strict epidemic prevention regulations made most seafood processing factories only maintain 30-50% of production. Seafood exports in the third quarter of 2021 decreased by 24-27% compared to the same period in 2021
Seafood exports at the end of the year reached 8.9 billion USD, up 6% compared to 2020. In which, shrimp brought in nearly 3.9 billion USD, up 4%, pangasius accelerated sharply in the last 2 months. with full year results of over 1.6 billion USD, up 8.4%; Export of marine products reached US$3.4 billion, up 7%.
2. Seafood exports to the US market reached a record of US$2 billion, up 27% compared to 2020, accounting for 23% of Vietnam's total seafood exports.
In addition, exports to many markets had outstanding growth: the EU increased by 12% (in which, most of the member countries increased imports from Vietnam by 10-75%); Exports to Korea increased by 6%, while exports to some countries in the CPTPP such as Australia increased by 16%, Mexico increased by 49%.
Seafood exports to Russia increased by 21% thanks to the increase in the number of enterprises allowed to export to this market by 25 to 50 enterprises in the past year.
3. Seafood exports to China fell to the lowest level in 5 years.
China's zero Covid policy has strongly affected Vietnam's seafood exports to China. China's strict inspection to trace the corona virus on imported seafood products through sea, land and even air border gates, caused traffic jams and customs clearance of imported goods into this market for most of the year 2021. Therefore, seafood exports to China and Hong Kong decreased by 17% to 1.1 billion USD, the lowest level in 5 years.
4. The average price of seafood exports to major markets increased by 10-30% on average. In addition to the levers to promote seafood exports such as tax benefits from FTAs and strong demand in markets, the increase in export prices is a major factor in increasing seafood export turnover in 2021, especially are the last months of the year when orders increase and supply is low.
Accordingly, the average price of frozen pangasius fillets exported to the US market increased in the last 2 months of the year by more than 1 USD/kg compared to the same period last year. The average price of importing Vietnamese shrimp into the US market also increased from 11 USD at the end of 2020 to 12 - 13 USD/kg by the end of 2021.
5. Shipping charges to markets increased sharply by 4-10 times compared to before the epidemic, accompanied by difficulties in domestic transportation, goods in many localities were congested. In addition, input costs have increased sharply due to the Covid-19 epidemic: increased raw material prices, epidemic prevention and control costs, transportation costs, etc., leading to an increase in production costs and export prices.
To get more detailed information and data on Vietnam's seafood production and exports to markets in 2021 and forecast for 2022, please register: Report on Vietnam's Seafood Exports in 2021, to be released in February 2022.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) June 2026 brought encouraging signs for Vietnam's tuna exports, with export value rising 20% year-on-year to nearly USD 72 million. However, this increase has yet to offset the prolonged slowdown seen in key markets such as the European Union (EU), where import demand remains weak. The outlook for the second half of the year is expected to become more challenging as freight rates continue to climb.
(vasep.com.vn) As part of the Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition (Vietfish 2026), the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), in collaboration with the Agency for Domestic Market Management and Development under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, will organize the Domestic Seafood Supply–Demand Matching Program on the morning of August 20, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City. The program aims to foster direct business connections between Vietnamese seafood producers and processors and domestic distributors, retailers, and foodservice channels.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The Cooking Show will be one of the most engaging experiential highlights of Vietfish 2026. Taking place over three days, from August 19–21, 2026, at Hall B1, SECC, Ho Chi Minh City, the event will offer visitors a vibrant culinary space where Vietnamese seafood is showcased through its flavors, stories, and real-life culinary applications.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam's pangasius exports reached USD 205 million in June 2026, up 5% compared with the same month in 2025. Cumulative export value for the first six months of the year totaled USD 1.1 billion, an increase of 12% year-on-year. Growth was primarily driven by strong demand from China and CPTPP markets, while exports to the United States and Brazil continued to decline.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first six months of 2026, Ha Tinh province continued to implement comprehensive solutions to combat IUU fishing; strictly manage the fishing fleet, control fishing vessels entering and leaving ports, operate vessel tracking devices, trace the origin of seafood, and severely punish violations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam's tilapia exports reached USD 7 million in June 2026, down 32% compared with the same month in 2025. Nevertheless, thanks to strong growth in the first five months of the year, cumulative tilapia exports in the first half of 2026 totaled USD 69 million, up 67% year on year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Sa Giang Import-Export Joint Stock Company, a member of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), has been honored with the "Famous Brand - Competitive Vietnamese Brand 2026" certification at an award ceremony organized by the Vietnam Intellectual Property Association (VIPA).
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) China imported nearly $1.4 billion worth of Vietnamese seafood in the first half of the year, a 40% increase compared to the same period last year, surpassing the US to become the largest export market for the industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As part of Vietfish 2026, the International Seafood Hosted Buyer Program has been designed as a dedicated B2B matchmaking initiative for selected international buyers. The program provides opportunities to meet directly with Vietnamese seafood companies, gain market insights, and experience Vietnam's seafood supply chain firsthand.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) A Story from Cà Mau’s Coast It’s 5 AM in Cà Mau. Minh, a third-generation fisherman, is ready to set sail. But unlike his father and grandfather, his boat no longer runs on an old diesel engine that burns fuel and clouds the sky with smoke. Instead, it’s powered by a hybrid engine that saves 40% fuel—funded by an ESG program from a major seafood exporter.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
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