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.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnamese pangasius producer Vinh Hoan has won the top prize at the 2026 Seafood Excellence Asia Awards for its Cured Panga Croquette, highlighting the growing potential of value-added pangasius products in international markets.
(vasep.com.vn) The Global Shrimp Forum (GSF) 2026 is taking place from September 1–3 in Utrecht, the Netherlands, bringing together around 585 delegates from 40 countries, representing approximately 300 companies and organizations across the shrimp supply chain. Representatives from VASEP are attending the event as part of the Vietnamese delegation, strengthening connections with partners across the global shrimp industry.
(vasep.com.vn) At the international B2B seminar (Hosted Buyer Program) held as part of Vietfish 2026, Mr. Nguyen Hoang Pham, Sales Director of Tai Kim Anh Seafood Processing Joint Stock Company, delivered a presentation entitled “Vietnam’s Shrimp Industry: Changing for Sustainability.” From the perspective of a seafood processor, the presentation highlighted that Vietnam’s shrimp industry continues to play a leading role in seafood exports, but is entering a new phase of competition in which change is no longer an option, but a prerequisite for growth.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) VIETFISH 2026 may have concluded after three dynamic days in Ho Chi Minh City, but conversations around the exhibition continue to resonate across international trade media, industry organizations, and the social media channels of participating companies.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia industry is maintaining strong growth momentum, with significant room for further expansion in the coming years. In 2025, total tilapia production reached approximately 420,000 tonnes, up 33% from 2024 and 2.2 times higher than in 2015. During 2015–2025, production grew at an average annual rate of around 8.4%. As production and exports continue to expand, food safety control is receiving increasing attention to ensure product quality, meet the increasingly stringent requirements of international markets, and provide a foundation for the sustainable development of Vietnam’s tilapia industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the afternoon of August 19, 2026, as part of the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026, the Hosted Buyer Program continued with the seminar “Vietnam Seafood Outlook 2026–2027: A Strategic Sourcing Destination,” followed by 1-to-1 B2B meetings between international buyers and Vietnamese seafood businesses.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of VIETFISH 2026 on August 19 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), U.S. Consul General Melissa Brown highlighted the important role of the exhibition in connecting Vietnam’s growing seafood industry with buyers, suppliers, and partners from the United States and around the world.
(vasep.com.vn) Tomorrow, August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026 will officially open at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. Taking place over three days, from August 19–21, Vietfish 2026 promises to provide a dynamic platform for business networking, trend updates, product experiences and comprehensive cooperation across the domestic and international seafood community.
(vasep.com.vn) The global tilapia market continues to grow, creating significant opportunities for countries with strengths in aquaculture, processing, and exports. Against this backdrop, Vietnam’s tilapia industry is gradually developing toward higher quality, greater product diversification, and broader market reach. At Vietfish 2026, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), together with the VASEP Tilapia Producers and Exporters Club, will host a joint booth to promote the image and potential of Vietnamese tilapia to domestic and international buyers.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports are heading towards $12 billion this year, potentially the highest level on record. Yet one of the country’s export strengths is facing a growing list of challenges.
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