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) Egypt is emerging as one of the most promising destinations for Vietnamese tuna exports in 2026. During the first four months of the year, export turnover to this market exceeded USD 7.3 million, marking a sharp increase compared to the same period over the previous two years. As Egypt’s tuna imports continue to recover and demand for canned tuna remains strong, the market is becoming increasingly attractive for Vietnamese tuna processors and exporters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to CPTPP member countries reached nearly USD 128 million, accounting for 18% of the country’s total pangasius export value and increasing by 21% compared to the same period in 2025. Demand patterns varied significantly across the bloc: Mexico primarily imported fresh and frozen pangasius products, while Japan and Canada recorded substantial shares of processed products. Australia remained focused on frozen fillets but continued to maintain a portion of processed imports.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Despite the slow recovery of the U.S. market and continued trade-related challenges facing Vietnam’s shrimp industry, Minh Phu Seafood Corporation (MPC) has set ambitious targets for 2026. The company aims to produce 68,800 metric tons of finished shrimp products, generate consolidated revenue of VND 19.9 trillion, and achieve VND 1.059 trillion in pre-tax profit. If achieved, these figures would represent the highest revenue and profit levels in the company’s history.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) HungHau Foods Joint Stock Company (HungHau Foods) has been honored at the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Forum, receiving two prestigious awards: “Top 10 Outstanding Asia-Pacific Enterprises 2026” and “Top 10 Outstanding Entrepreneurs” awarded to HungHau Foods CEO, Ms. Nguyen Yen.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a period of sluggish imports in 2025, the Chinese market has returned with strong shrimp purchasing momentum in the first months of 2026. However, alongside rising demand comes an increasingly stringent import control system, covering quarantine requirements, food safety standards, registration procedures, and traceability. This makes China a market that offers both significant opportunities and growing risks for Vietnamese shrimp exporters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Recently, in Long Xuyen City, An Giang Province, the Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development (IPSARD) and the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) organized a workshop to announce the results of the project “Food Loss Assessment in the Pangasius Value Chain in the Mekong River Region.” The project aims to provide scientific evidence to support the sustainable development of Vietnam’s pangasius industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Shrimp prices in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta have recovered since early May, helping to improve farmers’ confidence and accelerate stocking activities for the 2026 farming season. However, farmers remain cautious due to rising input costs, unfavorable weather conditions, and disease risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On May 27, the Vietnam Trade Office in India, in collaboration with trade promotion agencies, industry associations, and businesses from both countries, organized the online seminar “Vietnam–India Seafood Trade Forum and Supply-Demand Connectivity 2026.” The event aimed to promote trade cooperation, investment, and seafood supply chain connectivity between Vietnam and India amid the ongoing restructuring of global markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In recent years, Ninh Binh Province has intensified the application of science and technology in aquaculture in order to improve productivity, product quality, and economic efficiency.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 49 million, up 151% compared to the same period in 2025. This figure reflects an emerging export sector that is taking advantage of market gaps created by global trade disruptions, while larger producers are adjusting their strategies.
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