Exports to South Korea, Thailand, and Japan decline, while China surges
According to Vietnam Customs, South Korea remained the largest importer of Vietnamese fish cake and surimi in Q1/2026, but export value to this market fell by 21% year-on-year. Exports to Thailand and Japan also declined by 8% and 6%, respectively. These are traditional markets with stable demand, but are currently affected by more cautious consumer spending, intensifying price competition, and tighter import cost controls.
On the other hand, China has emerged as the brightest spot in the first quarter. Exports to this market increased by 17% compared to the same period last year. Several other markets also recorded notable growth, including Taiwan (+92%), the United States (+62%), Lithuania (+28%), Malaysia (+27%), and France (+183%), although their overall volumes remain relatively modest.
Convenience food trends continue to support demand
By market group, ASEAN remained the largest importing region, reaching nearly USD 21 million in Q1, though down 7%. Meanwhile, exports to China & Hong Kong and the EU both increased. This indicates that Vietnam’s fish cake and surimi exports are becoming more diversified, reducing reliance on a few traditional markets.
This trend reflects broader global consumption patterns. As consumers in many countries continue to tighten spending, processed seafood products that are convenient, affordable, and easy to store are gaining an advantage. Fish cake and surimi fit well with this trend, particularly in Asian markets, where demand for processed frozen foods remains relatively strong.
Cautious recovery expected
However, the outlook for this sector in 2026 is not entirely favorable. Price competition remains intense, especially in Northeast Asian markets. In addition, fluctuations in raw material costs, logistics, exchange rates, and rising protectionism in some importing markets are likely to affect the pace of order recovery.
In the short term, Vietnam’s fish cake and surimi exports are expected to continue recovering, albeit gradually. Markets such as China, the EU, Taiwan, and several niche destinations are projected to offer growth potential. Meanwhile, South Korea, Thailand, and Japan will remain important markets, but are unlikely to see strong growth unless consumer demand shows clearer signs of recovery.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam has strengthened its position in China’s massive seafood market, becoming the largest lobster supplier while maintaining a dominant share of the country’s imported pangasius.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietfish 2026 was more than just a larger exhibition space. Through B2B meetings, booth discussions, production-chain visits and post-show feedback, businesses and buyers found something more concrete: suitable suppliers, processing capabilities, technology solutions, new markets and a foundation for building long-term trust and partnerships.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States declined significantly in the first seven months of 2026. Cumulative export value reached US$18 million, down 42% from the same period in 2025. In July alone, exports amounted to just US$2 million, plunging 70%, indicating a clear slowdown in import demand from the US market.
(vasep.com.vn) At the seminar “Global Seafood Markets and the Future Workforce: Trends, Opportunities and Directions for the Sustainable Development of Vietnam’s Fisheries Sector,” held as part of VIETFISH 2026, Ms. Shirlene Maria Anthonysamy, Fisheries Officer (Markets) and GLOBEFISH Coordinator at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), presented initiatives aimed at promoting youth participation in fisheries and aquaculture.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the United States reached US$189 million, down 8% year-on-year. In July alone, export value reached US$22 million, down 28%. This trend indicates that U.S. demand for pangasius imports has remained relatively cautious this year, as importers tend to maintain moderate inventory levels and limit stockpiling.
(vasep.com.vn) After three days at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam International Fisheries Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 – has successfully concluded, leaving a strong impression in terms of scale, visitor numbers, the quality of business connections, and innovative activities. With more than 14,000 m² of exhibition space, 335 companies, 568 booths, participation from representatives of 17 countries and territories, and nearly 15,000 visitors, VIETFISH 2026 has once again affirmed its role as an important meeting point for Vietnam’s and the global seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Held as part of Vietfish 2026 from August 19–21 at SECC in Ho Chi Minh City, a series of five specialized seminars provided the seafood business community with updates on markets, technology, standards, human resources and cooperation opportunities. With the participation of experts, international organizations, government agencies and businesses from Vietnam and abroad, the seminars created an additional platform for professional exchange alongside the exhibition’s product showcases and business networking activities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the morning of August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 officially opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. With 568 booths representing 335 companies, alongside the presence of senior government officials, local authorities, diplomatic missions and international partners, VIETFISH 2026 kicks off three days of business networking, technology exchange and market engagement under the overarching theme “Innovation and Sustainability.”
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) officially announces that the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition (Vietfish 2026) will take place from August 19–21, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports recorded strong growth in the first half of 2026, but the performance was increasingly uneven across products, markets and enterprises. VASEP’s newly released premium report provides the detailed data and analysis needed to understand what lies behind the headline figures and prepare for the more challenging months ahead.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
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