Particularly in June 2023, seafood export was estimated at nearly 800 million USD, down 21%. In which, shrimp exports were estimated at 341 million USD, the highest level so far this year, down 18% over the same period - this is also the lowest decrease since the beginning of the year. In H1 2023, shrimp exports reached nearly 1.6 billion USD, 31% lower than in the first half of 2022.
Pangasius exports in June were still 26% lower than the same period last year, reaching about 156 million USD. Accumulated in the first 6 months, pangasius exports reached over 885 million USD, 38% lower than the same period last year.
Besides difficulties from poor consumption demand, shrimp and pangasius producers and exporters suffered losses in profits because of high prices of feed, seed and input costs while selling prices were low. Even though they have lowered prices, decline in order leads to a large inventory, adding up more additional costs.
The more negative growth result in June showed that exports of tuna and other marine products are severely damaged due to the pressure of shortage of raw material and the increasingly strict import regulation in main import markets, typically the EU, regarding food safety and anti-IUU fishing.
Accordingly, tuna exports in June decreased by 29%, reaching 64 million USD, accumulated in the first half of the year decreased by 31% to over 380 million USD. Although exports of other marine fishes in May showed a slightly increase, exports in June continued to decrease by 17%, reaching 157 million USD. Exports of other products such as cephalopods, crabs, shell molluscs, etc in June also decreased by 17-30% over the same period.
Vietnam seafood exports in the first 6 months of 2023
Highlights and forecasts
In general, the demand for seafood in major import markets like the US, EU, China, Japan, etc is influenced by two main factors: inflation and inventory. As the markets gradually clear their inventories, it is expected that demand will increase again in the second half of the year. However, a persistent issue that could impede the recovery of seafood consumption and import demand in the US and EU is inflation. Despite the passage of time, inflation has not shown any signs of cooling down in many markets. This could act as a barrier, preventing the full rebound of seafood consumption in these regions.
However, some markets such as Japan, Korea, Australia can be promising destinations for Vietnam's strong products: deep-processed goods with high added value. These products in these markets have an advantage over competitors.
Besides, some Southeast Asian markets are also considered as potential destinations because of their more stable economies, lower inflation, geographical advantages and preferential tariffs under FTAs.
It is forecasted that seafood exports will gradually recover in the coming months thanks to more positive signals in consumer markets. Inventory is gradually decreasing and the order will increase soon to meet the demand for year-end and festival occasions.
Compiled by Thuy Linh
(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.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The first six months of 2026 indicate that Vietnam’s tilapia industry is entering a new phase of development, with strong export growth but also greater demands for production scale, quality and international competitiveness.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietfish 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition, will officially take place from 19–21 August 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City. As Vietnam’s largest annual seafood trade event, organized by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietfish 2026 will once again bring together leading seafood companies, industry experts, and international partners from across the global seafood value chain.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports reached USD 1.1 billion in July 2026, up 4.8% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulative exports in the first seven months of the year totaled nearly USD 6.86 billion, an increase of 11.5% year-on-year. Exceeding the USD 1 billion mark in July further reinforces the prospect that Vietnam’s seafood exports could surpass USD 12 billion in 2026. However, the July figures also send a clear signal that the most favorable growth period may have passed: overall export growth slowed to just 4.8%, pangasius exports fell 6.1%, tuna exports were virtually flat, while exports to the EU, South Korea, and the Middle East all recorded double-digit declines.
(vasep.com.vn) As part of the Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition (Vietfish 2026), the seminar "Global Seafood Market and the Future Workforce: Trends, Opportunities, and Sustainable Development Pathways for Vietnam's Seafood Industry" will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. on August 19, 2026, at Convention Room B, Level 2, SECC, Ho Chi Minh City. This is the first of five specialized seminars at Vietfish 2026, focusing on key issues that are shaping the long-term development of Vietnam's seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnamese seafood exports recorded impressive growth, generating nearly 6 billion USD in revenue during the first six months of the year, up 13% compared with the same period last year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Fishermen in Ha Tinh are gradually overcoming difficulties to maintain the efficiency of seafood exploitation. In the first six months of 2026, the entire province achieved a production of more than 23,000 tons of seafood, worth more than 1,200 billion VND.
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