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
(vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Brazil became the largest market for Vietnamese tilapia, with export value reaching US$44 million, up 22,142% year-on-year and accounting for 49% of Vietnam’s total tilapia exports. In August alone, exports to Brazil reached US$4 million. However, behind this remarkable growth is a market that is imposing increasingly stringent requirements on imported supplies.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports sustained their upward trajectory in August 2026, though the pace remained modest at just 2%. The month saw divergent trends across key markets: the US maintained its leading position, Japan and Canada improved, Russia surged and the EU continued to experience a steep downturn. These developments suggest that exporters are entering the final months of the year amid a market environment marked by greater uncertainty.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Congalsa has acquired the entire charter capital of Lenger Seafood Vietnam, giving it full ownership of the business and its Nam Dinh processing facility.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ninh Binh Province is entering a peak period of action against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, focusing on thoroughly addressing violations, closely monitoring fishing vessels at ports and preventing vessels from violating regulations and operating illegally in foreign waters ahead of the European Commission’s (EC) upcoming inspection in 2026.
(vasep.com.vn) The application of biotechnology in seed production is increasingly viewed as a strategic imperative to upgrade pangasius fingerling quality, optimize farming efficiency and anchor sustainable industry development.
(vasep.com.vn) On September 15, 2026, in Can Tho, VASEP and ASC jointly organized a training course titled “New ASC standards: updates and practical implementation guidance for farms, businesses and aquafeed mills”. Beyond briefing stakeholders on updated ASC requirements for aquaculture facilities and feed production, the workshop dedicated substantial floor time to directly addressing on-the-ground compliance bottlenecks encountered by Vietnamese enterprises.
(searfood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports continued to post positive results in the first eight months of 2026, with total export value reaching US$90 million, up 43% year-on-year. However, exports in August alone stood at US$11 million, down 8%, reflecting uneven market developments. Brazil remained the leading market, while Japan recorded notable growth, opening up new opportunities for Vietnamese tilapia products.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached US$3.3 billion in the first eight months of 2026, up 12% year on year. However, growth has begun to slow and become more differentiated across markets, while the U.S. and EU continue to present significant challenges. The latest insights from the Global Shrimp Forum 2026 (GSF 2026), held in early September, also indicate that the final months of the year will remain highly competitive as global supply continues to expand and buyers increasingly focus on quality, product specifications, supply stability and the ability to meet market-specific demand.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In August 2026, Vietnam’s seafood exports reached $1.14 billion, up 6% year on year. Cumulative eight-month exports rose 11.8% to $8.00 billion, though momentum has cooled compared to the 12.8% growth seen through July. China - Hong Kong and ASEAN are offsetting weakness in the U.S, EU and partly Japan. This divergence will likely widen in Q4 as trade tariffs and traceability requirements directly weigh on new orders.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam–Russia relations are entering a new phase of cooperation, with a focus on expanding trade, investment and economic connectivity. Against this backdrop, tuna is emerging as one of the seafood products with significant growth potential in the Russian market. Export data for the first seven months of 2026 show strong growth in Vietnamese tuna exports to Russia. However, turning this momentum into sustainable market share will require businesses to address challenges related to logistics, payment and supply competition.
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