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) In 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Spain increased by 13% compared to 2024. This growth trend has continued into the first two months of 2026. According to Vietnam Customs statistics, export turnover to this market reached nearly USD 3 million in January–February 2026, up 101% year-on-year and significantly higher than the same period in 2024. This development indicates that Spain is once again becoming a notable destination for Vietnamese tuna amid strong demand for tuna raw materials and products in Europe.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The 2026 brackish water shrimp farming season in the Mekong Delta has started earlier than usual, mainly driven by positive market signals, as shrimp prices in 2025 remained high and supply was limited. Many enterprises and farms in Cần Thơ, Cà Mau, and Vĩnh Long have proactively stocked early to seize opportunities. By early 2026, stocking areas in many localities had reached a high proportion of planned targets, with intensive and high-tech farming models expanding rapidly.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States recorded remarkable growth in 2025, opening up major opportunities while also presenting considerable challenges. The U.S. remains the largest importer of Vietnamese tilapia fillets, with export turnover reaching USD 40 million—an increase of up to 499% compared to 2024. This impressive growth reflects strong demand in the U.S. market, as supply from competing countries such as China has been constrained by tariffs and rising production costs.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Pangasius remains a strategic export commodity in Vietnam’s seafood sector. Entering 2026, the industry faces a strong need to transition from volume-based growth to a value-driven development model, with a focus on quality, food safety, and sustainability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Following damage caused by Storm No. 13 in late 2025, brackish water shrimp farming in Gia Lai is being rapidly restored. In key farming areas such as Tuy Phước and Tuy Phước Đông, farmers are focusing on rehabilitating ponds, repairing infrastructure, and treating the environment in preparation for the 2026 crop.
(seafood.vasep.com) Facing the decline in fishery resources, Vietnam is accelerating livelihood transitions for fishermen to reduce fishing pressure and move toward sustainable development. Marine fish stocks have dropped significantly from 4.82 million tons in 2000–2005 to 3.95 million tons in 2016–2020.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp industry is entering a period of strong transformation with the emergence of various high-tech farming models, helping improve productivity and competitiveness. Over the past 5–10 years, farming practices have shifted from traditional methods to intensive and super-intensive systems, featuring lined ponds, environmental sensors, automated feeding, and data management.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With a focus on sustainable development, high-tech application, and climate change adaptation, An Giang Province aims to maintain its brackish water shrimp production in 2026 at a level equivalent to the previous year. Specifically, output is projected to reach over 155,510 tons, serving both domestic consumption and export processing, thereby sustaining the fisheries sector’s key role in the local economic structure.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the Mekong Delta, key pangasius farming provinces such as An Giang, Dong Thap, and Can Tho are accelerating the transition toward a circular economy model, contributing to higher product value and reduced environmental impact. Instead of focusing solely on farming and processing, the pangasius value chain is increasingly utilizing by-products and waste streams to generate added value.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s scallop exports are entering a phase of impressive growth, as the global market undergoes significant restructuring. In 2025, scallop export value reached nearly USD 66 million, up 49% from USD 44 million in 2024. This upward momentum has continued and accelerated into early 2026, with exports totaling USD 18.1 million in the first two months alone—an increase of 166% year-on-year. This represents an exceptionally high growth rate, reflecting the rapid expansion of a relatively new product segment within Vietnam’s mollusk export portfolio.
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