Tuna exports with HS code 16 are increasing
In the past 5 years, Vietnam's processed and canned tuna exports have tended to increase. In the first 4 months of the year alone, the export turnover of this product group increased from 91 million USD in 2020 to 154 million USD in 2024, an increase of 70%. In particular, Vietnam's canned tuna exports are gradually recovering, higher than the same period in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the contrary, exports of fresh and frozen tuna, mainly frozen tuna meat or loin with the HS code 0304, are unstable. After peaking in 2022, exports of this product group decreased sharply. Entering 2024, exports of product groups have increased again, but the increase is not high—up 6% over the same period.
According to experts' forecasts, convenience is key for shoppers, and value-added seafood that is pre-marinated or ready to heat and eat will continue to attract buyers looking to create combination meals to combine cooking with prepared dishes. Therefore, consumption demand for processed and canned tuna products will improve in the near future.
Exports to major markets accelerated
In April 2024, Vietnamese tuna products were exported to more than 90 markets. In particular, tuna exports to main markets such as the US, EU, Israel, Canada, Japan, or Mexico all increased faster.
In the US and EU markets, Russia, and Korea, the export growth rate in April 2024 compared to the same period doubled compared to the previous month, reaching 37%, 71%, 32%, and 158%, respectively. Notably, in the EU market, exports to the three leading markets, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands, all grew "gallopingly" at three digits.
Along with that, tuna exports to some markets have reversed and increased, such as Japan, which increased by 33%, and Mexico, which increased by 43%.
However, according to businesses, this growth is due to a decrease in inventory in the markets, but actually market demand is still better.
(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.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) June 2026 brought encouraging signs for Vietnam's tuna exports, with export value rising 20% year-on-year to nearly USD 72 million. However, this increase has yet to offset the prolonged slowdown seen in key markets such as the European Union (EU), where import demand remains weak. The outlook for the second half of the year is expected to become more challenging as freight rates continue to climb.
(vasep.com.vn) As part of the Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition (Vietfish 2026), the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), in collaboration with the Agency for Domestic Market Management and Development under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, will organize the Domestic Seafood Supply–Demand Matching Program on the morning of August 20, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City. The program aims to foster direct business connections between Vietnamese seafood producers and processors and domestic distributors, retailers, and foodservice channels.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The Cooking Show will be one of the most engaging experiential highlights of Vietfish 2026. Taking place over three days, from August 19–21, 2026, at Hall B1, SECC, Ho Chi Minh City, the event will offer visitors a vibrant culinary space where Vietnamese seafood is showcased through its flavors, stories, and real-life culinary applications.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam's pangasius exports reached USD 205 million in June 2026, up 5% compared with the same month in 2025. Cumulative export value for the first six months of the year totaled USD 1.1 billion, an increase of 12% year-on-year. Growth was primarily driven by strong demand from China and CPTPP markets, while exports to the United States and Brazil continued to decline.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first six months of 2026, Ha Tinh province continued to implement comprehensive solutions to combat IUU fishing; strictly manage the fishing fleet, control fishing vessels entering and leaving ports, operate vessel tracking devices, trace the origin of seafood, and severely punish violations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam's tilapia exports reached USD 7 million in June 2026, down 32% compared with the same month in 2025. Nevertheless, thanks to strong growth in the first five months of the year, cumulative tilapia exports in the first half of 2026 totaled USD 69 million, up 67% year on year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Sa Giang Import-Export Joint Stock Company, a member of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), has been honored with the "Famous Brand - Competitive Vietnamese Brand 2026" certification at an award ceremony organized by the Vietnam Intellectual Property Association (VIPA).
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) China imported nearly $1.4 billion worth of Vietnamese seafood in the first half of the year, a 40% increase compared to the same period last year, surpassing the US to become the largest export market for the industry.
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