Specifically, in September, cephalopod exports of Vietnam to Japan - the second largest export market, had recovered. Meanwhile, exports to other major markets such as EU, ASEAN, China, the US ... were still low.
Korea
Korea continued to increase the imports of cephalopod from Vietnam. Exports value to the market in September reached US$24 million, a rise of 28% from September 2017, bringing the total exports value in the first nine months to nearly US$180 million, increasing by 16% over the same period last year. This year, cephalopod exports of Vietnam to Korea experiences unstable growth due to scarce resources. Currently, with the export tax rate of 0% for live/raw and frozen octopus (HS030751 and HS030759), Vietnam can promote the exports of these two products to Korea. Provided with a good supply, Vietnam will have the opportunity to increase market share.
Japan
After the decline in August, cephalopod exports to Japan increased again in September, reaching US$14 million, rising 10% from September 2017. Thus, the export value of cephalopod in this market in the first nine months continued to increase 1.8% compared the same period last year, reaching US$109 million. Vietnam continues to be an important supplier of squid for the Japanese market.
EU
Cephalopod exports to the EU has not shown signs of growth. Exports of this product group to the EU in September decreased by 25% compared to September 2017. By the end of September, the value of cephalopod exports to EU was only US$109 million, a drop of 26% over the same period last year.
Specifically, in September, cephalopod exports to France, the third largest import market in the EU, experienced a sudden growth of 101%. However, since the cephalopod exports to France fell heavily at the beginning of the year, the increase in recent months was not enough to compensate for the decrease in volume so exports in the first nine months of this year were still decreasing. Meanwhile, exports to Italy and Spain continued to fall.
ASEAN
Cephalopod exports to ASEAN in September decreased by 0.7%, reaching US$6.6 million. However, in the first nine months of this year, cephalopod exports of Vietnam was up by 15% over the same period, reaching US$61 million. Thailand continues to dominate the cephalopod exports from Vietnam to ASEAN. According to statistics, this month cephalopod exports to Thailand is not positive, dropping by 12% over the same period. The decline of exports to this market has led to a decline in exports to the ASEAN market.
(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.
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