In the structure of exported cephalopod, squid and cuttlefish account for 57% of export value, reaching 35 million USD; Octopus accounted for 43% reaching 27 million USD.
Cephalopod exports to the largest import market, South Korea, increased by 67% to 26 million USD. Japan's nuclear waste water discharge reduced Korea's demand for seafood imports from Japan. Korea did not issue a ban on importing seafood from Japan but increased inspection of goods from Japan. Besides, China is the largest supplier of cephalopod to Korea. China's ban on seafood imports from Japan also caused the supply of cephalopod from China to markets such as Korea to decrease due to a shortage of processing materials. It is expected that Vietnam's cephalopod exports to Korea will continue to grow positively in the first quarter of 2024 when the ban on importing Japanese seafood into China has not yet been lifted.
According to data from the World Trade Center (ITC), in January this year, Korea's imports of cephalopod from supply sources also recorded an increase of 5%, reaching 91 million USD. Vietnam is the second largest supplier of cephalopod to Korea, after China.
Cephalopod exports to Japan (Vietnam's second largest cephalopod import market) recorded a lower growth rate than the Korean market, increasing by 19% to reach 13 million USD. The nuclear waste water discharge has a negative impact on Japan's overall seafood import and export. After the nuclear wastewater discharge, Japan's imports of cephalopod from Vietnam decreased significantly.
China & HK are the third largest import markets for cephalopod in Vietnam. Cephalopod exports to this market in January this year grew impressively by 3 digits with 151% reaching 7 million USD. China's ban on seafood imports from Japan after Japan's nuclear waste water discharge into the sea has caused China to increase imports from other sources, including Vietnam. In addition, this market increased imports of cephalopod from Vietnam in January this year to serve the consumption needs of the Lunar New Year.
Contrary to the growth trend of exports to other markets, Vietnam's cephalopod exports to the EU in January this year still could not escape negative growth. The EU is also the only market among the main markets importing cephalopod from Vietnam, recording negative growth. Vietnam's cephalopod exports to this market decreased by 17% to nearly 4 million USD in the first month of this year. Exporting cephalopod to the EU is still affected by the IUU yellow card, many new regulations, procedures for making certification and certification for export to this market are still inadequate, and people tend to tighten spending. due to inflation.
Cephalopod export enterprises continue to face many difficulties in raw material sources, increased input costs for production, and weak consumption demand. Geopolitical conflicts in the world and Red Sea tensions continue to be challenges for Vietnam's cephalopod exports in 2024. The world economy has bottomed out with expectations of recovery this year. , Vietnam's cephalopod exports in 2024 are expected to reach about 700 million USD, an increase of 6% compared to 2023.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In March 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports recorded strong growth, reaching USD 15 million, up 109% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively, in the first three months of 2026, export value reached USD 38 million, an increase of 174% year-on-year. This result highlights the sector’s robust expansion and reflects rapid growth across multiple markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In March 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius export value reached USD 182 million, up 1% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively, exports in the first three months of 2026 totaled USD 514 million, an increase of 17% year-on-year, indicating that the growth momentum is being maintained despite signs of slowdown in some markets during March.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During peak heat periods, farmers raising pangasius, tilapia, and other freshwater fish in Dong Thap are implementing various technical measures to reduce risks and maintain stable production.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Japan continues to be one of Vietnam’s most important and stable shrimp markets. In recent years, shrimp exports to this market have fluctuated in line with Japan’s broader economic and consumption cycles, yet Japan remains a major, high-value destination with stringent standards.
(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.
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