After the vaccination campaign and economic stimulus package since the beginning of the year, the seafood demand in the EU has recovered significantly, along with the tariff advantages from the EVFTA, which is an opportunity to promote the export of most of Vietnamese seafood products to this market.
Accordingly, shrimp exports increased by nearly 19% to reach 613 million USD, accounting for nearly 57% of seafood exports to this market. The top 3 markets in the bloc including the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium all increased imports of Vietnamese shrimp in the past year. In which, exports to the Netherlands increased by 10%, to Germany by 25% and to Belgium by 19%. Not only whiteleg shrimp exports but also black tiger shrimp to these markets recovered compared to the previous year. Notably, whiteleg shrimp exports to Germany increased sharply by 28%, while black tiger shrimp exports to the Netherlands increased by 54%.
Tuna exports accounted for over 13%, reaching over US$144 million, up 6.4%, of which the US imported the most frozen loin/fillet (accounting for 44%), followed by processed tuna other than canned fish. Last year, exports of other processed tuna products increased sharply by 43%, while exports of fresh tuna decreased by 18%. In the three largest markets, Italy, Germany and Spain, only Italy increased tuna imports, the other two markets decreased imports of Vietnamese tuna in the past year.
Pangasius exports to the EU continued to decline from previous years, with a negative growth rate of nearly 17% and only accounting for less than 10% of total seafood exports to this market. Exports to the top 4 markets including the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Germany all decreased (20%, 23%, 9% and 43%). The sharp increase in sea freight rates to the EU is a big obstacle for pangasius enterprises that want to export to this market.
Notably, in the past year, shellfish exports to the EU market skyrocketed 37% to $87 million, mainly because clam exports increased by 42% to $78 million. Clams have become the fourth largest seafood species with export value to the EU market. In which, clam exports to the three largest markets, Spain, Italy and Portugal, all grew by 38-44%.
(Excerpt from the Report on Vietnam's seafood exports in 2021. For more information about Vietnamese seafood products exported to markets, please contact Email: nguyentrang@vasep.com.vn)
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached US$3.7 billion in the first nine months of 2026, up 11% year on year. Although growth has been supported by China and several markets within the CPTPP, momentum is slowing as exports to the United States and the European Union decline. Tariff pressures, international competition, and raw material challenges are creating significant hurdles for exporters in the final months of the year.
(vasep.com.vn) Markets are changing faster, buyer requirements are becoming more demanding, and trade barriers are growing increasingly complex. In this environment, seafood businesses need more than an understanding of current market conditions. They need a longer-term perspective to answer a critical question: Where will growth opportunities come from in 2027–2029, and what should businesses do now to prepare? This is one of the key reasons why VASEP is organizing Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the Middle East reached US$113 million, up 7% year on year from the same period in 2025. Growth has become more pronounced in recent months. In August alone, exports to the region totaled US$20 million, an increase of 24%. This indicates that demand for Vietnamese pangasius in the Middle East is gradually recovering after a slowdown in March, although the pace of recovery varies across markets.
(vasep.com.vn) China’s shrimp imports continued to grow strongly in 2026, while Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the market also recorded notable growth. However, behind these positive figures lie two distinct trends: Chinese consumption is growing more slowly than imports, and lobster accounts for a substantial share of Vietnam’s shrimp exports to China, making its product mix significantly different from those of Ecuador and India. Exporters therefore need to assess each segment carefully to understand the opportunities and risks.
(vasep.com.vn) Changing markets, shifting buyer demand, and increasingly complex trade barriers are raising a key question for Vietnam’s seafood industry: Where will the new growth opportunities lie in 2027–2029?
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As of the end of August 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States reached $21 million, representing a steep 48% year-over-year decline and accounting for 23% of the country's total tilapia export turnover. Frozen fillets accounted for 78% with the remainder consisting of whole frozen tilapia and frozen cuts.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a volatile first half of the year, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to Brazil registered robust growth in July and August 2026. In August alone, export turnover reached $19 million, surging 73% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively for the first eight months, total export value reached $124 million, reflecting an 8% year-over-year increase.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Besides modifying their boats, many fishermen in Dak Lak province are making efforts to venture out to sea to harvest seafood during the rough sea season.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) At the Responsible Seafood Summit and TCRS Shrimp Summit 2026, organized by the GSA (Global Seafood Alliance) in Bangkok, Thailand, the conversation about the future of the shrimp industry began with one of its most important foundations: seedstock quality.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Lithuania surpassed $14 million, up 8% year on year. While the increase remains modest, it is notable given the continued pressure on Vietnamese tuna exports to the EU as a whole. More importantly, export turnover to Lithuania has shown a clearer recovery in recent months, making the market a destination worth monitoring for Vietnamese businesses in Europe.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
Chịu trách nhiệm: Ông Nguyễn Hoài Nam - Phó Tổng thư ký Hiệp hội
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