The complicated situation of the Covid-19 in the import markets affects the consumption of seafood in the restaurant and food service segments; The exploitation of domestic raw materials was also significantly affected.
Marine fish exports (under HS codes from 0301 to 0305 and 1604, excluding tuna and pangasius) in the first 9 months of 2020 reached US$1.2 billion, up 21% over the same period in 2019. Japan, ASEAN, China were the three largest import markets for Vietnamese marine fish.
Exports of fish cakes and surimi (including products made from tuna, pangasius) of Vietnam in the first 9 months of this year reached over US$228.7 million, down 6% compared to the same period in 2019. ASEAN, China and Japan were the three largest import markets for this item of Vietnam. Exports to China lifted by 25% while exports to ASEAN and Japan declined by 6% and 22% respectively.
Export of crabs and other crustaceans (HS codes 03 and 16) of Vietnam in the first 9 months of this year reached US$126.9 million, up nearly 26% over the same period in 2019. China, Japan and the US were the three largest import markets for crab and other crustaceans of Vietnam. Export of this item to China grew at the best rate of nearly 365%; Exports to Japan and the US sank by 5% and 26% respectively.
Export of bivalve mollusks in the first 9 months of this year elevated by 4% to nearly 71.5 million USD, this item tended to increase after declining continuously in the first 2 quarters of the year. The EU, Japan and the US were the three largest import markets for this item of Vietnam. Exports of this item to Japan surged the best at 14%, exports to the EU rose by 1% and exports to the US declined by 3% over the same period in 2019.
There are positive signs such as market demand inching up for canned, frozen, chilled and smoked seafood with longer shelf life. E-transactions, online retailing still compensate for the decline in market demand. The EVFTA Agreement has come into effect, also supporting other Vietnam's seafood exports in the last months of the year. Therefore, Vietnam's seafood exports in the last months of the year are expected to increase slightly, although still affected by the Covid-19 epidemic in major importers.
(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.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Brazil remains one of the key markets for Vietnamese pangasius in South America. However, exports to the market showed signs of slowing in the first half of 2026, while frozen pangasius fillets continued to account for the overwhelming majority of exports.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
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