The forecasted positive growth for cephalopod exports in 2023 is based on the stable demand from the Korean and Japanese markets. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has not ended, which will continue to reduce the domestic production of Korea and Japan as well as the output of the main suppliers for these two markets such as Morocco and Peru in 2023.
Circular 06/2022 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development removing quarantine for frozen seafood imported for processing and exporting will continue to help cephalopod enterprises to diversify their raw material sources in 2023. Vietnam's instant, convenient, and affordable cephalopod products will continue to be popular in the context of world consumers still having to deal with inflation and a stagnant economy in 2023.
The forecasted positive growth for cephalopod exports in 2023 is based on the stable demand from the Korean and Japanese markets
However, the growth rate of cephalopod exports in 2023 can not be as high as in 2022 (with an increase of 25%) because enterprises continue to face challenges in terms of raw materials and rising input costs, the Russia-Ukraine conflict disturbing global trade, high gasoline prices, unremoved IUU yellow card and global inflation.
Looking back at exports in 2022
Vietnam's cephalopod exports in 2022 reached nearly 763 million USD, up 25% compared to 2021. The increase in export value of cephalopod in 2022 was influenced by factors such as increased transportation costs and exchange rate fluctuations.
In 2022, cephalopod exporters face many difficulties such as limited raw materials, high input costs, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the unremoved IUU yellow card, high inflation, increasing the cost of living in the main import markets.
However, cephalopods are one of the essential food items, so the import demand is not much fluctuating. From July 28, 2022, according to Circular 06/2022/TT-BNNPTNT of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, aquatic animal products imported as raw materials for export processing or production are exempt from quarantine. Therefore, Vietnam's exports of cephalopods in 2022 still maintained a positive growth momentum of 25%.
In 2022, exports of cephalopods to major markets all increased
In the structure of exported cephalopod products, squid accounted for 55.9%, octopus accounted for 44.1%. In 2022, squid export value increased by 35%; octopus increased by 15% compared to 2021.
The export value of all squid products increased. In which, dried/baked squid and live/fresh/frozen squid increased by 28% and 38% respectively. Notably, the export value of processed squid increased the most by 73% compared to 2021.
Import demand for processed cephalopod products tended to increase sharply. Consumer favored cephalopod products that were reasonably priced, easy to process, had a long shelf life, and suitable for processing and consumption at home such as: dried squid, dried octopus, frozen octopus.
Vietnam exported cephalopod products to 63 markets in 2022. Top 10 largest single markets importing cephalopods from Vietnam included Korea, Japan, China, Thailand, Italy, USA, Malaysia, Israel, Spain, Taiwan and account for 92% of total cephalopod exports.
In 2022, exports of cephalopods to major markets all increased. In the structure of Vietnam's main export markets for cephalopods in 2022, the proportion of CPTPP, China and EU markets increased while the proportion of Korea and Thailand decreased. Japan and China were still the leading squid import markets while South Korea and Japan were the two largest octopus importers.
Compiled by Thuy Linh
(seafoo.vasep.com.vn) Ca Mau Province is stepping up efforts to protect aquatic resources and promote transparent and sustainable fisheries, joining the country’s efforts to have the European Commission (EC) remove its “yellow card” warning for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
(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.
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
Đơn vị vận hành trang tin điện tử: Trung tâm VASEP.PRO
Trưởng Ban Biên tập: Bà Phùng Thị Kim Thu
Giấy phép hoạt động Trang thông tin điện tử tổng hợp số 138/GP-TTĐT, ngày 01/10/2013 của Bộ Thông tin và Truyền thông
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 – (ext.203); email: kimthu@vasep.com.vn
Trụ sở: Số 7 đường Nguyễn Quý Cảnh, Phường An Phú, Quận 2, Tp.Hồ Chí Minh
Tel: (+84) 28.628.10430 - Fax: (+84) 28.628.10437 - Email: vasephcm@vasep.com.vn
VPĐD: số 10, Nguyễn Công Hoan, Ngọc Khánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 - Fax: (+84 24) 37715084 - Email: vasephn@vasep.com.vn
