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
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of VIETFISH 2026 on August 19 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), U.S. Consul General Melissa Brown highlighted the important role of the exhibition in connecting Vietnam’s growing seafood industry with buyers, suppliers, and partners from the United States and around the world.
(vasep.com.vn) Tomorrow, August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026 will officially open at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. Taking place over three days, from August 19–21, Vietfish 2026 promises to provide a dynamic platform for business networking, trend updates, product experiences and comprehensive cooperation across the domestic and international seafood community.
(vasep.com.vn) The global tilapia market continues to grow, creating significant opportunities for countries with strengths in aquaculture, processing, and exports. Against this backdrop, Vietnam’s tilapia industry is gradually developing toward higher quality, greater product diversification, and broader market reach. At Vietfish 2026, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), together with the VASEP Tilapia Producers and Exporters Club, will host a joint booth to promote the image and potential of Vietnamese tilapia to domestic and international buyers.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports are heading towards $12 billion this year, potentially the highest level on record. Yet one of the country’s export strengths is facing a growing list of challenges.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The first six months of 2026 indicate that Vietnam’s tilapia industry is entering a new phase of development, with strong export growth but also greater demands for production scale, quality and international competitiveness.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietfish 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition, will officially take place from 19–21 August 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City. As Vietnam’s largest annual seafood trade event, organized by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietfish 2026 will once again bring together leading seafood companies, industry experts, and international partners from across the global seafood value chain.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports reached USD 1.1 billion in July 2026, up 4.8% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulative exports in the first seven months of the year totaled nearly USD 6.86 billion, an increase of 11.5% year-on-year. Exceeding the USD 1 billion mark in July further reinforces the prospect that Vietnam’s seafood exports could surpass USD 12 billion in 2026. However, the July figures also send a clear signal that the most favorable growth period may have passed: overall export growth slowed to just 4.8%, pangasius exports fell 6.1%, tuna exports were virtually flat, while exports to the EU, South Korea, and the Middle East all recorded double-digit declines.
(vasep.com.vn) As part of the Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition (Vietfish 2026), the seminar "Global Seafood Market and the Future Workforce: Trends, Opportunities, and Sustainable Development Pathways for Vietnam's Seafood Industry" will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. on August 19, 2026, at Convention Room B, Level 2, SECC, Ho Chi Minh City. This is the first of five specialized seminars at Vietfish 2026, focusing on key issues that are shaping the long-term development of Vietnam's seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnamese seafood exports recorded impressive growth, generating nearly 6 billion USD in revenue during the first six months of the year, up 13% compared with the same period last year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Fishermen in Ha Tinh are gradually overcoming difficulties to maintain the efficiency of seafood exploitation. In the first six months of 2026, the entire province achieved a production of more than 23,000 tons of seafood, worth more than 1,200 billion VND.
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