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) 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.
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
