Clams have the largest export turnover, reaching nearly 79 million USD, down 17% compared to 2022, as exports to the two main markets, Spain and Italy fell deeply by 15% and 36% respectively. Frozen steamed clams HS code 16055600 was the main export product with an export value of 72 million USD and its 3 main markets: Italy, Spain and Portugal, accounting for 66%. Among these top 3 markets, only Portugal had a 10% increase in Vietnam’s clam imports. In particular, regarding frozen steamed clams in the EU, Vietnamese products always rank first, holding a dominant market share of 40-80% in main markets.
The US is Vietnam's 4th largest clam export market, but last year, clam exports to the US decreased by 16%. In this market, China's frozen steamed clam products account for 50%, and the average export price is often 20-40% lower than Vietnamese products, so Vietnamese clams face more competition in the US.
Oysters had a breakthrough in export growth in 2023, up 56%, reaching over 14 million USD, mainly fresh and chilled oysters. In particular, the Taiwan market alone consumes over 77% of Vietnam's oyster, worth nearly 11 million USD, up 26% compared to 2022. In addition, Vietnam also exports fresh chilled oysters to Lao, Cambodia, Japan…
Regarding snails, Vietnam mainly exports frozen apple snails, spotted babylon snails, in addition to wool snails, Indian volute and others. In 2023, exported snail products reached nearly 16 million USD, down 6%. The main consumption markets include Japan, the US, China, and Korea. Exports to most markets decreased compared to 2022, except for Korea, which increased by 47% with apple snails and sea snails as the main products.
In 2023, beside the 4 largest imports markets of Vietnamese clams, China and Cambodia also saw breakthrough. Exports to China increase 34 times and to Cambodia nearly 16 times compared to 2022. These two countries import mainly live undulating venus from Vietnam, in addition to live spotted babylon snails and oysters.
Bivalve is a popular commodity for the developing HORECA industry. In 2023, demand for bivalve mollusks recovered, especially in the summer, the number of tourists, mostly in the EU, increased, therefore consumption in restaurants increased. However, because supply in 2023 also increased (mussels, oysters, scallops...), prices decreased. The supply and prices of other bivalve molluscs also had a competitive impact on Vietnam's exported clam, so price of clams also decreased, causing the export value to drop.
China is the main exporter of clams, while Japan and South Korea are the main importers. In the first half of 2023, these countries all reduced clam trading volume. China reduced exports by 5% to 57,000 tons. Japan also experienced a 5% decrease in imports to 20,000 tons. Korea's clam imports decreased by 500 tons in the first 6 months of the year but are still the main importing country (Source: FAO).
Inflation continues to impact demand and due to the general economic situation, consumers may limit their consumption of expensive foods, which will lead to reduced demand for oysters and other bivalves.
(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.
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