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.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached US$3.7 billion in the first nine months of 2026, up 11% year on year. Although growth has been supported by China and several markets within the CPTPP, momentum is slowing as exports to the United States and the European Union decline. Tariff pressures, international competition, and raw material challenges are creating significant hurdles for exporters in the final months of the year.
(vasep.com.vn) Markets are changing faster, buyer requirements are becoming more demanding, and trade barriers are growing increasingly complex. In this environment, seafood businesses need more than an understanding of current market conditions. They need a longer-term perspective to answer a critical question: Where will growth opportunities come from in 2027–2029, and what should businesses do now to prepare? This is one of the key reasons why VASEP is organizing Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the Middle East reached US$113 million, up 7% year on year from the same period in 2025. Growth has become more pronounced in recent months. In August alone, exports to the region totaled US$20 million, an increase of 24%. This indicates that demand for Vietnamese pangasius in the Middle East is gradually recovering after a slowdown in March, although the pace of recovery varies across markets.
(vasep.com.vn) China’s shrimp imports continued to grow strongly in 2026, while Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the market also recorded notable growth. However, behind these positive figures lie two distinct trends: Chinese consumption is growing more slowly than imports, and lobster accounts for a substantial share of Vietnam’s shrimp exports to China, making its product mix significantly different from those of Ecuador and India. Exporters therefore need to assess each segment carefully to understand the opportunities and risks.
(vasep.com.vn) Changing markets, shifting buyer demand, and increasingly complex trade barriers are raising a key question for Vietnam’s seafood industry: Where will the new growth opportunities lie in 2027–2029?
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As of the end of August 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States reached $21 million, representing a steep 48% year-over-year decline and accounting for 23% of the country's total tilapia export turnover. Frozen fillets accounted for 78% with the remainder consisting of whole frozen tilapia and frozen cuts.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a volatile first half of the year, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to Brazil registered robust growth in July and August 2026. In August alone, export turnover reached $19 million, surging 73% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively for the first eight months, total export value reached $124 million, reflecting an 8% year-over-year increase.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Besides modifying their boats, many fishermen in Dak Lak province are making efforts to venture out to sea to harvest seafood during the rough sea season.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) At the Responsible Seafood Summit and TCRS Shrimp Summit 2026, organized by the GSA (Global Seafood Alliance) in Bangkok, Thailand, the conversation about the future of the shrimp industry began with one of its most important foundations: seedstock quality.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Lithuania surpassed $14 million, up 8% year on year. While the increase remains modest, it is notable given the continued pressure on Vietnamese tuna exports to the EU as a whole. More importantly, export turnover to Lithuania has shown a clearer recovery in recent months, making the market a destination worth monitoring for Vietnamese businesses in Europe.
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