Exports of main seafood items reported two-digit growth (13-42 percent), except for tuna exports (down 12.5 percent). Amid lack of global supply of raw material caused by Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS), Vietnam’s shrimp sales reported the sharpest growth and took the largest proportion thanks to rise in shrimp production and raw shrimp imports
Shrimp
Shrimp reported the highest export growth rate of 42 percent and reached US$2.9 billion in its sales, occupying the highest proportion of 50.6 percent in Vietnam’s total seafood exports.
while black tiger sales were US$1.3 billion, rising 10 percent and making up 35 percent.
Shrimp exports to main markets showed robust growth: to the U.S. (up 51 percent), EU (up 88 percent), Japan (up 7 percent), China (up 28 percent)
Pangasius
Pangasius exports reached US$1.3 billion, up 0.2 percent and making up 22 percent of total seafood exports.
Fish exports to two main markets (EU and the U.S.) downed 8.4 percent and 16.7 percent, respectively. Exports to other markets reported positive growth. Fish exports to the U.S. started to recover in September with rise in average export price.
Cephalopod
Cephalopod exports soared 13 percent to US$351 million, accounting for 7.1 percent of the total fish exports. In which squid exports reached US$205 million, making up 58.5 percent and octopus sales were US$146 million, making up 41.5 percent.
Shipment to main markets hiked: South Korea up 31.5 percent, EU up 15 percent, ASEAN up 25 percent, except for Japan down 5.4 percent. The surge is thanks to rising demand from import markets.
Tuna
Tuna exports achieved US$363 million, down 12.5 percent year on year.Sales of frozen tuna (HS code 03) hit US$194 million, representing 53 percent while exports of canned, processed tuna (HS code 16) touched US$169 million, representing 47 percent.
There have been no improvement in quality of post-harvest tuna, lowering export volume of high-quality tuna (fresh tuna for sashimi processing)
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(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is facing new opportunities to expand its development space as many localities and businesses begin promoting marine farming models aimed at diversifying farming areas and adapting to climate change. However, for pangasius to truly “go offshore” and develop into a large-scale industry segment, significant challenges related to technology, broodstock, and markets still need to be addressed.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports in April 2026 reached USD 11 million, up 92% compared to the same period in 2025. This strong growth indicates that Vietnamese tilapia products are continuing to penetrate and expand rapidly in international markets. Cumulative export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 49 million, up 151% year-on-year.
(seafood.vasep.com) At VietShrimp Asia 2026, disease management trends in shrimp farming are shifting strongly from treatment-based approaches toward proactive prevention through environmental and pond ecosystem control.
(vasep.com.vn) After a period of strong growth, with export turnover reaching USD 38 million in Q1/2026 — up 174% year-on-year — the sector’s rapid expansion clearly reflects growing market opportunities.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the ASEAN bloc reached USD 44 million, up 7% compared to the same period in 2025. After falling to the lowest level of the quarter at USD 9 million in February — reflecting the seasonal slowdown in orders after the festive period — exports recovered strongly to USD 18 million in March, the highest monthly value of the quarter. This development shows that import demand for pangasius in ASEAN remains relatively stable despite short-term fluctuations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On May 11, 2026, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced a positive comparability finding for Vietnam’s swimming crab fisheries, along with those of Indonesia and Sri Lanka, under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). With this decision, seafood and seafood products harvested from Vietnam’s swimming crab fisheries will continue to be eligible for import into the US market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a slowdown in 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Germany showed more positive signs in the first quarter of 2026. However, the recovery remains uncertain as consumer demand in Germany is still cautious, while market competition is increasingly driven by pricing and supply stability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a sharp decline in 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Israel are showing positive signs of recovery in the early months of 2026. According to Vietnam Customs data, export turnover to this market grew steadily month by month in Q1/2026, reaching nearly USD 10 million, up 33% compared to the same period in 2025. However, compared to Q1/2024, this level remains significantly lower, indicating that the recovery is still in its early stage following last year’s strong adjustment.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Entering 2026, the U.S. whitefish market has shown complex developments as global cod supply continues to tighten, while the U.S. trade environment becomes less stable. In this context, the U.S. market has had to become more flexible in sourcing alternative whitefish. However, relying heavily on Alaska pollock is not a long-term solution, as it is a strictly managed fishery with quotas and sustainability regulations, limiting any rapid increase in output to offset cod shortages.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Aquaculture, capture fisheries, and seed production activities in Lam Dong in the early months of 2026 continued to show positive signs, with both output and farming area slightly increasing compared to the same period, contributing to maintaining overall industry stability.
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