Cephalopod exports in the third quarter of 2022 recorded high growth in all three months of the quarter, especially in August, which recorded a strong growth of 82%. At the same time last year, many processing and exporting enterprises were affected by restrictions to prevent the Covid-19 pandemic. The high export value of cephalopod this year is also influenced by factors such as rising shipping prices plus exchange rate fluctuations.
In the structure of exported cephalopod products, squid and cuttlefish accounted for 56.4%, octopus accounted for 43.6%. In the first 9 months of 2022, the export value of squid and cuttlefish increased by 49% while octopus increased by 24% compared to the same period in 2021.
The export value of squid products all increased, in which dried/baked squid and live/fresh/frozen squid increased by 44% and 47% respectively. Notably, the export value of processed squid increased the most by 89% over the same period last year. Export value of processed octopus and live/fresh/frozen octopus increased by 43% and 21% respectively.
Import demand for processed cephalopod products tends to increase sharply. The Covid pandemic has not ended, so it still has an impact on the demand for cephalopods. Accordingly, the demand is still in favor of cephalopod products that are affordable, easy to process, have a long shelf life, and are suitable for home processing and consumption such as: dried squid, dried octopus, frozen octopus, etc.
In the first 9 months of 2022, Vietnam's cephalopod products were exported to 61 markets, an increase compared to 59 markets over the same period last year. In the first 9 months of 2022, exports of cephalopods to major markets increased. In the structure of Vietnam's main export markets for cephalopods, the proportion of CPTPP, China and EU markets increased while the proportion of Korea and Thailand decreased. Japan and China are still the leading squid import markets while South Korea and Japan are the two largest octopus import markets of Vietnam.
Korea is still the largest import market of Vietnam's cephalopods, accounting for 36% of the total export value. Accumulated in the first 9 months of 2022, exports of cephalopods to this market reached over 197 million USD, up 19% over the same period.
Korea mainly imports from Vietnam frozen cut octopus, frozen whole octopus, frozen cut octopus, frozen processed octopus, peeled dried squid, frozen processed squid, frozen sushi squid, frozen cleaned cuttlefish fillet, frozen cleaned whole cuttlefish, frozen pineapple-cut squid, frozen baby squid.
In the first 9 months of 2022, cephalopod exporters faced many difficulties in terms of raw materials and high input costs for production. The Russia-Ukraine conflict disturbs global trade, high gasoline prices make the cost of fishing trips difficult for fishermen, many ships cannot sail. Besides, the IUU yellow card that has not been removed is still a challenge for Vietnam’s cephalopod exports. High inflation, commodity prices and soaring cost of living in the main import markets also have negative impacts on Vietnam's cephalopod exports.
Compiled by Thuy Linh
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, pangasius exports in April 2026 reached USD 206 million, up 18% compared to the same period in 2025 — marking another consecutive month of double-digit growth since the beginning of the year. Cumulative pangasius export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 720 million, up 17% year-on-year, reflecting the positive growth momentum of this key export product.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 maintained positive growth momentum, reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, behind this result lies diverging trends across markets, as the global shrimp industry continues to face pressure from inflation, high inventories, price competition, and increasing trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Vinh Tuy commune (Kien Giang Province), many shrimp farmers are adopting bottom aeration systems and reporting clear economic benefits, helping increase income and reduce production risks.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of crabs and other crustaceans reached more than USD 93 million, up 23% compared to the same period last year. The result shows that the sector is experiencing a fairly positive recovery, especially in its two key product groups: crabs and swimming crabs. However, behind the growth figures are several concerns: export markets remain highly concentrated, raw material supply is unstable, and trade barriers from the US and EU are becoming increasingly stringent.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Ca Mau province, many farmers are transitioning from traditional methods to high-tech shrimp farming, adopting recirculating systems with minimal water exchange to improve efficiency and reduce risks. In Hung My commune alone, there are about 260 super-intensive shrimp farming households covering more than 265 hectares, playing a key role in local economic development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cake and surimi reached USD 63 million, down 5% compared to the same period last year. Although total export value declined slightly due to decreases in some key markets, many other destinations continued to post strong growth, opening up room for this convenience-oriented processed segment in the coming quarters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Favorable weather conditions in the early months of 2026 have brought encouraging signs for fisheries activities in Quang Tri. Output has grown steadily, contributing to improved livelihoods for local residents.
Entering 2026, Vietnam’s seafood industry is facing a period of both high expectations and mounting pressures. Following the positive recovery in 2025, production and export activities in Q1/2026 demonstrated the strong adaptability of Vietnam’s seafood business community amid continued global trade volatility, intensifying international competition, and increasingly stringent compliance requirements in import markets.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 1.069 billion, up 17.5% compared to the same period in 2025. This is a positive result amid an uneven global shrimp market recovery, intensifying competition among major suppliers, and continued volatility in the international trade environment. However, this growth does not reflect a broad-based recovery across the entire sector, but rather is driven mainly by strong performance in a few markets and specific product segments—most notably lobster exports to China.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports continued to decline in March 2026. Cumulatively, in the first three months of the year, export value reached USD 208 million, down 4% compared to the same period in 2025. The export landscape shows clear divergence across markets: while the U.S. and EU remain challenging, markets such as Russia, the Middle East, Egypt, the Philippines, and Mexico have emerged as growth bright spots.
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