In general, compared to the same period in 2020, exports of all product groups increased, except for crab and other crustacean products, which decreased by 3%. Specifically, tuna exports increased by 15%, squid and octopus exports by 10%, and bivalve molluscs by 40%.
Exports of marine fish products all grew
The export value of marine fish products still accounts for a significant proportion: 76% of the total seafood exports, with tuna alone accounting for 22%. Compared to the same period in 2020, the export value of marine fish products increased. However, the growth rate has slowed. Specifically, the export of fish cakes and surimi reached $122 million, up 31%, accounting for 12% of the total seafood export value. Export of dried fish (except tuna) increased by 38%, reaching nearly 64%, accounting for 6% of total seafood exports.
Excluding tuna, the top 5 largest marine fish import markets of Vietnam include CPTPP (accounting for 43%), the US (accounting for 11%), China (for 10%), Korea (for 9%) and EU (for 3%). Over the same period, the export value of other marine fish products of Vietnam to these markets has mostly increased, with the CPTPP up 8%, the US by 40%, China by 17%, the Republic of Korea by 5% and the US by 40%, to EU raised 18%.
Mollusk exports to the EU increased sharply
According to statistics of Vietnam Customs, the export value of Vietnam's mollusk products group continued to increase in April. Accumulated in the first 4 months of 2021, Vietnam's mollusk export value reached 204 million USD, accounting for 20% of total seafood exports, up 15% over the same period in 2020.
In which, cephalopods accounted for 16% and bivalve molluscs accounted for 4% of total seafood exports. Compared to the same period in 2020, exports of these two product lines increased by 10% and 40% respectively.
Particularly for the cephalopod group, the export value of cephalopod is at the same level. Compared to the same period, octopus exports tend to grow faster. Among the cephalopod product lines, only dried, grilled squid and fresh/frozen/ dried/salted octopus products increased year-on-year by 20% and 24%, respectively.
The top 4 import markets of Vietnam's cephalopods include Korea, CPTPP, Thailand and the EU. In April, exports to all four markets had growths. In particular, exports to the EU are growing at a triple-digit rate of 115%. Exports in April to all three largest single markets in the EU are also experiencing outstanding growth, with Italy increasing by 234%, Portugal by 721% and the Netherlands by 207%.
(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.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp industry is entering a period of strong transformation with the emergence of various high-tech farming models, helping improve productivity and competitiveness. Over the past 5–10 years, farming practices have shifted from traditional methods to intensive and super-intensive systems, featuring lined ponds, environmental sensors, automated feeding, and data management.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With a focus on sustainable development, high-tech application, and climate change adaptation, An Giang Province aims to maintain its brackish water shrimp production in 2026 at a level equivalent to the previous year. Specifically, output is projected to reach over 155,510 tons, serving both domestic consumption and export processing, thereby sustaining the fisheries sector’s key role in the local economic structure.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the Mekong Delta, key pangasius farming provinces such as An Giang, Dong Thap, and Can Tho are accelerating the transition toward a circular economy model, contributing to higher product value and reduced environmental impact. Instead of focusing solely on farming and processing, the pangasius value chain is increasingly utilizing by-products and waste streams to generate added value.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s scallop exports are entering a phase of impressive growth, as the global market undergoes significant restructuring. In 2025, scallop export value reached nearly USD 66 million, up 49% from USD 44 million in 2024. This upward momentum has continued and accelerated into early 2026, with exports totaling USD 18.1 million in the first two months alone—an increase of 166% year-on-year. This represents an exceptionally high growth rate, reflecting the rapid expansion of a relatively new product segment within Vietnam’s mollusk export portfolio.
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