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) Vietnam’s tuna exports to the UK have shown positive signs in the first months of 2026. While the UK’s overall tuna imports from the world declined, imports from Vietnam increased strongly, indicating that there is still room for Vietnam to expand its market share. However, behind this growth, competitive pressure remains intense, especially as the UK continues to be a major market for established suppliers such as Ecuador, Mauritius, and Ghana.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Biofloc technology is being piloted in several rice–shrimp farming models in Ca Mau Province, showing initial positive results in controlling pond environments, improving shrimp seed quality, and supporting sustainable aquaculture development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first four months of 2026, Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia together contributed USD 108 million to Vietnam’s pangasius exports, accounting for around 15% of the industry’s total export turnover. Amid tightening global whitefish supply and slowing demand in several traditional markets, Latin America is increasingly becoming an important expansion destination for the sector.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Alongside the development of high-tech shrimp farming, Ha Tinh Province is accelerating the cultivation of high-value freshwater aquatic species, with red tilapia emerging as an effective and sustainable farming model.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 81 million in April 2026, down 6% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of the year, export turnover totaled USD 289 million, down 4.8%. Although the overall export picture has yet to brighten significantly, market trends are becoming increasingly diversified rather than moving in a single direction.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is undergoing strong restructuring starting from the broodstock and fingerling segment in order to improve productivity, quality, and export competitiveness. This is considered a critical foundation for the sustainable development of the industry amid rising production costs and increasingly stringent market requirements.
(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.
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