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) As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, the global food market is facing increasing volatility in logistics costs, energy prices, and supply chains. In the seafood sector, alongside ocean-caught products such as tuna, the surimi-based product group—including fish cakes, crab sticks, fish balls, and other imitation seafood products—has also been affected to some extent by these developments.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to the 2026 brackish-water shrimp farming calendar issued by the Da Nang Department of Agriculture and Environment, the 2026 crop started in early January and is expected to harvest in late June. However, stocking progress has been slower than planned as farmers remain cautious, focusing on pond renovation and production preparations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After the Lunar New Year of Binh Ngo 2026, commercial clam prices in Ha Tinh province surged sharply, nearly doubling compared to normal levels and standing about 20–30% higher than the same period last year. The spike has encouraged many aquaculture households to accelerate harvesting and sell large volumes to the market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In January 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 379.6 million, up 22% compared to the same period in 2025. The double-digit growth in the very first month of the year signals a relatively positive recovery in orders, particularly in Asian markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) From the very beginning of 2026, India’s shrimp industry has received a series of favorable trade signals: U.S. reciprocal tariffs have been reduced, while the successful conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU has opened prospects for eliminating nearly all seafood tariffs in the coming years. This shift not only enables Indian shrimp to quickly offset declines in the U.S. market, but also reshapes the global competitive landscape, placing greater pressure on Vietnamese shrimp exporters in terms of price, market share, and strategic positioning.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Entering 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is recording many positive signals, both in terms of raw fish prices and export prospects. Export turnover this year is projected to reach approximately USD 2.3 billion. Amid ongoing volatility in the global market, diversifying export destinations, reducing dependence on major markets, and effectively leveraging free trade agreements (FTAs) are considered key to maintaining sustainable growth and creating new momentum for the pangasius sector.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With forecasts indicating that weather conditions in 2026 may become more complex—featuring prolonged heatwaves, unseasonal rains, and increased salinity intrusion—the agricultural sector of Can Tho City advises brackish water shrimp farmers to strictly follow the seasonal farming calendar and strengthen pond environmental management to minimize risks and improve production efficiency.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On February 4, a working delegation led by the Authority of Telecommunications (Ministry of Science and Technology) met with the Management Board of Cat Lo Fishing Port (Phuoc Thang Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) to comprehensively review the installation of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), assess signal connectivity, and evaluate the effectiveness of information technology applications in fisheries management across the city.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 marked a significant milestone for China’s lobster market, with total imports reaching a record high and the supply structure undergoing major changes. Amid this surge, Vietnam’s lobster exports—especially green lobster—accelerated dramatically, reaching new highs and contributing substantially to Vietnam’s overall record shrimp export value.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With a range of synchronized solutions, from institutional improvements and strengthened communication to strict fleet control, Quang Ninh is stepping up efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, determined to join the country in soon having the European Commission’s (EC) “yellow card” lifted.
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