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%.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached US$3.7 billion in the first nine months of 2026, up 11% year on year. Although growth has been supported by China and several markets within the CPTPP, momentum is slowing as exports to the United States and the European Union decline. Tariff pressures, international competition, and raw material challenges are creating significant hurdles for exporters in the final months of the year.
(vasep.com.vn) Markets are changing faster, buyer requirements are becoming more demanding, and trade barriers are growing increasingly complex. In this environment, seafood businesses need more than an understanding of current market conditions. They need a longer-term perspective to answer a critical question: Where will growth opportunities come from in 2027–2029, and what should businesses do now to prepare? This is one of the key reasons why VASEP is organizing Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the Middle East reached US$113 million, up 7% year on year from the same period in 2025. Growth has become more pronounced in recent months. In August alone, exports to the region totaled US$20 million, an increase of 24%. This indicates that demand for Vietnamese pangasius in the Middle East is gradually recovering after a slowdown in March, although the pace of recovery varies across markets.
(vasep.com.vn) China’s shrimp imports continued to grow strongly in 2026, while Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the market also recorded notable growth. However, behind these positive figures lie two distinct trends: Chinese consumption is growing more slowly than imports, and lobster accounts for a substantial share of Vietnam’s shrimp exports to China, making its product mix significantly different from those of Ecuador and India. Exporters therefore need to assess each segment carefully to understand the opportunities and risks.
(vasep.com.vn) Changing markets, shifting buyer demand, and increasingly complex trade barriers are raising a key question for Vietnam’s seafood industry: Where will the new growth opportunities lie in 2027–2029?
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As of the end of August 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States reached $21 million, representing a steep 48% year-over-year decline and accounting for 23% of the country's total tilapia export turnover. Frozen fillets accounted for 78% with the remainder consisting of whole frozen tilapia and frozen cuts.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a volatile first half of the year, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to Brazil registered robust growth in July and August 2026. In August alone, export turnover reached $19 million, surging 73% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively for the first eight months, total export value reached $124 million, reflecting an 8% year-over-year increase.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Besides modifying their boats, many fishermen in Dak Lak province are making efforts to venture out to sea to harvest seafood during the rough sea season.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) At the Responsible Seafood Summit and TCRS Shrimp Summit 2026, organized by the GSA (Global Seafood Alliance) in Bangkok, Thailand, the conversation about the future of the shrimp industry began with one of its most important foundations: seedstock quality.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Lithuania surpassed $14 million, up 8% year on year. While the increase remains modest, it is notable given the continued pressure on Vietnamese tuna exports to the EU as a whole. More importantly, export turnover to Lithuania has shown a clearer recovery in recent months, making the market a destination worth monitoring for Vietnamese businesses in Europe.
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