In July, exports of all key products showed strong growth. Specifically, shrimp exports increased by 11%, which is also the highest growth rate in the first 7 months of the year. Shrimp exports to China and the EU increased by 24% and 32%, while exports to the US increased by 9%, to Japan increased by 4%, and South Korea decreased by 21%.
As of the end of July 2024, cumulative shrimp exports reached nearly $2 billion, up 7% compared to the same period last year. White-leg shrimp sales reached $1.45 billion, up 4%, while black tiger shrimp reached $246 million, down 10%. Lobster exports alone increased by nearly 3 times, reaching $145 million.
Pangasius exports showed more positive signs with a 23% increase in July. Exports to all major markets grew in double digits, from 20-40%, except for the EU market which grew slightly by 5%. The cumulative pangasius exports in the first 7 months of 2024 reached nearly $1.09 billion, up 7.7% compared to the same period last year. China remains the number one target market for Vietnamese pangasius, with a value of $317 million, down 2.3% compared to last year. This market mainly consumes pangasius of large size > 1.2 kg/pc in the form of either whole fish or fillet products. In addition, this is also a potential market for the by-product which is pangasius swim bladders. In the first 7 months of this year, the country's pangasius maw exports reached approximately $50 million, of which $40 million was exported to the Chinese market, accounting for 80%.
After continuously growing in double digits, from 16 to 32%, tuna export growths in July have slowed down, with only a 9% increase m-o-m. In the first 7 months of the year, the cumulative tuna exports reached $555 million, up 21% compared to the same period last year. The two main tuna export products are canned/pouched tuna and frozen tuna loin/fillet (also the raw material for canned tuna production).
In addition to tuna, other seafood products like cephalopods and other marine fish are also experiencing a shortage of raw materials for export. Exports of other marine fish species (excluding tuna) have also decreased by more than 4% in the first 7 months of this year. Meanwhile, cephalopod exports are only on par with the same period in 2023, reaching around $351 million.
The top 4 main markets showing clear signs of a demand recovery in July are: China & Hong Kong up 30%, the US up 14%, Japan up 11%, and the EU up 14%. Cumulatively in the first 7 months of the year, seafood exports to the US and China-Hong Kong both increased by 10% and accounted for an equivalent share, making up nearly 18% of Vietnam's total seafood exports, reaching over $930 million. Exports to the EU also increased by 10%, reaching over $600 million. Only exports to South Korea saw a slight 1% increase, reaching $426 million.
Looking at the frozen product segment, the US and EU will be the two expected markets in the second half of the year, given positive signs like economic recovery, declining inflation, and lower interest rates that could boost demand in these markets. Meanwhile, frozen exports to China have not yet seen a breakthrough, with relatively low prices. In contrast, China is the number one destination for Vietnam's fresh and live seafood products, serving the restaurant, hotel, and tourism segments. Therefore, Vietnam's fresh and live products such as lobster, crab, clam, and snail will continue to attract Chinese customers in the coming time.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Fishermen in Ha Tinh are gradually overcoming difficulties to maintain the efficiency of seafood exploitation. In the first six months of 2026, the entire province achieved a production of more than 23,000 tons of seafood, worth more than 1,200 billion VND.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) June 2026 brought encouraging signs for Vietnam's tuna exports, with export value rising 20% year-on-year to nearly USD 72 million. However, this increase has yet to offset the prolonged slowdown seen in key markets such as the European Union (EU), where import demand remains weak. The outlook for the second half of the year is expected to become more challenging as freight rates continue to climb.
(vasep.com.vn) As part of the Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition (Vietfish 2026), the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), in collaboration with the Agency for Domestic Market Management and Development under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, will organize the Domestic Seafood Supply–Demand Matching Program on the morning of August 20, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City. The program aims to foster direct business connections between Vietnamese seafood producers and processors and domestic distributors, retailers, and foodservice channels.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The Cooking Show will be one of the most engaging experiential highlights of Vietfish 2026. Taking place over three days, from August 19–21, 2026, at Hall B1, SECC, Ho Chi Minh City, the event will offer visitors a vibrant culinary space where Vietnamese seafood is showcased through its flavors, stories, and real-life culinary applications.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam's pangasius exports reached USD 205 million in June 2026, up 5% compared with the same month in 2025. Cumulative export value for the first six months of the year totaled USD 1.1 billion, an increase of 12% year-on-year. Growth was primarily driven by strong demand from China and CPTPP markets, while exports to the United States and Brazil continued to decline.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first six months of 2026, Ha Tinh province continued to implement comprehensive solutions to combat IUU fishing; strictly manage the fishing fleet, control fishing vessels entering and leaving ports, operate vessel tracking devices, trace the origin of seafood, and severely punish violations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam's tilapia exports reached USD 7 million in June 2026, down 32% compared with the same month in 2025. Nevertheless, thanks to strong growth in the first five months of the year, cumulative tilapia exports in the first half of 2026 totaled USD 69 million, up 67% year on year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Sa Giang Import-Export Joint Stock Company, a member of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), has been honored with the "Famous Brand - Competitive Vietnamese Brand 2026" certification at an award ceremony organized by the Vietnam Intellectual Property Association (VIPA).
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) China imported nearly $1.4 billion worth of Vietnamese seafood in the first half of the year, a 40% increase compared to the same period last year, surpassing the US to become the largest export market for the industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As part of Vietfish 2026, the International Seafood Hosted Buyer Program has been designed as a dedicated B2B matchmaking initiative for selected international buyers. The program provides opportunities to meet directly with Vietnamese seafood companies, gain market insights, and experience Vietnam's seafood supply chain firsthand.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
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