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.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first nine months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the EU reached approximately $148 million, up 12% compared to the same period in 2025. In September 2026 alone, export turnover to this market hit $18 million, a 27% year-on-year increase. Despite diverging demand across member states, the EU remains a market with growth potential for Vietnamese pangasius, particularly as supplies of several traditional whitefish species face mounting pressure.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports to the US are showing a clear recovery after a difficult start to the year. However, the rebound is taking place against a backdrop of declining US tuna imports and a shifting supply structure, posing new challenges for Vietnamese businesses.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first nine months of 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports to Japan reached US$440.9 million, up 6.4% year on year. This result is noteworthy as Japan’s total shrimp imports continued to decline slightly and competition among suppliers intensified. Demand for convenience foods and processed products continues to create opportunities for Vietnamese exporters, but capitalizing on these opportunities requires stronger competitiveness and the ability to meet increasingly specific market requirements.
(vasep.com.vn) After slowing in the first months of the year, Vietnam’s tuna exports have shown a clear improvement since June 2026. However, behind September’s double-digit growth lies a notable reality: export value is recovering, but pressures from markets, trade policies, and competition among suppliers remain.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius export value reached US$1.7 billion in the first nine months of 2026, up 11% year on year. In September alone, exports totaled US$210 million, an increase of 16%. China, the United States, and Brazil were the three largest markets, accounting for 49% of total export value. While China and Brazil maintained their growth momentum, exports to the US remained below the level recorded in the same period last year.
(vasep.com.vn) On November 11, 2026, in Can Tho, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) will organize the Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026 (VSS 2026) under the theme “Seafood Market Outlook 2027–2029: Opportunities and Headroom for Double-Digit Export Growth.”
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Business leader Do Ngoc Tai, General Director of Tai Kim Anh Seafood Processing Joint Stock Company, was honored by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) with the title “Outstanding Vietnamese Entrepreneur – Thanh Giong Cup 2026” at a ceremony celebrating Vietnam Entrepreneurs’ Day (October 13). The event took place on the evening of October 11, 2026, at the National Convention Center in Hanoi.
(vasep.com.vn) The global tilapia market is becoming increasingly segmented, not only among producing countries but also by product type and destination market. Supply is divided into groups with distinct competitive advantages: large volumes of whole fish and frozen fillets from Asia, high-value fresh fillets from Latin America, and substantial domestic consumption in several major producing countries.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports to the UK grew in the first eight months of 2026, despite signs of slowing import demand in the market. However, sharp fluctuations in orders, competition from major suppliers, and new traceability requirements are creating challenges for Vietnamese exporters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam is stepping up efforts to combat illegal fishing, protect marine ecosystems, expand digital monitoring, and develop science-based management to ensure the sea can support communities and the economy for generations to come.
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