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) On the afternoon of August 19, 2026, as part of the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026, the Hosted Buyer Program continued with the seminar “Vietnam Seafood Outlook 2026–2027: A Strategic Sourcing Destination,” followed by 1-to-1 B2B meetings between international buyers and Vietnamese seafood businesses.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of VIETFISH 2026 on August 19 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), U.S. Consul General Melissa Brown highlighted the important role of the exhibition in connecting Vietnam’s growing seafood industry with buyers, suppliers, and partners from the United States and around the world.
(vasep.com.vn) Tomorrow, August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026 will officially open at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. Taking place over three days, from August 19–21, Vietfish 2026 promises to provide a dynamic platform for business networking, trend updates, product experiences and comprehensive cooperation across the domestic and international seafood community.
(vasep.com.vn) The global tilapia market continues to grow, creating significant opportunities for countries with strengths in aquaculture, processing, and exports. Against this backdrop, Vietnam’s tilapia industry is gradually developing toward higher quality, greater product diversification, and broader market reach. At Vietfish 2026, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), together with the VASEP Tilapia Producers and Exporters Club, will host a joint booth to promote the image and potential of Vietnamese tilapia to domestic and international buyers.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports are heading towards $12 billion this year, potentially the highest level on record. Yet one of the country’s export strengths is facing a growing list of challenges.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The first six months of 2026 indicate that Vietnam’s tilapia industry is entering a new phase of development, with strong export growth but also greater demands for production scale, quality and international competitiveness.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietfish 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition, will officially take place from 19–21 August 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City. As Vietnam’s largest annual seafood trade event, organized by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietfish 2026 will once again bring together leading seafood companies, industry experts, and international partners from across the global seafood value chain.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports reached USD 1.1 billion in July 2026, up 4.8% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulative exports in the first seven months of the year totaled nearly USD 6.86 billion, an increase of 11.5% year-on-year. Exceeding the USD 1 billion mark in July further reinforces the prospect that Vietnam’s seafood exports could surpass USD 12 billion in 2026. However, the July figures also send a clear signal that the most favorable growth period may have passed: overall export growth slowed to just 4.8%, pangasius exports fell 6.1%, tuna exports were virtually flat, while exports to the EU, South Korea, and the Middle East all recorded double-digit declines.
(vasep.com.vn) As part of the Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition (Vietfish 2026), the seminar "Global Seafood Market and the Future Workforce: Trends, Opportunities, and Sustainable Development Pathways for Vietnam's Seafood Industry" will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. on August 19, 2026, at Convention Room B, Level 2, SECC, Ho Chi Minh City. This is the first of five specialized seminars at Vietfish 2026, focusing on key issues that are shaping the long-term development of Vietnam's seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnamese seafood exports recorded impressive growth, generating nearly 6 billion USD in revenue during the first six months of the year, up 13% compared with the same period last year.
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