Sustained demand for seafood products is boosting aquaculture production worldwide and pushing seafood prices higher, said a new report from United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Overall production is expected to grow by at least 2 percent in 2012, supported by a strong increase in aquaculture output.
Trade is expected to remain brisk with 2012 export values rising again, according to the report, authored by Audun Lem, senior fisheries officer.
“In the aftermath of the Brussels seafood show, the market for fish and fishery products appears more influenced by supply variations for the individual species and products, rather than any clear weakening of demand,” said the report.
Despite slow economic growth and reduced purchasing power in many of the traditional key import markets, such as Spain, Italy and France, demand for seafood is strong overall, it said.
“The FAO Fish Price Index shows current quotations close to all-time highs, especially for captured species,” said the report.
“Rising energy and feed costs are likely to keep fish prices high during the year.”
At the same time, prices are important drivers of demand as shown by the salmon market where added farmed production and lower prices in 2012 compared to 2011 are boosting consumption in all salmon markets, it said.
The FAO is forecasting total production of 157.3 million metric tons in 2012, up 2.1 percent on 2011. However wild fisheries are set to decline by 0.4 percent to 90 million metric tons, with aquaculture production rising 5.8 percent to 67.30 million metric tons.
In addition, FAO said world shrimp production fell by 20 percent — 2.5 million metric tons — in 2011 because of supply shortfalls in Asia. However, with the new Asian 2012 season starting in April and May, supply is forecast to recover and prices to soften and the market should stay firm.
Tuna and groundfish supplies are also expected to increase, with demand for the former, including skipjack and yellowfin, declining due to high prices. Supplies of farmed whitefish, including pangasius and tilapia are not expected to see substantial growth in the near future. Cod prices are expected to climb somewhat, while Alaska pollock prices will continue to decline.
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(seafood.vasep.com.vn) An Giang is focusing on expanding climate-adaptive marine aquaculture models, aiming for safe and sustainable production. This approach not only enhances economic efficiency but also helps fishermen stabilize their livelihoods amid weather fluctuations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first 10 months of 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius export value to China (including Mainland China and Hong Kong) reached $483 million, up 1% compared to the same period in 2024. October alone posted $73 million, a strong 19% increase year-on-year. The Chinese market currently accounts for nearly 27% of Vietnam’s total pangasius export value.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to data from Vietnam Customs, the country’s lobster exports posted another strong month in October 2025, reaching $93 million - a 75% increase from the same month in 2024. This performance extends the sector’s impressive growth streak from earlier in the year, pushing cumulative exports for the first 10 months to $712 million, up an extraordinary 135% year-over-year. Within the product mix, green lobster remained the dominant driver, accounting for 98% of total export value, with $700 million recorded in the first 10 months - a 141% jump year-on-year. In contrast, exports of spiny lobster and other lobster varieties declined slightly by 22% and 1%, respectively, indicating that market demand is becoming increasingly concentrated on the most sought-after product line.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Currently, Da Nang City has no fishing vessels detained, sanctioned by foreign authorities, or criminally prosecuted for IUU fishing violations. Patrols, monitoring of marine fishing activities, and handling of violations have been prioritized by competent forces, significantly reducing nearshore fishing infringements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to statistics from Vietnam Customs, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Israel in the first nine months of 2025 reached just over USD 27 million, down as much as 49% compared to the same period in 2024. This is a steep and prolonged decline for many consecutive months, reflecting changes in import demand as well as shifts in the supply structure of this market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The first 700 tons of Vietnamese tilapia ordered and imported by JBS Group will initially be distributed through supermarket chains, the Horeca network and JBS’s product showrooms in Brazil.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In October 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius exports hit $217 million, representing an 8% increase compared to the same month in 2024. For the first 10 months of the year, total export value has surpassed $1.8 billion, up 9% year-on-year. This growth demonstrates clear positive momentum for the pangasius industry, despite continued declines in certain markets.
In recent days, the Central provinces of Vietnam have been suffering from historic flooding, with prolonged heavy rains, landslides, flash floods, and deep inundation causing extremely serious impacts on tens of thousands of households, as well as many VASEP member exporters located in the region. With the spirit of mutual support and solidarity, and in order to promptly assist residents and member exporters in the affected areas to stabilize their lives and restore production activities, VASEP calls on all seafood exporters, organizations, and individuals to extend supports to the people and member exporters in the flood-hit areas. We urge timely and practical material and spiritual contributions to help member exporters and local communities in the severely affected provinces overcome this difficult period.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the final days of October 2025, Vietnam’s domestic raw shrimp market remained generally stable, though slight adjustments were recorded in several sizes across key farming regions.
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