Strong export growth with several breakthrough markets
Asian markets continue to serve as the backbone of the industry, with South Korea and Thailand leading the way, accounting for 25% and 23% of Vietnam’s total export value, respectively. Both markets recorded double-digit growth – 17% in South Korea and 24% in Thailand. Exports to countries under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) also showed positive signals, with double-digit growth rates. The China & Hong Kong market continued to expand, rising 45% to nearly USD 36 million. Notably, the European Union (EU) recorded a remarkable surge of 79%, thanks to the recovery of demand in Lithuania and Spain. Another striking highlight was the sharp increase in Malaysia, where export value in the first nine months jumped 44%, indicating that Southeast Asia is becoming a promising consumption hub for Vietnam’s surimi products.
Global surimi industry recovers and shifts toward value-added products
In 2025, global surimi prices have shown a stable recovery after hitting bottom at the end of 2023. The main driver is the rebound in demand, particularly for ready-to-eat and convenience products such as crab sticks, fish cakes, and seafood patties. Major producers in Thailand, China, and Vietnam are investing heavily in deep-processing lines to enhance product value and meet increasingly stringent standards from import markets. At the same time, traceability, sustainability certification, and food safety compliance have become mandatory requirements to maintain export competitiveness.
Outlook for late 2025–2026: Stable growth amid fierce competition
Analysts forecast that global surimi prices will remain stable or increase slightly by the end of 2025, supported by well-managed raw material sources and recovering consumption demand. Entering 2026, the market is expected to grow sustainably at a rate of 5–7% per year, with Asia remaining the center of demand, while Europe and the U.S. expand their high-value product segments. However, Vietnamese exporters will also face growing competition from regional suppliers, along with rising logistics costs and technical barriers.
Opportunities for Vietnamese exporters
In this context, Vietnamese exporters need to proactively develop raw material strategies, invest in value-added products, and diversify markets and distribution channels. Expanding to fast-growing markets such as Malaysia and the EU, as well as leveraging tariff advantages from CPTPP members, will be viable directions. The year 2025 opens a favorable period for Vietnam to assert its position in the global surimi supply chain—not only as a raw material supplier, but as a competitive and sustainable processing and exporting partner.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In recent years, Ninh Binh Province has intensified the application of science and technology in aquaculture in order to improve productivity, product quality, and economic efficiency.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 49 million, up 151% compared to the same period in 2025. This figure reflects an emerging export sector that is taking advantage of market gaps created by global trade disruptions, while larger producers are adjusting their strategies.
On the afternoon of May 28, the People’s Committee of Ho Thi Ky Commune signed a memorandum of understanding with Minh Phu Certified Shrimp Social Co., Ltd. (a member of Minh Phu Seafood Corporation) on cooperation to develop a black tiger shrimp farming area meeting international certification standards during the 2026–2030 period in the commune.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The “Moringa Noodles Salad” product by Sa Giang Import-Export Corporation was honored as one of the “Top 10 Winning Products” at the THAIFEX – Anuga taste Innovation Show 2026, held as part of THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026 in Bangkok.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a fairly strong upward trend in 2025, Vietnam’s clam exports entered 2026 with a mixed picture: strong growth at the beginning of the year, followed by a slowdown from March onward. According to Vietnam Customs data, Vietnam’s clam export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached more than USD 38 million, up 2% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is facing new opportunities to expand its development space as many localities and businesses begin promoting marine farming models aimed at diversifying farming areas and adapting to climate change. However, for pangasius to truly “go offshore” and develop into a large-scale industry segment, significant challenges related to technology, broodstock, and markets still need to be addressed.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports in April 2026 reached USD 11 million, up 92% compared to the same period in 2025. This strong growth indicates that Vietnamese tilapia products are continuing to penetrate and expand rapidly in international markets. Cumulative export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 49 million, up 151% year-on-year.
(seafood.vasep.com) At VietShrimp Asia 2026, disease management trends in shrimp farming are shifting strongly from treatment-based approaches toward proactive prevention through environmental and pond ecosystem control.
(vasep.com.vn) After a period of strong growth, with export turnover reaching USD 38 million in Q1/2026 — up 174% year-on-year — the sector’s rapid expansion clearly reflects growing market opportunities.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the ASEAN bloc reached USD 44 million, up 7% compared to the same period in 2025. After falling to the lowest level of the quarter at USD 9 million in February — reflecting the seasonal slowdown in orders after the festive period — exports recovered strongly to USD 18 million in March, the highest monthly value of the quarter. This development shows that import demand for pangasius in ASEAN remains relatively stable despite short-term fluctuations.
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