Specifically, Vietnam’s tuna exports to the Middle East have shown an upward trend over the past four years. Export value to this region increased from USD 83 million in 2021 to USD 113 million in 2024, marking a 35% growth. Despite geopolitical instabilities that have affected tuna exports to this market recently, the Middle East continues to be regarded as a high-potential market for Vietnamese tuna.
Exports to other Halal markets such as Malaysia and Brunei also grew in 2024, by 36% and 24% respectively.
Currently, there are over 2 billion Muslims living in 112 countries and territories, accounting for 25% of the global population, with a high concentration in Asia (62%), particularly within ASEAN. The Asia-Pacific region, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, consumes more than 63% of global Halal products, positioning it as the hub of this dynamic market. With its strategic location, Vietnam is considered an important gateway to penetrate this vast market.
Recently, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh instructed the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to review information from the Government Portal report and develop a plan to promote Halal food exports.
However, strict Halal standards and a complex certification system present considerable challenges for Vietnamese businesses. To facilitate access to this market, the Vietnamese Trade Office in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recommended that Vietnam complete its legal framework for Halal, including the development of national standards and certification procedures aligned with international requirements. Additionally, it is important to strengthen Halal cooperation between Vietnam and the UAE, especially in certifying products according to UAE Halal standards. Vietnamese Halal products are expected to face fierce competition from countries with long-standing experience and strong reputations in the Halal industry.
Therefore, Vietnam needs to implement targeted support policies, including prioritizing budget resources for production and certification, boosting trade promotion, and training specialized personnel in Halal compliance. At the same time, reputable intermediary organizations are needed to assist businesses with certification and regulatory compliance in export markets. Regarding this issue, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has tasked the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to develop a comprehensive plan to promote Halal food exports.
This presents a valuable opportunity for Vietnamese tuna exporters to expand their markets amid ongoing challenges in major markets such as the US and the EU.
(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.
(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.
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