In recent time, tuna exporters’ operation was unfavorable with low profit. In many current difficulties such as capital shortage, higher input cost, increased ocean freight cost, the lack of raw material is the most concern of local tuna processors. Many of them are not able to meet the demand of foreign customers due to lack of raw tuna for processing.
Processors sought to import raw tuna to keep their operation and to ensure jobs and stable income for labours. Some imported up to 80 percent of raw tuna from foreign countries for processing and exporting. Although raw tuna import price from foreign suppliers is 5 – 10 percent higher than that from domestic tuna price, the solution helps enterprises partly hold initiative in processing, remain their customers and importing markets. However, this is not a long-term solution because raw tuna import requires a large capital for building a cold storage to reserve and preserve.
Besides, raw tuna importers encounter barriers in administrative procedures and restrictive policy on raw tuna export of some main suppliers. Current import duty policy not favorable for tuna importers is also an obstacle. Higher testing fee and ocean freight are reducing Vietnam tuna’s competitiveness against its regional competitors.
To ease concern of raw tuna shortage, tuna processors need to tighten the link with fishermen to ensure stable raw fish supply. Competent authorities should support for fishermen through supplying necessary information such as evaluation of tuna fishing grounds, instruction of rational catching to preserve tuna stocks and promote cooperation in expanding tuna fishing ground.
In long-term, the government should develop modern fishing fleets with high capacity and raise fishermen’s fishing technique. In the first five months of 2012, Vietnam tuna exports achieved US$228 million, up 28.9 percent over 2011 in which exports of raw tuna (HS 03 code) reached US$151.8 million, accounting for almost 70 percent of total tuna exports and representing a 19.5 percent growth against 2011.
Exports of processed tuna (HS 16 code) touched US$76.2 million, making up a small market share in the structure of tuna products exported to markets but marking a sharp growth of 52.7 percent in its export value over that of Jan-May 2011.
(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.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On May 11, 2026, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced a positive comparability finding for Vietnam’s swimming crab fisheries, along with those of Indonesia and Sri Lanka, under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). With this decision, seafood and seafood products harvested from Vietnam’s swimming crab fisheries will continue to be eligible for import into the US market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a slowdown in 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Germany showed more positive signs in the first quarter of 2026. However, the recovery remains uncertain as consumer demand in Germany is still cautious, while market competition is increasingly driven by pricing and supply stability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a sharp decline in 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Israel are showing positive signs of recovery in the early months of 2026. According to Vietnam Customs data, export turnover to this market grew steadily month by month in Q1/2026, reaching nearly USD 10 million, up 33% compared to the same period in 2025. However, compared to Q1/2024, this level remains significantly lower, indicating that the recovery is still in its early stage following last year’s strong adjustment.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Entering 2026, the U.S. whitefish market has shown complex developments as global cod supply continues to tighten, while the U.S. trade environment becomes less stable. In this context, the U.S. market has had to become more flexible in sourcing alternative whitefish. However, relying heavily on Alaska pollock is not a long-term solution, as it is a strictly managed fishery with quotas and sustainability regulations, limiting any rapid increase in output to offset cod shortages.
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