Exports to major markets are volatile
In December 2023, Vietnam's tuna exports to many markets had increased over the same period such as the EU, Russia, Chile, and the Philippines... Exports to the US, Canada, Japan, or Israel had decreased, however, the decrease was not sharp.
Exports to the US, Vietnam's largest tuna import market, after continuous growth in October and November, decreased slightly in December. Tuna exports to the US reached 25 million USD this month, down 1%. For the whole year 2023, tuna exports to the US had reached 326 million USD, down 33%.
Along with the US, Vietnam's 2nd largest single tuna import market, Israel, is also decreasing imports by 6% in December. However, due to good growth in the previous months, exports to this market for the whole year 2023 had increased by 37%, reaching more than 50 million USD.
Exports to Canada and Japan were also declining in December, with declines of 12% and 8%, respectively.
Contrary to the trend of exports to the above markets, exports to the EU continued to grow well, up 25% in December. However, for 2023, exports to this market block had only increased slightly by 6% compared to 2022. In this market block, Italy is still a bright spot market with a "galloping" growth rate, up 361% compared to 2022.
After a period of instability, tuna exports to Russia increased continuously again in the last months of 2023. In December alone, tuna exports to Russia increased by 96% over the same period. For 2023, exports to this market had reached nearly 29 million USD, up 18% compared to the previous year.
In 2024, many challenges make tuna exports recover slowly
2024 is a year with many difficulties, especially the European Commission (EC) maintains a yellow card warning for Vietnam's caught seafood products. In addition, the price of raw tuna on the world market has cooled down, but tensions in the Red Sea have caused freight rates to increase, which will make the price of finished tuna still high. Meanwhile, inflation in major countries has been contained, and the world economy has escaped the bottom but recovered slowly, so the demand for tuna imports in many countries has not shown signs of recovery. Competition in markets is increasingly fierce and inventories of processing and exporting enterprises are high. All these factors will hold back the recovery of Vietnam's tuna exports.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietfish 2026 was more than just a larger exhibition space. Through B2B meetings, booth discussions, production-chain visits and post-show feedback, businesses and buyers found something more concrete: suitable suppliers, processing capabilities, technology solutions, new markets and a foundation for building long-term trust and partnerships.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States declined significantly in the first seven months of 2026. Cumulative export value reached US$18 million, down 42% from the same period in 2025. In July alone, exports amounted to just US$2 million, plunging 70%, indicating a clear slowdown in import demand from the US market.
(vasep.com.vn) At the seminar “Global Seafood Markets and the Future Workforce: Trends, Opportunities and Directions for the Sustainable Development of Vietnam’s Fisheries Sector,” held as part of VIETFISH 2026, Ms. Shirlene Maria Anthonysamy, Fisheries Officer (Markets) and GLOBEFISH Coordinator at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), presented initiatives aimed at promoting youth participation in fisheries and aquaculture.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the United States reached US$189 million, down 8% year-on-year. In July alone, export value reached US$22 million, down 28%. This trend indicates that U.S. demand for pangasius imports has remained relatively cautious this year, as importers tend to maintain moderate inventory levels and limit stockpiling.
(vasep.com.vn) After three days at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam International Fisheries Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 – has successfully concluded, leaving a strong impression in terms of scale, visitor numbers, the quality of business connections, and innovative activities. With more than 14,000 m² of exhibition space, 335 companies, 568 booths, participation from representatives of 17 countries and territories, and nearly 15,000 visitors, VIETFISH 2026 has once again affirmed its role as an important meeting point for Vietnam’s and the global seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Held as part of Vietfish 2026 from August 19–21 at SECC in Ho Chi Minh City, a series of five specialized seminars provided the seafood business community with updates on markets, technology, standards, human resources and cooperation opportunities. With the participation of experts, international organizations, government agencies and businesses from Vietnam and abroad, the seminars created an additional platform for professional exchange alongside the exhibition’s product showcases and business networking activities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the morning of August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 officially opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. With 568 booths representing 335 companies, alongside the presence of senior government officials, local authorities, diplomatic missions and international partners, VIETFISH 2026 kicks off three days of business networking, technology exchange and market engagement under the overarching theme “Innovation and Sustainability.”
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) officially announces that the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition (Vietfish 2026) will take place from August 19–21, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports recorded strong growth in the first half of 2026, but the performance was increasingly uneven across products, markets and enterprises. VASEP’s newly released premium report provides the detailed data and analysis needed to understand what lies behind the headline figures and prepare for the more challenging months ahead.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Brazil remains one of the key markets for Vietnamese pangasius in South America. However, exports to the market showed signs of slowing in the first half of 2026, while frozen pangasius fillets continued to account for the overwhelming majority of exports.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
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