In May 2016, top 5 cephalopod importing markets from Vietnam reduced imports of this item. In which, China and Hong Kong, with the import value of US$1.1 million, posted the sharpest fall of 33% compared to the same period in 2015. In Jan-May 2016, cephalopod sales to this market reached US$4.95 million, down nearly 46% over the same period of 2015.
South Korea stayed as the largest cephalopod importer from Vietnam with the proportion of 38.2%. In May 2016, the shipments to the market hit US$11.01 million, down 19.5%; the figure in Jan-May 2016 was US$54.37 million, down 14.8% from the same period in 2015.
Out of top 9 leading cephalopod importers of Vietnam, Taiwan and Australia registered the positive growth. The exports to Taiwan in Jan-May 2016 totaled US$2.01 million, up 5.5% year on year. Meanwhile, in May 2016, the shipments to Australia with the sales of US$275 thousand reported the highest increase of 39%; the figure in the first 5 months of 2016 estimated at US$1.62 million, up 50% over the same period last year.
Among total cephalopod exports, exports of squid took the larger proportion of 53.3% with the value of US$75.98 million in Jan-May 2016.
So far, Japan was the biggest squid importer from Vietnam, followed by South Korea and Thailand, while South Korea is a leading octopus importer from Vietnam, followed by Japan and Italy.
Currently, the price of squid in the global market increased by 30% due to El Nino. In general, squid catches were reported to reduce significantly in the winter and spring. In which, Japan, Argentina, the Falklands, Chile and California showed the sharp drop caused by the direct impact from El Nino in 2015-2016.
However, as reported by The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Mar 2016, the strong El Nino effect in 2015-2016 has been declining and it was expected to disappear in the early summer. Because squid had the reaction to the change of water temperature, their reproductive cycle was relatively short and so squid catches were expected to rise again with normal water temperatures.
Meanwhile, the price of squid posted its record high due to the shortage of the global supply. Currently, the squid tubes and tentacles size 3-5 inches from China increased by 17.5% since early this year and up 30% over the same period last year. Despite such high price, demand for this product remains strong and buyers considered it as a valuable protein source with attractive price.
Written by Ngoc Thuy
Compiled by Dieu Thuy
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Recently, in Long Xuyen City, An Giang Province, the Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development (IPSARD) and the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) organized a workshop to announce the results of the project “Food Loss Assessment in the Pangasius Value Chain in the Mekong River Region.” The project aims to provide scientific evidence to support the sustainable development of Vietnam’s pangasius industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Shrimp prices in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta have recovered since early May, helping to improve farmers’ confidence and accelerate stocking activities for the 2026 farming season. However, farmers remain cautious due to rising input costs, unfavorable weather conditions, and disease risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On May 27, the Vietnam Trade Office in India, in collaboration with trade promotion agencies, industry associations, and businesses from both countries, organized the online seminar “Vietnam–India Seafood Trade Forum and Supply-Demand Connectivity 2026.” The event aimed to promote trade cooperation, investment, and seafood supply chain connectivity between Vietnam and India amid the ongoing restructuring of global markets.
(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.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
Chịu trách nhiệm: Ông Nguyễn Hoài Nam - Phó Tổng thư ký Hiệp hội
Đơn vị vận hành trang tin điện tử: Trung tâm VASEP.PRO
Trưởng Ban Biên tập: Bà Phùng Thị Kim Thu
Giấy phép hoạt động Trang thông tin điện tử tổng hợp số 138/GP-TTĐT, ngày 01/10/2013 của Bộ Thông tin và Truyền thông
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 – (ext.203); email: kimthu@vasep.com.vn
Trụ sở: Số 7 đường Nguyễn Quý Cảnh, Phường An Phú, Quận 2, Tp.Hồ Chí Minh
Tel: (+84) 28.628.10430 - Fax: (+84) 28.628.10437 - Email: vasephcm@vasep.com.vn
VPĐD: số 10, Nguyễn Công Hoan, Ngọc Khánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 - Fax: (+84 24) 37715084 - Email: vasephn@vasep.com.vn