From 2012, Japan - the 4th largest importer of cephalopod in the world, tended to reduce imports. The import volume of cephalopod fell from 104,000 MT in 2012 to 59,000 MT in 2017, and this trend is likely to continue this year.
The reason is that the global octopus production has reduced, which pushed the price up. In addition, the domestic supply went down, so the supply to this market is limited.
Processed squid (HS code 160554) was the most imported item into Japan in 2017 with the value of US$274.3 million; followed by processed octopus with US$80.3 million and frozen squid (HS code 030749) with a US$1.4 million and frozen octopus (HS code 030759) with US$82,000.
Among cephalopod products imported into Japan; the import value of processed squid (HS code 160554) sharply increased by 619%. However, that of frozen squid (HS 030749) and frozen octopus (HS 030759) fell remarkably by 99% and 100% respectively from 2016.
Only 12 countries exported cephalopod to Japan in 2017, while the figure in 2016 was 17. According to the statistics from the International Trade Center (ITC), in 2017, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Peru, South Korea, Philippines, Indonesia, Spain, India, Chile, Myanmar and Malaysia were 12 countries supplying cephalopod to this market.
In 2017, shipments of cephalopod from most of countries to Japan decreased compared to 2016. Only China, Peru, South Korea and Spain posted the positive growth of 62%, 896%, 2,757% and 66%, respectively in the export value to this market over 2016.
The 4 major suppliers to Japan included China, Vietnam, Thailand and Peru.
In terms of the value, Vietnam ranked the second largest exporter of cephalopod to Japan with the proportion of 12.3%, behind China.
On the Japanese market; Vietnam cephalopod has competitive prices compared to Thailand but higher than that of China and Peru. In 2017, the average import price of cephalopod from Vietnam into Japan quoted at US$7/kg; that from China was US5.8 USD / kg; that from Thailand was US$14/kg; and that from Peru was US$4/kg.
Thanks to higher prices of cephalopod in 2017, the export value of Vietnam cephalopod to this market increased compared to 2016. According to the statistics from Vietnam Customs, Vietnam’s cephalopod exports to Japan in 2017 valued at US$148.7 million, up 35.6%. Japan ranked the second in top cephalopod buyers of Vietnam, accounting for 24%. Vietnam’s cephalopod exports to Japan in January 2018 rose by 23% to see US$12.8 million.
Currently, Vietnam mainly exported live/fresh/frozen squid to the market, accounting for 52% of total export value; followed by processed octopus with 21%; live/fresh/frozen/dried octopus with 19%; and the rest was other processed squid.
In the coming time, Vietnam’s cephalopod exports to Japan projected to witness the good growth thanks to the recovery in the Japanese economy, a rise in the yen and a drop in Japan’s cephalopod production in 2017.
(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.
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