According to the International Trade Center (ITC), in the first 5 months of 2020, Japan's cephalopod imports reached US$ 146.9 million, down 4.4% compared to the same period in 2019. Among the five largest suppliers, the import of cephalopod into Japan from Indonesia reached the largest increase of 149% to over US$ 2 million. Indonesia was Japan's fifth-largest supplier of cephalopod.
Japan imports mainly products such as processed squid (except for CO), processed octopus (except for CO), fresh squid, smoked/frozen/ dried/salted octopus. Processed squid (except for CO) accounted for the highest proportion in the total structure of cephalopod products imported into Japan. In the first five months of 2020, imports of live/fresh squid into Japan soared by 162% to US$ 18.5 million.
|
Cephalopod imports of Japan (Source: ITC, Value: Thousand USD) |
|||
|
Suppliers |
Jan-May/2019 |
Jan-May/2020 |
Variation (%) |
|
World |
153,658 |
146,942 |
-4.4 |
|
China |
120,848 |
119,680 |
-1.0 |
|
Vietnam |
15,003 |
14,051 |
-6.3 |
|
Thailand |
5,866 |
7,053 |
20.2 |
|
Indonesia |
815 |
2,032 |
149.3 |
|
Philippines |
969 |
1,018 |
5.1 |
|
The US |
146 |
338 |
131.5 |
|
Peru |
9,690 |
2,111 |
-78.2 |
|
South Korea |
146 |
477 |
226.7 |
|
Spain |
133 |
123 |
-7.5 |
According to Vietnam Customs data, Vietnam's cephalopod exports to Japan in May 2020 still shrunk by 44% compared to the same period in 2014. In the first five months, Vietnam's cephalopod export to this market reached over US$ 48 million, down 22% compared to the same period in 2019. Japan was the second-largest importer of Vietnamese cephalopod, accounting for 25% of the total export value of Vietnam's cephalopod to markets.
Vietnam mainly exports to Japan products such as frozen cuttlefish, frozen squid, frozen sushi squid, frozen Geso squid, Sugata frozen squid, Marusaki frozen squid slices, frozen pine cut squid, frozen breaded octopus, frozen octopus surimi, frozen processed octopus…
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2026 marks a period of strong growth for Vietnam’s tilapia industry, but it is also a time when international export competition is becoming increasingly intense. Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 99 million in 2025, up 140% compared to the previous year. In the first four months of 2026 alone, export value reached USD 49 million, a 151% increase year-on-year. As global demand for affordable whitefish continues to rise, Vietnam is emerging as a noteworthy competitor to traditional tilapia powerhouses such as China, Indonesia, Brazil, and Egypt.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With continued policy support, technological innovation and close coordination among authorities, businesses and farmers, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is expected to make a strong and sustainable breakthrough during the 2026–2030 period, reinforcing its position as the world’s leading exporter of the fish.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to Asian markets showed varying trends across regions and countries. The Middle East recorded strong growth, with Saudi Arabia emerging as the largest Asian market for Vietnamese tilapia. ASEAN markets also expanded significantly, driven primarily by Malaysia. Meanwhile, Japan maintained solid growth, while exports to South Korea declined compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Shrimp and pangasius continued to lead growth, helping seafood exports reach $4.67 billion in the first five months of the year; however, differentiation among product groups and increasingly stringent requirements from importing markets are posing many challenges for the industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Every day, the seafood processing industry in Ca Mau generates large quantities of shrimp heads and shells during processing operations. In the past, these by-products were largely treated as waste, increasing production costs and posing potential environmental risks. However, thanks to advanced processing technologies, materials once considered waste are now being transformed into high-value products, creating a circular economy model within the seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam Clean Seafood Corporation has invested in a 280-hectare super-intensive shrimp farming zone in Tran De Commune, Can Tho City, generating export value of approximately VND 3 billion per hectare per year—around 50 times higher than traditional agricultural production.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports reached USD 1.02 billion in May 2026, up 0.6% year-on-year. Cumulative exports in the first five months of 2026 totaled USD 4.67 billion, an increase of 11% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In a rapidly changing global seafood market, timely insights and reliable data are more critical than ever. The Report on Vietnam Seafood Exports in Q1/2026 provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in Vietnam’s seafood production, trade performance, and export trends, helping businesses navigate uncertainty and identify new growth opportunities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) While many major markets continue to experience slow growth, Russia has emerged as a brighter destination for Vietnamese tuna exports in early 2026. Export turnover to this market increased by nearly 55% in the first four months of the year, indicating a clear improvement in demand. Nevertheless, Russia remains a market that should be viewed with both optimism and caution.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius exports have shown encouraging signs of recovery in 2026. In the first four months of the year, total export turnover reached USD 720 million, up 17% compared to the same period last year. This result reflects improving demand across many markets, as well as the efforts of Vietnamese pangasius enterprises to maintain production, secure orders, and adapt to changing market conditions.
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