The aggregate value came to JPY 1.5669 trillion (€11.4 billion/$15.5 billion), an increase of 5.1 percent.
The total sum of exports amounted to 551,986 metric tons in 2013, up 25.4 percent. Value was up 30.3 percent year-on-year to JPY 221.6 billion (€1.6 billion/$2.2 billion).
At the beginning of the year, aweaker yen fueled at the beginning of the year fueled exports. Quantity-wise, the year marked the third largest in the past 20 years, following 2007 (610,000 metric tons) and 2006 (590,000 metric tons). In terms of value, 2013 was rankedsecond behind 2007 (JPY 238.2 billion/€1.7 billion/$2.4 billion).
Lower seafood imports
When compared to the past 20 years to 1993, seafood imports tended to display a downward trajectory after hitting the peak time in 2001 and 2002 (both 382,000 metric tons).
From 2009 the level of 260,000-270,000 metric tons was maintained against a backdrop of a stronger yen; however, a weak yen that started early last year significantly impacted the imports,resulting in less than 250,000 metric tons.
The year of 1989 (229,000 metric tons) was the lasttime when the annual import amount hit less than a 250,000-ton level.
The following commodities exhibited noticeable declines: yellow-fin tuna (down 21.4 percent year-on-year), bonito (down 26 percent), cod roe (down 23.9 percent), crab (down 31 percent), and fishmeal (down 22.7 percent).
On the other hand, those that increased were cod/common hake (up 26.9 percent), mackerel (up 14.8 percent), Pacific oceanperch (up 35.2 percent), albacore (up 50.5 percent), bluefin tuna (up 39.3 percent), squid (up 24.1 percent), and octopus (up 24.1 percent).
Salmon/trout and shrimp declined 7.6 percent and 5.6 percent, respectively, managing the drop well within the 10 percent range.
Nonetheless, their average values hiked 15.2 percent and 32.2 percent, respectively.
Imports propelled by the weak yen recorded steady shipments of major items. After the 2011 earthquake and tsunami and inthe following year 2012, the level of 400,000 metric tons and roughly JPY 170 billion (€1.2 billion/$1.7 billion) was registered. Both quantityand value reverted to the pre-disaster years last year.
Items that were exported more than others were scallop (up 119.3 percent), salmon/trout (up 52.6 percent), bonito (up 34 percent), cod (up 34.8 percent), and saury (up 39 percent). The primary commodities showed increases in quantity and value all across the board; however, squid were slashed in half (down 52.8 percent).
(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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