These were driven by the shortage of raw materials for processing and partly because the purchasing power in markets was not high.
According to data from the General Department of Vietnam Customs, Vietnam cephalopod exports in Jan-Jul 2016 reached US$218.5 million, down 7.3% compared to the same period in 2015. Of that, exports to South Korea touched US$81.22 million, accounting for 37.2%, those to Japan achieved US$55.06 million, taking up 25.2%.
In the period, Chinese exports of smoked/salted/dried/frozen cuttlefish and squid showed the growth. The export price of these items this year was higher than the same period of the last 2 years. Thailand stayed as the leading importer of smoked/salted/dried/frozen cuttlefish and squid from China, followed by the Philippines. However, the export price of Chinese processed cuttlefish and squid this year quoted at lower prices than last year. In general, the average export price of Chinese items tended to decline from the beginning of this year and rose up in late May. Japan, the U.S. and South Korea were the top 3 importers of its processed cuttlefish and squid.
In Jan-Jul 2016, Vietnam squid exports totaled US$123.79 million, making up 56.7%. In particular, exports of live/fresh/frozen squid (HS code 03) reached the highest export value, followed by dry/grilled squid (HS code 03). Exports of other processed squid (HS code 16) in the first 7 months of this year gained US$7.35 million.
Vietnam octopus exports in the first 7 months of this year valued at US$94.706 million, of which, exports of processed octopus (HS code 16) hit US$20.15 million, and those of dried/salted/live/fresh/frozen octopus (HS code 03) were US$74.54 million. Vietnam exports of octopus accounted for 43.3% of total cephalopod exports, down slightly from 44.56% in the same period of 2015.
Written by Ngoc Thuy
Compiled by Dieu Thuy
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 81 million in April 2026, down 6% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of the year, export turnover totaled USD 289 million, down 4.8%. Although the overall export picture has yet to brighten significantly, market trends are becoming increasingly diversified rather than moving in a single direction.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is undergoing strong restructuring starting from the broodstock and fingerling segment in order to improve productivity, quality, and export competitiveness. This is considered a critical foundation for the sustainable development of the industry amid rising production costs and increasingly stringent market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, pangasius exports in April 2026 reached USD 206 million, up 18% compared to the same period in 2025 — marking another consecutive month of double-digit growth since the beginning of the year. Cumulative pangasius export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 720 million, up 17% year-on-year, reflecting the positive growth momentum of this key export product.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 maintained positive growth momentum, reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, behind this result lies diverging trends across markets, as the global shrimp industry continues to face pressure from inflation, high inventories, price competition, and increasing trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Vinh Tuy commune (Kien Giang Province), many shrimp farmers are adopting bottom aeration systems and reporting clear economic benefits, helping increase income and reduce production risks.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of crabs and other crustaceans reached more than USD 93 million, up 23% compared to the same period last year. The result shows that the sector is experiencing a fairly positive recovery, especially in its two key product groups: crabs and swimming crabs. However, behind the growth figures are several concerns: export markets remain highly concentrated, raw material supply is unstable, and trade barriers from the US and EU are becoming increasingly stringent.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Ca Mau province, many farmers are transitioning from traditional methods to high-tech shrimp farming, adopting recirculating systems with minimal water exchange to improve efficiency and reduce risks. In Hung My commune alone, there are about 260 super-intensive shrimp farming households covering more than 265 hectares, playing a key role in local economic development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cake and surimi reached USD 63 million, down 5% compared to the same period last year. Although total export value declined slightly due to decreases in some key markets, many other destinations continued to post strong growth, opening up room for this convenience-oriented processed segment in the coming quarters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Favorable weather conditions in the early months of 2026 have brought encouraging signs for fisheries activities in Quang Tri. Output has grown steadily, contributing to improved livelihoods for local residents.
Entering 2026, Vietnam’s seafood industry is facing a period of both high expectations and mounting pressures. Following the positive recovery in 2025, production and export activities in Q1/2026 demonstrated the strong adaptability of Vietnam’s seafood business community amid continued global trade volatility, intensifying international competition, and increasingly stringent compliance requirements in import markets.
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