Exports of tuna HS code 16 are increasing
In the past 5 years, Vietnam's processed and canned tuna exports have tended to increase. In the first 4 months of the year alone, the export turnover of this product group has increased from 91 million USD in 2020 to 154 million USD in 2024, an increase of 70%. In particular, Vietnam's canned tuna exports are gradually recovering, higher than the same period in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the contrary, exports of fresh and frozen tuna, mainly frozen tuna meat or loin with the HS code 0304 code, are unstable. After peaking in 2022, exports of this product group decreased sharply. Entering 2024, exports of these products have increased again, but the increase is not high—up 6% over the same period.
According to experts' forecasts, convenience is key for shoppers, and value-added seafood that is pre-marinated or ready to heat and eat will continue to attract buyers looking to create combination meals to combine cooking with prepared dishes. Therefore, the consumption demand for processed and canned tuna products will improve soon.
Exports to major markets accelerated
In April 2024, Vietnamese tuna products were exported to more than 90 markets. In particular, tuna exports to main markets such as the US, EU, Israel, Canada, Japan, and Mexico all increased faster.
In the US and EU markets, Russia, and Korea, the export growth rate in April 2024 compared to the same period doubled compared to the previous month, reaching 37%, 71%, 32%, and 158%, respectively. Notably, in the EU market, exports to the three leading markets, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands, all grew "gallopingly" at three digits.
Along with that, tuna exports to some markets have reversed and increased, such as Japan, which increased by 33%, and Mexico, which increased by 43%.
However, according to businesses, this growth is due to a decrease in inventory in the markets, but actually market demand is still better.
(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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