In the first quarter of this year, seafood exports remained the growth rate of over 15 percent from the same period of 2011. In the second quarter, exports tended to halt with the slow growth of only 6 percent, even in June 2012, pangasius exports fell by 14.5 percent, shrimp exports fell by 4 percent.
However, in the second quarter of 2012, the positive growth in exports of marine product exports has compensated for the decrease in exports of two main key items (shrimp and pangasius). Exports of tuna and cephalopod reached positive growth of 53 percent and 40 percent, respectively. Noteworthily, exports of other marine finfish surged the most by over 64 percent. Through June 2012, exports of crab, swimming crab, surimi (accounting for nearly 40 percent of total seafood export value of Vietnam) helped to bring total seafood export value of Vietnam to gain US$1.14 billion. In the second quarter and the first half of 2012, increase in capture production of marine products, especially tuna and pelagic finfish pushed seafood exports to rocket sharply. Tuna processors are strengthening to import raw material to have further processing before exporting the processed products out of Vietnam under sales contract in order to meet global demand for these two items, particularly frozen marine finfish.
Confronting with difficulties in capital and importing markets, many enterprises have to suspend operating. Till the end of June 2012, the number of seafood exporters decreased by 30 percent from that of the same period last year. Many enterprises have to merge with others, some have to stop operating which is a selection and elimination process to restructure of seafood enterprises aiming to develop sustainably. This trend will be continued in the following quarters.
Seafood exports in the second quarter this year achieved US$1.57 billion and fetch US$2.89 billion in the first half of 2012. Whether can seafood shipment in the third quarter rise in the wake of difficulties in capital and importing markets? With the facts that the government’s programme of VND9,000 billion loan with preferential interest rates will contribute to recovering pangasius sector and competent authorities actively support fisheries industry in searching and expanding markets, shrimp and pangasius exports in the third quarter will be expected to recover and bring total seafood exports in the quarter to over US$1.8 billion and reach the target of US$6.5 billion for the whole 2012.
“Report on Vietnam seafood exports, Q.II/2012” published in August 20th 2012 will provide seafood enterprises and readers with detail information on analysis and evaluation on seafood production and exports in the quarter and forecasts for the next quarter. We are looking forward to receiving feedback from enterprises and readers.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Japan continues to be one of Vietnam’s most important and stable shrimp markets. In recent years, shrimp exports to this market have fluctuated in line with Japan’s broader economic and consumption cycles, yet Japan remains a major, high-value destination with stringent standards.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Spain increased by 13% compared to 2024. This growth trend has continued into the first two months of 2026. According to Vietnam Customs statistics, export turnover to this market reached nearly USD 3 million in January–February 2026, up 101% year-on-year and significantly higher than the same period in 2024. This development indicates that Spain is once again becoming a notable destination for Vietnamese tuna amid strong demand for tuna raw materials and products in Europe.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The 2026 brackish water shrimp farming season in the Mekong Delta has started earlier than usual, mainly driven by positive market signals, as shrimp prices in 2025 remained high and supply was limited. Many enterprises and farms in Cần Thơ, Cà Mau, and Vĩnh Long have proactively stocked early to seize opportunities. By early 2026, stocking areas in many localities had reached a high proportion of planned targets, with intensive and high-tech farming models expanding rapidly.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States recorded remarkable growth in 2025, opening up major opportunities while also presenting considerable challenges. The U.S. remains the largest importer of Vietnamese tilapia fillets, with export turnover reaching USD 40 million—an increase of up to 499% compared to 2024. This impressive growth reflects strong demand in the U.S. market, as supply from competing countries such as China has been constrained by tariffs and rising production costs.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Pangasius remains a strategic export commodity in Vietnam’s seafood sector. Entering 2026, the industry faces a strong need to transition from volume-based growth to a value-driven development model, with a focus on quality, food safety, and sustainability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Following damage caused by Storm No. 13 in late 2025, brackish water shrimp farming in Gia Lai is being rapidly restored. In key farming areas such as Tuy Phước and Tuy Phước Đông, farmers are focusing on rehabilitating ponds, repairing infrastructure, and treating the environment in preparation for the 2026 crop.
(seafood.vasep.com) Facing the decline in fishery resources, Vietnam is accelerating livelihood transitions for fishermen to reduce fishing pressure and move toward sustainable development. Marine fish stocks have dropped significantly from 4.82 million tons in 2000–2005 to 3.95 million tons in 2016–2020.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp industry is entering a period of strong transformation with the emergence of various high-tech farming models, helping improve productivity and competitiveness. Over the past 5–10 years, farming practices have shifted from traditional methods to intensive and super-intensive systems, featuring lined ponds, environmental sensors, automated feeding, and data management.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With a focus on sustainable development, high-tech application, and climate change adaptation, An Giang Province aims to maintain its brackish water shrimp production in 2026 at a level equivalent to the previous year. Specifically, output is projected to reach over 155,510 tons, serving both domestic consumption and export processing, thereby sustaining the fisheries sector’s key role in the local economic structure.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the Mekong Delta, key pangasius farming provinces such as An Giang, Dong Thap, and Can Tho are accelerating the transition toward a circular economy model, contributing to higher product value and reduced environmental impact. Instead of focusing solely on farming and processing, the pangasius value chain is increasingly utilizing by-products and waste streams to generate added value.
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