The economic instability and the war between Israel and the Hamas Islamic in 2023 have affected seafood export activities in general and tuna in particular to this market. Vietnam's tuna exports to the Middle East have continuously decreased every month since the beginning of the year. And only until November 2023 did tuna exports to this market tend to recover.
Vietnam’s tuna exports to some markets in the Middle East region recorded an increase over the same period in 2022, such as: Israel (up 37%), Lebanon (up 17%), UAE (up 23%), Turkey Ky (up 73%). Meanwhile, exports to some markets decreased sharply, such as: Egypt (down 47%), Saudi Arabia (down 78%)...
Currently, the Middle East is Vietnam's 4th largest export market of Vietnam tuna after the US, EU and CPTPP, accounting for nearly 10% of total tuna export turnover. In recent years, facing many challenges from main consumption markets, Vietnamese tuna enterprises have turned to smaller but potential markets such as the Middle East to diversify export markets.
However, this market area also has high requirements for imported food products such as the requirement of Halal certification. Suppliers are required to process and package appropriately to meet this standard.
According to recent information from the Vietnam Trade Office in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) has sent a document to the leaders of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, Chamber of Commerce Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam about some food products exported to Saudi Arabia with Halal certificates but the issuing agencies of these certificates are not on the list approved or authorized by SFDA. Therefore, seafood export enterprises to the Saudi Arabian market need to comply with regulations on Halal certification and approach the Halal certificates of the unit authorized by SFDA to avoid being detained or returned.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports to the UK have shown positive signs in the first months of 2026. While the UK’s overall tuna imports from the world declined, imports from Vietnam increased strongly, indicating that there is still room for Vietnam to expand its market share. However, behind this growth, competitive pressure remains intense, especially as the UK continues to be a major market for established suppliers such as Ecuador, Mauritius, and Ghana.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Biofloc technology is being piloted in several rice–shrimp farming models in Ca Mau Province, showing initial positive results in controlling pond environments, improving shrimp seed quality, and supporting sustainable aquaculture development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first four months of 2026, Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia together contributed USD 108 million to Vietnam’s pangasius exports, accounting for around 15% of the industry’s total export turnover. Amid tightening global whitefish supply and slowing demand in several traditional markets, Latin America is increasingly becoming an important expansion destination for the sector.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Alongside the development of high-tech shrimp farming, Ha Tinh Province is accelerating the cultivation of high-value freshwater aquatic species, with red tilapia emerging as an effective and sustainable farming model.
(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.
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