In terms of the export structure of tuna products to the EU market, it is worth noting that export of other processed tuna tends to increase. Meanwhile, canned tuna products declined. Currently, other processed tuna products are dominant in the group of processed and canned tuna products to this market.
The top 3 biggest tuna export markets from Vietnam to the EU changed in 2018. With the impressive growth continuously at 3 digits in the past months, Spain is occupying the top position with a total export value of US$30 million. Followed by the Netherlands with US$25 million. Meanwhile, exports of tuna to Germany continued to decline, which made this market drop to the 3rd position.
According to ITC, in the first 10 months of 2018, EU tuna imports decreased by 47% compared to the same period in 2017. In particular, import of canned tuna declined by 46%, while imports of loin/fillets frozen tuna dropped by 47%.
In the market segment of canned tuna, Italy, Spain, France, England and Germany were the 5 largest import markets for this product in the EU. Compared to the same period in 2017, import of canned tuna of all 5 markets increased in value, but in terms of volume, only Spain has the growth.
Ecuador remained the largest supplier of canned processed tuna for the EU. The value of canned tuna processing from Ecuador to the EU accounted for 19% of the total import value of this market. Followed by Mauritius and the Philippines with 7% and 6% respectively. Meanwhile, Vietnam was the 14th largest supplier canned processed tuna for the EU, accounting for only 1.2%.
For this canned processed product of HS16 code, Vietnam was still difficult to compete with the import tax rate of 20.5%, while Ecuador has an advantage with 0% tax rate. China was subject to a 24% higher tax rate than Vietnam, while the Philippines enjoys 0%.
In the loin/ frozen tuna fillets, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Germany were the 5 largest import markets for this product in the EU. Compared to the same period in 2017, while Germany reduced imports of these products, the remaining 4 countries were all increasing. Vietnam was the second largest supplier of frozen loin/ filet tuna for the EU, after Korea.
In general, in 2018, because of the high price of tuna at Manta, the catch in this area decreased, causing the supply to be limited. So EU countries tend to find alternative suppliers from Asian countries like China or Vietnam.
For frozen tuna loin/ fillet, with a tariff of 14.5%, Vietnam has no advantage over Korea, or Mexico and Ecuador - the two countries were enjoying 0% tax.
(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.
(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.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
Chịu trách nhiệm: Ông Nguyễn Hoài Nam - Phó Tổng thư ký Hiệp hội
Đơn vị vận hành trang tin điện tử: Trung tâm VASEP.PRO
Trưởng Ban Biên tập: Bà Phùng Thị Kim Thu
Giấy phép hoạt động Trang thông tin điện tử tổng hợp số 138/GP-TTĐT, ngày 01/10/2013 của Bộ Thông tin và Truyền thông
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 – (ext.203); email: kimthu@vasep.com.vn
Trụ sở: Số 7 đường Nguyễn Quý Cảnh, Phường An Phú, Quận 2, Tp.Hồ Chí Minh
Tel: (+84) 28.628.10430 - Fax: (+84) 28.628.10437 - Email: vasephcm@vasep.com.vn
VPĐD: số 10, Nguyễn Công Hoan, Ngọc Khánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 - Fax: (+84 24) 37715084 - Email: vasephn@vasep.com.vn