Spain, Italy, France and the UK were the largest tuna importers in the EU. In particular, Spain's tuna imports accounted for 34% of total EU tuna imports; followed by Italy at 17%, France at 11% and Britain at 10%. Compared to 2017, imports of Spanish and Italian tuna tended to go up, whereas imports to France and Britain went down. With an impressive growth rate, Spain has become the largest tuna import market of Vietnam in the EU.
With the main export product being frozen tuna (HS code 0304), Vietnam is currently the second largest supplier to EU, after Korea. In 2018, exports of this product line to the EU increased 30% compared to 2017. The Netherlands, Italy and Belgium are the 3 largest importers of Vietnamese frozen tuna (HS code 0304) in the EU market.
Exports of frozen tuna loins increased, whereas Vietnamese canned tuna to EU decreased. In addition, other processed tuna products (tuna in oil, frozen tuna flake ...) increased. Specifically, compared to 2017, the export revenue of canned tuna decreased by 14%, while other processed tuna increased by 77%. Vietnam is currently the14th largest processed and canned tuna suppliers to EU.
In 2018, due to the high price of tuna in Malta and the catch in this area fell, causing the supply to be limited. EU countries, therefore, tend to find alternative tuna suppliers from Asian countries like China or Vietnam.
It is expected that this trend will continue in the first months of 2019 due to low capture fisheries production in some EU countries. In addition, the EU still applies duty free quotas for 25,000 tons of pre-cooked tuna fillet/ loins from third countries - those without trade agreements with the EU such as Thailand, Vietnam and China. Therefore, the EU still increase tuna imports from Vietnam, especially in the context of the two sides preparing to officially sign the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement.
(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.
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