In early 2021, the crisis of lack of containers caused the cost of transporting frozen seafood exports to the US to skyrocket, many orders could not be fulfilled, or delivery was not on time… Besides, the US importers often buy goods at FOB (shipping on board) prices, so many importers have delayed orders due to damage. This is one of the reasons why Vietnam's tuna exports to the US declined in the first 2 months of the year.
In early 2021, because the Covid-19 epidemic continued to break out in the US, the country's imports of processed and canned tuna continued to increase. According to statistics from the World Trade Center (ITC), US imports of processed and canned tuna in the first two months of 2021 raised 21% in volume over the same period in 2020, while imports of fresh and frozen tuna from the US in the first 2 months of 2021 were up 21% in volume compared to the same period in 2020.
This trend has also affected Vietnam's tuna exports to the US market. Vietnam's processed and canned tuna exports to the US continued to increase, while fresh and frozen tuna exports decreased.
Compared to the same period last year, Vietnamese tuna products exported to the US have lower prices. The price of frozen steamed tuna loin from Vietnam exported to the US fluctuates at $6.4 - 6.6 USD/kg. And frozen tuna meat/fillets ranged at $9.3 - 9.9/kg.
According to statistics from the International Trade Center (ITC), in the US frozen tuna meat/fillet market segment in the first months of 2021, Vietnamese products have good competitive prices and are relatively stable compared with countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia or Thailand.
As for processed and canned tuna products, this year, the average export price of Vietnamese products tends to be higher than that of rival countries such as Thailand, Ecuador or Mauritius. The average import price of these products from Vietnam to the US is the highest among the four main suppliers. This is helping Ecuador to gain market share from Vietnam in this market segment in the US.
In the first quarter of this year, there were about 40 enterprises participating in exporting tuna to the US market. In which, Mariso Vietnam, Highland Dragon and Dragon Waves are the 3 largest tuna exporters.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Brazil became the largest market for Vietnamese tilapia, with export value reaching US$44 million, up 22,142% year-on-year and accounting for 49% of Vietnam’s total tilapia exports. In August alone, exports to Brazil reached US$4 million. However, behind this remarkable growth is a market that is imposing increasingly stringent requirements on imported supplies.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports sustained their upward trajectory in August 2026, though the pace remained modest at just 2%. The month saw divergent trends across key markets: the US maintained its leading position, Japan and Canada improved, Russia surged and the EU continued to experience a steep downturn. These developments suggest that exporters are entering the final months of the year amid a market environment marked by greater uncertainty.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Congalsa has acquired the entire charter capital of Lenger Seafood Vietnam, giving it full ownership of the business and its Nam Dinh processing facility.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ninh Binh Province is entering a peak period of action against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, focusing on thoroughly addressing violations, closely monitoring fishing vessels at ports and preventing vessels from violating regulations and operating illegally in foreign waters ahead of the European Commission’s (EC) upcoming inspection in 2026.
(vasep.com.vn) The application of biotechnology in seed production is increasingly viewed as a strategic imperative to upgrade pangasius fingerling quality, optimize farming efficiency and anchor sustainable industry development.
(vasep.com.vn) On September 15, 2026, in Can Tho, VASEP and ASC jointly organized a training course titled “New ASC standards: updates and practical implementation guidance for farms, businesses and aquafeed mills”. Beyond briefing stakeholders on updated ASC requirements for aquaculture facilities and feed production, the workshop dedicated substantial floor time to directly addressing on-the-ground compliance bottlenecks encountered by Vietnamese enterprises.
(searfood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports continued to post positive results in the first eight months of 2026, with total export value reaching US$90 million, up 43% year-on-year. However, exports in August alone stood at US$11 million, down 8%, reflecting uneven market developments. Brazil remained the leading market, while Japan recorded notable growth, opening up new opportunities for Vietnamese tilapia products.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached US$3.3 billion in the first eight months of 2026, up 12% year on year. However, growth has begun to slow and become more differentiated across markets, while the U.S. and EU continue to present significant challenges. The latest insights from the Global Shrimp Forum 2026 (GSF 2026), held in early September, also indicate that the final months of the year will remain highly competitive as global supply continues to expand and buyers increasingly focus on quality, product specifications, supply stability and the ability to meet market-specific demand.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In August 2026, Vietnam’s seafood exports reached $1.14 billion, up 6% year on year. Cumulative eight-month exports rose 11.8% to $8.00 billion, though momentum has cooled compared to the 12.8% growth seen through July. China - Hong Kong and ASEAN are offsetting weakness in the U.S, EU and partly Japan. This divergence will likely widen in Q4 as trade tariffs and traceability requirements directly weigh on new orders.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam–Russia relations are entering a new phase of cooperation, with a focus on expanding trade, investment and economic connectivity. Against this backdrop, tuna is emerging as one of the seafood products with significant growth potential in the Russian market. Export data for the first seven months of 2026 show strong growth in Vietnamese tuna exports to Russia. However, turning this momentum into sustainable market share will require businesses to address challenges related to logistics, payment and supply competition.
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