Strong Export Growth from the Beginning of the Year
According to statistics from Vietnam Customs, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Russia reached USD 18 million in the first four months of 2026, up 55% compared to the same period last year and significantly higher than the levels recorded during the corresponding periods of the previous two years.
Monthly export data show relatively steady growth. This increase was not driven by a single exceptional month but was distributed more evenly throughout the first four months of the year. This is an encouraging sign, suggesting that demand from Russia is becoming more stable rather than being fueled solely by short-term purchasing orders.
Russia Is No Longer Just a Secondary Market
Looking back over the past two years, Russia has gradually evolved from a supplementary market into a destination that deserves closer attention within Vietnam’s tuna export portfolio.
At a time when some traditional markets continue to face challenges related to consumer demand, pricing pressure, and stringent technical requirements, the rapid growth in exports to Russia has provided Vietnamese exporters with additional opportunities to diversify their sales channels.
Importantly, this growth has emerged at a time when businesses are seeking markets with stronger purchasing capacity. Although Russia is not yet among the largest tuna markets for Vietnam, its growing significance is becoming increasingly evident.
Real Opportunities, But Not Easily Captured by Everyone
Russia remains a market with substantial demand, particularly for products that are convenient, competitively priced, and easy to distribute. This creates opportunities for frozen tuna, tuna loins, and standardized processed tuna products.
For Vietnamese exporters, these are product segments that can be effectively developed, provided they are able to maintain consistent supply and stable quality standards.
However, opportunities do not automatically translate into long-term business relationships. The Russian market remains sensitive to factors such as pricing, payment mechanisms, logistics, and broader trade-related uncertainties.
In other words, companies may be able to secure sales, but retaining customers requires a more disciplined approach—ensuring reliable deliveries, competitive pricing, and effective risk management.
The Challenge Is Not Just About Increasing Sales
A nearly 55% increase during the first four months of 2026 is undoubtedly a positive development. However, the more important question is not simply how much exports increase, but how that growth is achieved.
If growth relies heavily on short-term orders or aggressive expansion strategies, risks may emerge quickly whenever market conditions change.
Therefore, in the Russian market, a gradual and sustainable growth strategy may be the most appropriate approach. Exporters should focus on products with strong market acceptance, maintain stable supply chains, and carefully manage commercial and operational risks.
Russia Could Become a Key Growth Pillar in 2026
Russia is currently one of the fastest-growing markets for Vietnamese tuna in 2026. While it is unlikely to replace the role of all major export destinations, it has the potential to become an important growth pillar for the industry.
As global tuna markets continue to show divergent trends, Russia may help Vietnamese exporters maintain sales momentum and create additional opportunities for market expansion. The key will be identifying the right product segments, timing market entry effectively, and maintaining flexibility in addressing the considerable risks that remain associated with this market.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietfish 2026 was more than just a larger exhibition space. Through B2B meetings, booth discussions, production-chain visits and post-show feedback, businesses and buyers found something more concrete: suitable suppliers, processing capabilities, technology solutions, new markets and a foundation for building long-term trust and partnerships.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States declined significantly in the first seven months of 2026. Cumulative export value reached US$18 million, down 42% from the same period in 2025. In July alone, exports amounted to just US$2 million, plunging 70%, indicating a clear slowdown in import demand from the US market.
(vasep.com.vn) At the seminar “Global Seafood Markets and the Future Workforce: Trends, Opportunities and Directions for the Sustainable Development of Vietnam’s Fisheries Sector,” held as part of VIETFISH 2026, Ms. Shirlene Maria Anthonysamy, Fisheries Officer (Markets) and GLOBEFISH Coordinator at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), presented initiatives aimed at promoting youth participation in fisheries and aquaculture.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the United States reached US$189 million, down 8% year-on-year. In July alone, export value reached US$22 million, down 28%. This trend indicates that U.S. demand for pangasius imports has remained relatively cautious this year, as importers tend to maintain moderate inventory levels and limit stockpiling.
(vasep.com.vn) After three days at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam International Fisheries Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 – has successfully concluded, leaving a strong impression in terms of scale, visitor numbers, the quality of business connections, and innovative activities. With more than 14,000 m² of exhibition space, 335 companies, 568 booths, participation from representatives of 17 countries and territories, and nearly 15,000 visitors, VIETFISH 2026 has once again affirmed its role as an important meeting point for Vietnam’s and the global seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Held as part of Vietfish 2026 from August 19–21 at SECC in Ho Chi Minh City, a series of five specialized seminars provided the seafood business community with updates on markets, technology, standards, human resources and cooperation opportunities. With the participation of experts, international organizations, government agencies and businesses from Vietnam and abroad, the seminars created an additional platform for professional exchange alongside the exhibition’s product showcases and business networking activities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the morning of August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 officially opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. With 568 booths representing 335 companies, alongside the presence of senior government officials, local authorities, diplomatic missions and international partners, VIETFISH 2026 kicks off three days of business networking, technology exchange and market engagement under the overarching theme “Innovation and Sustainability.”
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) officially announces that the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition (Vietfish 2026) will take place from August 19–21, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports recorded strong growth in the first half of 2026, but the performance was increasingly uneven across products, markets and enterprises. VASEP’s newly released premium report provides the detailed data and analysis needed to understand what lies behind the headline figures and prepare for the more challenging months ahead.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Brazil remains one of the key markets for Vietnamese pangasius in South America. However, exports to the market showed signs of slowing in the first half of 2026, while frozen pangasius fillets continued to account for the overwhelming majority of exports.
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
