It is hoped that efforts to boost exports would be acknowledged as the goal of US$ 7 billion will be exceeded soon. High export prices and increased import orders forced this growth.
SHRIMP
Through August 2014, shrimp exports accounted 50.4% of total seafood export turnover, up 8.83% compared to the same period in 2013. The equal proportion (46%) of whiteleg shrimp and black tiger shrimp in total shrimp export structure was replaced by the fact that whiteleg shrimp accounted for 58.6% and tiger shrimp dropped to 35%.
Due to EMS, major global shrimp suppliers such as Thailand and China slowly grew. Combined with high prices, this helped Vietnam, Ecuador, Indonesia and India become important suppliers. Seizing this opportunity, Vietnam actively maintains black tiger shrimp farming area, and increased area for whiteleg shrimp by 245.3% (as of the end of July 2014). Shrimp harvest increased sharply, black tiger shrimp production increased by 91% while whiteleg shrimp grew by 449.4% year on year.
Increasing demand in the US drove higher market price for shrimp from India, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. In the first half of this year, the average price of shrimp imported into the United States increased by 35% year on year. Thus, the first 8 months of this year saw positive results of shrimp exports to the US.
Shrimp exports to the Japan found its growth thanks to frozen import by the country increased by 20%. By the end of August 2014, shrimp exports to Japan increased by 5.2%, to EU increased by 96.2%, to China increased by 32.4% and to South Korea also increased by 99.6%.
PANGASIUS
Through 8/2014, pangasius export value decreased by 1% year on year. Exports to EU and the US, the 2 largest export markets, dropped by 7.3% and 19.6% respectively.These markets, accounted for 45.6% of total export value in 2013, now make up for 39.7%. The decrease in 2 main export markets made pangasius exporters shift to smaller markets, ASEAN and Brazil. It is noticed that in the first 8 months of 2014, pangasius exporters tried their utmost to export to ASEAN and Brazil to compensate the deficiency in EU and the US. Export value was relatively stable but growth reported was negative 1%.
TUNA AND MARINE FISH
In the first 8 months of the 2014, tuna exports fell by 13.4% while other marine rose moderately. Fish exports increased by 18%; mollusks increased by 13%; crabs and other crustaceans increased by 20.8% compared to the same period last year. However, due to lack of raw material and competitions, all year growth rate would not be much higher than that of 2013.
IMPORTING RAW MATERIALS
Factories actively seeked for raw materials. In 2013, exporters were forced to increase raw material imports for their process. The total import turnover this year is expected to reach US$ 720 million, up 10%. Imports of fish (primarily salmon) accounted for 35.77%, followed by 32.8% from shrimp and tuna accounted for 22.2% of total import value. Last year, due to EMS, local processors boosted shrimp import from other countries, in which, India alone accounted for 66.3% of total shrimp import value.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is facing new opportunities to expand its development space as many localities and businesses begin promoting marine farming models aimed at diversifying farming areas and adapting to climate change. However, for pangasius to truly “go offshore” and develop into a large-scale industry segment, significant challenges related to technology, broodstock, and markets still need to be addressed.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports in April 2026 reached USD 11 million, up 92% compared to the same period in 2025. This strong growth indicates that Vietnamese tilapia products are continuing to penetrate and expand rapidly in international markets. Cumulative export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 49 million, up 151% year-on-year.
(seafood.vasep.com) At VietShrimp Asia 2026, disease management trends in shrimp farming are shifting strongly from treatment-based approaches toward proactive prevention through environmental and pond ecosystem control.
(vasep.com.vn) After a period of strong growth, with export turnover reaching USD 38 million in Q1/2026 — up 174% year-on-year — the sector’s rapid expansion clearly reflects growing market opportunities.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the ASEAN bloc reached USD 44 million, up 7% compared to the same period in 2025. After falling to the lowest level of the quarter at USD 9 million in February — reflecting the seasonal slowdown in orders after the festive period — exports recovered strongly to USD 18 million in March, the highest monthly value of the quarter. This development shows that import demand for pangasius in ASEAN remains relatively stable despite short-term fluctuations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On May 11, 2026, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced a positive comparability finding for Vietnam’s swimming crab fisheries, along with those of Indonesia and Sri Lanka, under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). With this decision, seafood and seafood products harvested from Vietnam’s swimming crab fisheries will continue to be eligible for import into the US market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a slowdown in 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Germany showed more positive signs in the first quarter of 2026. However, the recovery remains uncertain as consumer demand in Germany is still cautious, while market competition is increasingly driven by pricing and supply stability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a sharp decline in 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Israel are showing positive signs of recovery in the early months of 2026. According to Vietnam Customs data, export turnover to this market grew steadily month by month in Q1/2026, reaching nearly USD 10 million, up 33% compared to the same period in 2025. However, compared to Q1/2024, this level remains significantly lower, indicating that the recovery is still in its early stage following last year’s strong adjustment.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Entering 2026, the U.S. whitefish market has shown complex developments as global cod supply continues to tighten, while the U.S. trade environment becomes less stable. In this context, the U.S. market has had to become more flexible in sourcing alternative whitefish. However, relying heavily on Alaska pollock is not a long-term solution, as it is a strictly managed fishery with quotas and sustainability regulations, limiting any rapid increase in output to offset cod shortages.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Aquaculture, capture fisheries, and seed production activities in Lam Dong in the early months of 2026 continued to show positive signs, with both output and farming area slightly increasing compared to the same period, contributing to maintaining overall industry stability.
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