After increasing by 44% in January and 62% in February, Vietnam seafood exports in March 2022 grew more slowly but sales were still significantly higher than in the first two months of the year.
By the end of March 2022, the total seafood export was estimated at 2.4 billion USD, up 40% compared to the same period last year.
The positive results are mainly due to the fact that pangasius export is still recovering strongly, increasing by 80% to reach 261 million USD in March with signs of rebounding demand in major markets such as the US, China, and the EU. By the end of March 2022, accumulated pangasius exports are estimated at 646 million USD, up 88% from the same period in 2021. Pangasius is regaining its position in the structure of export aquatic products, accounting for 27% of the seafood export value.
Shrimp still accounted for the highest proportion of export turnover in March, at 37%, equivalent to 345 million USD, which is up 21% from the same period last year. Total shrimp exports in the first quarter reached over $900 million, 37% higher than in the first quarter of 2021. The high demand for shrimp in the major markets along with an increase in the average export price are the factors that helped shrimp export turnover exceed the previous year.
The war in Ukraine directly affected the fishing industry because gasoline prices were so high that many fishermen let their ships lie ashore, or even sold their ships and gave up their jobs. The seafood processing industry, which is already facing difficulties in terms of raw materials, is in short supply. Therefore, marine product exports in March only kept a modest increase of less than 3% to reach 312 million USD, in which, exports of tuna and cephalopod still maintained a growth of 20%, but exports of other marine fish species decreased by 14%.
Total marine product exports in the first quarter were estimated at USD 878 million, up 20%, thanks to high growth in the first 2 months of the year, in which, tuna exports reached 234 million USD, up 55%; cephalopod exports increased 35% to 156 million USD. Exports of mollusk shells and crabs reached US$30 million and US$54 million, respectively, up 23% and 70% compared to the first quarter of 2021.
Vietnam seafood exports to major markets in March 2022 still maintained high growth. Exports to the US increased by 42%, to China by 77%, to the EU by 37%, to South Korea by 23%. However, exports to Japan are only proximate to those of March 2021.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine obstructed seafood exports to Russia and Ukraine. Exports to Russia decreased by 86% in March to only $2.7 million, and exports to Ukraine were halted in March. In the first two months of the year, seafood exports to Ukraine still reached $4.5 million.
Although Russia accounts for less than 2% of Vietnam's seafood exports and Ukraine accounted for 0.3%, meaning the decrease in revenue in these two markets is not significant, the consequences of the war on the seafood industry are not significant because the increase in gasoline prices affects both production and export.
Seafood exports in April will continue to be affected by the Russia-Ukraine war, but still have growth momentum in major markets such as the US and EU, where trade activities and trade promotion have returned to the new normal. Vietnamese seafood enterprises are participating in international seafood fairs to connect and expand their customer base.
Therefore, it is forecasted that seafood exports in April will still grow by 25% to reach 934 million USD. Accordingly, the export of marine fish may decrease by 15%, but the export of pangasius will still increase by 80% and shrimp will increase by 20%, tuna by 18%, squid and octopus by 25%.
Compiled by Minh Trang
Shrimp has been the most important export product of Vietnam’s seafood industry for many years, typically accounting for 35–45% of the country’s total seafood export value. With a well-developed farming, processing, and export system, Vietnam has become one of the world’s leading shrimp exporters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, the global food market is facing increasing volatility in logistics costs, energy prices, and supply chains. In the seafood sector, alongside ocean-caught products such as tuna, the surimi-based product group—including fish cakes, crab sticks, fish balls, and other imitation seafood products—has also been affected to some extent by these developments.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to the 2026 brackish-water shrimp farming calendar issued by the Da Nang Department of Agriculture and Environment, the 2026 crop started in early January and is expected to harvest in late June. However, stocking progress has been slower than planned as farmers remain cautious, focusing on pond renovation and production preparations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After the Lunar New Year of Binh Ngo 2026, commercial clam prices in Ha Tinh province surged sharply, nearly doubling compared to normal levels and standing about 20–30% higher than the same period last year. The spike has encouraged many aquaculture households to accelerate harvesting and sell large volumes to the market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In January 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 379.6 million, up 22% compared to the same period in 2025. The double-digit growth in the very first month of the year signals a relatively positive recovery in orders, particularly in Asian markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) From the very beginning of 2026, India’s shrimp industry has received a series of favorable trade signals: U.S. reciprocal tariffs have been reduced, while the successful conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU has opened prospects for eliminating nearly all seafood tariffs in the coming years. This shift not only enables Indian shrimp to quickly offset declines in the U.S. market, but also reshapes the global competitive landscape, placing greater pressure on Vietnamese shrimp exporters in terms of price, market share, and strategic positioning.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Entering 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is recording many positive signals, both in terms of raw fish prices and export prospects. Export turnover this year is projected to reach approximately USD 2.3 billion. Amid ongoing volatility in the global market, diversifying export destinations, reducing dependence on major markets, and effectively leveraging free trade agreements (FTAs) are considered key to maintaining sustainable growth and creating new momentum for the pangasius sector.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With forecasts indicating that weather conditions in 2026 may become more complex—featuring prolonged heatwaves, unseasonal rains, and increased salinity intrusion—the agricultural sector of Can Tho City advises brackish water shrimp farmers to strictly follow the seasonal farming calendar and strengthen pond environmental management to minimize risks and improve production efficiency.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On February 4, a working delegation led by the Authority of Telecommunications (Ministry of Science and Technology) met with the Management Board of Cat Lo Fishing Port (Phuoc Thang Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) to comprehensively review the installation of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), assess signal connectivity, and evaluate the effectiveness of information technology applications in fisheries management across the city.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 marked a significant milestone for China’s lobster market, with total imports reaching a record high and the supply structure undergoing major changes. Amid this surge, Vietnam’s lobster exports—especially green lobster—accelerated dramatically, reaching new highs and contributing substantially to Vietnam’s overall record shrimp export value.
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