In the structure of Vietnam's seafood export in the past three years to the South Korean market, shrimp is the product with the highest export value, with an average of 15-40 million USD/month. Currently, South Korea is the third largest white shrimp export market of Vietnam (after the US and Japan).
In the first three months of this year, South Korea continued to order white shrimp from Vietnam with outstanding products such as HLSO whiteleg shrimp, fresh and frozen Nobashi white shrimp, fresh and frozen sushi, butterfly whiteleg shrimp, frozen PD white shrimp. In addition, this market also imports fresh and frozen PTO black tiger shrimp from Vietnam.
Originally a large traditional export market of Vietnamese shrimp exporting enterprises, in 2020, shrimp exports to this market was affected by the Covid-19 epidemic, the average shrimp export price to South Korea also decreased slightly.
In the first 3 months of 2021, there were nearly 30 shrimp processing enterprises participating in exporting shrimp to the South South Korean market, of which, Ca Mau Seafood Processing and Service Joint Stock Company (CASES) was the enterprise with the largest export value to this market, followed by businesses such as: MINH PHU HAU GIANG (Hau Giang); Minh Hai Seafood Joint Stock Company (SEA MINH HAI - Bac Lieu); Ngoc Trinh Bac Lieu Seafood Company Limited and Hai Viet Corporation (HAVICO - Ba Ria - Vung Tau).
According to the latest statistics of ITC, in the first two months of this year, South Korea also imported shrimp from more than 100 markets, of which Vietnam is still the leading shrimp supplier of South Korea. In addition, a number of other major shrimp suppliers are also focusing on exporting shrimp to the South South Korean market such as Thailand, Ecuador, Argentina, China, Malaysia ...
In 2020, South Korean seafood importers will also face many difficulties due to the Covid epidemic. So far, due to neglect and subjectivity with epidemics, the 4th wave of infections has returned to the country in March-April 2021. Currently, the authorities have increased surveillance in highly infectious places such as restaurants, cafes, steam facilities and childcare centers. Health officials could tighten regulations in crowded places and business activities if this trend continues. Therefore, in the upcoming time, business activities of South Korean seafood enterprises may not avoid the impact, and sales are likely to decrease.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cake and surimi reached USD 63 million, down 5% compared to the same period last year. Although total export value declined slightly due to decreases in some key markets, many other destinations continued to post strong growth, opening up room for this convenience-oriented processed segment in the coming quarters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Favorable weather conditions in the early months of 2026 have brought encouraging signs for fisheries activities in Quang Tri. Output has grown steadily, contributing to improved livelihoods for local residents.
Entering 2026, Vietnam’s seafood industry is facing a period of both high expectations and mounting pressures. Following the positive recovery in 2025, production and export activities in Q1/2026 demonstrated the strong adaptability of Vietnam’s seafood business community amid continued global trade volatility, intensifying international competition, and increasingly stringent compliance requirements in import markets.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 1.069 billion, up 17.5% compared to the same period in 2025. This is a positive result amid an uneven global shrimp market recovery, intensifying competition among major suppliers, and continued volatility in the international trade environment. However, this growth does not reflect a broad-based recovery across the entire sector, but rather is driven mainly by strong performance in a few markets and specific product segments—most notably lobster exports to China.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports continued to decline in March 2026. Cumulatively, in the first three months of the year, export value reached USD 208 million, down 4% compared to the same period in 2025. The export landscape shows clear divergence across markets: while the U.S. and EU remain challenging, markets such as Russia, the Middle East, Egypt, the Philippines, and Mexico have emerged as growth bright spots.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Quang Ngai Province, shrimp farming costs are rising sharply due to लगातार increases in feed, fuel, and input material prices, while farm-gate shrimp prices are declining. This has significantly reduced farmers’ profit margins and increased production risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports are experiencing impressive growth, reflecting expanding global demand as well as the sector’s development potential. However, behind the strong growth figures lie limitations in production capacity and supply chains, highlighting the need for sustainable development in the coming period.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the Middle East in 2025 and early 2026 have shown notable growth. However, escalating geopolitical tensions in the region have increasingly impacted export activities since March. This situation presents a challenge of balancing market expansion opportunities with rising trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The Quang Tri Department of Agriculture and Environment has instructed localities to base their stocking schedules on actual conditions in each farming area, while developing plans, allocating resources, and implementing synchronized measures for disease prevention and disaster risk management in aquaculture production.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first two months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cakes and surimi exceeded USD 45 million, up 7% compared to the same period in 2025, indicating a positive outlook for this product segment amid recovering demand in many markets.
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