According to statistics of Vietnam Customs, from the beginning of 2018, Vietnam’s cephalopod sales to China witnessed the triple-digit increases. In April 2018, exports to the country reached US$4.4 million, an increase of 127% over April 2017; the figure in the first four months of this year estimated at nearly US$14 million, up 159% over the same period in 2017.
Currently, the consumption of molluscs in China is increasing because people are more concerned about their health, so they are looking for healthy foods such as seafood. Rise in the number of the middle class and increasing tourists in the country also facilitated the consumption of cephalopod in restaurants. In addition, the stable yuan stimulates the demand of Chinese importers.
According to the International Trade Center (ITC), China's cephalopod imports in 2017 valued at US$98.9 million; down 70.4% compared to 2016. Peru, North Korea, Chile were the largest suppliers of cephalopod to the Chinese market.
Vietnam was the sixth largest exporter of cephalopod to China and the fourth largest exporter of live/fresh/chilled squid (HS code 030741) to the market behind North Korea, Japan and Indonesia. Out of the four biggest suppliers of live/fresh/chilled squid to China, only Vietnam and Indonesia enjoyed the zero tariffs, while the others were subject to the tariff rate of 6%.
Besides, Vietnam held as the third leading supplier of frozen octopus (HS code 030759) to China behind Japan and Mauritania.
In 2017, China increased imports of processed squid products (HS code 160554), live/fresh/chilled octopus (HS code 030751) and processed octopus (HS code 160555); of that imports of live/fresh/chilled octopus showed the highes climb.
|
CEPHALOPOD IMPORTS INTO CHINA BY PRODUCTS (Thousand US$) |
||||
|
HS |
Products |
2016 |
2017 |
Variation (%) |
|
160554 |
Processed squid |
16,949 |
77.505 |
357.3 |
|
030749 |
Frozen/smoked/dried/salted squid |
305,328 |
20.031 |
-93.4 |
|
030759 |
Frozen/smoked/dried/salted octopus |
11,352 |
1.055 |
-90.7 |
|
030751 |
Live/fresh/chilled octopus |
3 |
143 |
4,666.7 |
|
160555 |
Processed octopus |
59 |
136 |
130.5 |
|
030741 |
Live/fresh/chilled squid |
187 |
- |
-100.0 |
|
Total |
333.878 |
98,870 |
-70,4 |
|
|
(Source: ITC) |
||||
China has a large import demand for domestic consumption and re-exports. Thanks to the advantageous geographical location, Vietnam expected to boost exports to China.
China is projected to continue as an important and potential market for Vietnamese cephalopod companies in the coming time, when exports to mainstream markets face difficulties.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Recently, in Long Xuyen City, An Giang Province, the Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development (IPSARD) and the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) organized a workshop to announce the results of the project “Food Loss Assessment in the Pangasius Value Chain in the Mekong River Region.” The project aims to provide scientific evidence to support the sustainable development of Vietnam’s pangasius industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Shrimp prices in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta have recovered since early May, helping to improve farmers’ confidence and accelerate stocking activities for the 2026 farming season. However, farmers remain cautious due to rising input costs, unfavorable weather conditions, and disease risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On May 27, the Vietnam Trade Office in India, in collaboration with trade promotion agencies, industry associations, and businesses from both countries, organized the online seminar “Vietnam–India Seafood Trade Forum and Supply-Demand Connectivity 2026.” The event aimed to promote trade cooperation, investment, and seafood supply chain connectivity between Vietnam and India amid the ongoing restructuring of global markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In recent years, Ninh Binh Province has intensified the application of science and technology in aquaculture in order to improve productivity, product quality, and economic efficiency.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 49 million, up 151% compared to the same period in 2025. This figure reflects an emerging export sector that is taking advantage of market gaps created by global trade disruptions, while larger producers are adjusting their strategies.
On the afternoon of May 28, the People’s Committee of Ho Thi Ky Commune signed a memorandum of understanding with Minh Phu Certified Shrimp Social Co., Ltd. (a member of Minh Phu Seafood Corporation) on cooperation to develop a black tiger shrimp farming area meeting international certification standards during the 2026–2030 period in the commune.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The “Moringa Noodles Salad” product by Sa Giang Import-Export Corporation was honored as one of the “Top 10 Winning Products” at the THAIFEX – Anuga taste Innovation Show 2026, held as part of THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026 in Bangkok.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a fairly strong upward trend in 2025, Vietnam’s clam exports entered 2026 with a mixed picture: strong growth at the beginning of the year, followed by a slowdown from March onward. According to Vietnam Customs data, Vietnam’s clam export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached more than USD 38 million, up 2% compared to the same period in 2025.
(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.
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