Koreans have a high demand for cephalopod, especially dried items. Imports of cephalopod into South Korea in recent years tended to increase thanks to a rise in demand for healthy food.
According to ITC, in the first six months of this year, cephalopod imports into South Korea decreased by 48% to hit US$149.8 million. China was the largest supplier to the market; followed by Peru and Vietnam with the shares of 49% and 42%, respectively.
In the period, among the main cephalopod items imported into Korea; imports of processed squid (HS code 160554), fresh/live/chilled octopus (HS code 030751), processed octopus (HS code 160555) increased by 40.6%; 30.7% and 33.75%, respectively; while those of frozen/dried/salted squid (HS code 030749) and octopus (HS code 030759) declined sharply by 65.9% and 98.5%, respectively.
Vietnam’s exports of fresh/frozen octopus picked the main proportion of total Viet Nam's cephalopod exports to South Korea, followed by dried squid and fresh/frozen squid.
Despite the proportion of 1% in total imports of fresh/live octopus into South Korea, Vietnam will have the opportunity to increase the market share thanks to the tax rate of 0% (China with 91%; Thailand with over 8%) and good supplies. For the export value, Vietnam accounted for 35%, while China picked up 45% in total imports of frozen octopus into the market.
Korea's import demand for frozen squid in 2016 had rebounded, up 8% after a 16-percent drop in 2015. In 2017, South Korea's squid imports expected to continue the rise as the squid output of the country fell sharply from 186 thousand MT in 2015 to 141 thousand MT in 2016. Vietnam made up the highest market share in South Korea with 31.5% in 2016, while Chile accounted for 228.5% and China with 12.5%. In addition, Vietnam was subject to the lower tax than China (Vietnam with the tax of 6.67% and China with the tax of 13.33%).
(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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