In 2011, South Korea was the fourth largest importer of Vietnam seafood in export value, accounting for 7.8 percent of total Vietnam seafood export value after EU, the U.S. and Japan. Three main seafood items of Vietnam exported to South Korea were cephalopods, shrimp and other finfish in which cephalopods made up 35.5 percent of total export value, shrimp with 33 percent and other finfish with 29 percent.
Although Vietnam shrimp is not Korean people’s the most favourite seafood item, Vietnam shrimp exports to the market have reported a high and stable growth in recent years. Shrimp exports increased from US$81 million (in 2007) to US$157 million (in 2011). When whiteleg shrimp wasn’t officially allowed to farm in Vietnam, black tiger shrimp was the main shrimp species exported to South Korea. Since whiteleg shrimp has been produced comercially in Vietnam, the species exports to the market keep increasing.
In 2011, whiteleg shrimp exports to South Korea touched US$75.8 million, making up 48 percent of total shrimp export value to the market. Black tiger shrimp exports to the market remained its proportion of 38 – 39 percent. While many barriers in many major importing markets are exposing to Vietnam shrimp, many Vietnam shrimp exporters are planning to strengthen shrimp exports to South Korea. This is an attractive market of Vietnam shrimp due to stable consumption demand.
According to International Trade Centre (ITC), Vietnam is not ranked in top 10 largest shrimp suppliers for South Korea but importing shrimp from Vietnam into the country is in uptrend. In 2010, Vietnam raw shrimp imports into the market rose by 142 percent from that of 2009, leading an increase in Vietnam’s market share from 0.4 percent to 0.8 percent while market share of some major markets such as the U.S., Japan, Spain, France or Italy grew only from 10 – 18 percent per annum.
2012 marks the 20 year diplomatic relation between Vietnam and South Korea. Recently, in an official visit of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and Vietnamese senior delegation to South Korea, both two countries has agreed to complete soon US$20 billion target of bilateral trade turnover prior to 2015 and reach US$30 billion target.
Two countries approved to continue to coorperate for balance and expansion in bilateral trade ties. In order to boost economic cooperation for mutual benefits, two countries will kick off negotiations on bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Accordingly, South Korea will consider Vietnam’s suggestions and facilitate Vietnam goods exported to South Korea.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports in September 2026 are estimated at US$1.135 billion, up 11.9% year-on-year, bringing total exports in the first nine months of the year to US$9.103 billion, up 11.4%. Behind this double-digit growth, however, increasingly divergent market trends are emerging: China–Hong Kong and ASEAN posted strong growth, while the U.S., EU and Japan all recorded declines in September.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Brazil became the largest market for Vietnamese tilapia, with export value reaching US$44 million, up 22,142% year-on-year and accounting for 49% of Vietnam’s total tilapia exports. In August alone, exports to Brazil reached US$4 million. However, behind this remarkable growth is a market that is imposing increasingly stringent requirements on imported supplies.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports sustained their upward trajectory in August 2026, though the pace remained modest at just 2%. The month saw divergent trends across key markets: the US maintained its leading position, Japan and Canada improved, Russia surged and the EU continued to experience a steep downturn. These developments suggest that exporters are entering the final months of the year amid a market environment marked by greater uncertainty.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Congalsa has acquired the entire charter capital of Lenger Seafood Vietnam, giving it full ownership of the business and its Nam Dinh processing facility.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ninh Binh Province is entering a peak period of action against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, focusing on thoroughly addressing violations, closely monitoring fishing vessels at ports and preventing vessels from violating regulations and operating illegally in foreign waters ahead of the European Commission’s (EC) upcoming inspection in 2026.
(vasep.com.vn) The application of biotechnology in seed production is increasingly viewed as a strategic imperative to upgrade pangasius fingerling quality, optimize farming efficiency and anchor sustainable industry development.
(vasep.com.vn) On September 15, 2026, in Can Tho, VASEP and ASC jointly organized a training course titled “New ASC standards: updates and practical implementation guidance for farms, businesses and aquafeed mills”. Beyond briefing stakeholders on updated ASC requirements for aquaculture facilities and feed production, the workshop dedicated substantial floor time to directly addressing on-the-ground compliance bottlenecks encountered by Vietnamese enterprises.
(searfood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports continued to post positive results in the first eight months of 2026, with total export value reaching US$90 million, up 43% year-on-year. However, exports in August alone stood at US$11 million, down 8%, reflecting uneven market developments. Brazil remained the leading market, while Japan recorded notable growth, opening up new opportunities for Vietnamese tilapia products.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached US$3.3 billion in the first eight months of 2026, up 12% year on year. However, growth has begun to slow and become more differentiated across markets, while the U.S. and EU continue to present significant challenges. The latest insights from the Global Shrimp Forum 2026 (GSF 2026), held in early September, also indicate that the final months of the year will remain highly competitive as global supply continues to expand and buyers increasingly focus on quality, product specifications, supply stability and the ability to meet market-specific demand.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In August 2026, Vietnam’s seafood exports reached $1.14 billion, up 6% year on year. Cumulative eight-month exports rose 11.8% to $8.00 billion, though momentum has cooled compared to the 12.8% growth seen through July. China - Hong Kong and ASEAN are offsetting weakness in the U.S, EU and partly Japan. This divergence will likely widen in Q4 as trade tariffs and traceability requirements directly weigh on new orders.
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