Growth mometum driven by Asia
South Korea remains the largest market, importing over 122 million USD worth of squid and octopus from Vietnam (36% of total exports), up 7% year - on - year. Popular products include cleaned cuttlefish, frozen processed octopus and whole frozen octopus.
The CPTPP bloc also recorded strong growth of 20% with exports reaching over 96 million USD. Japan made a significant contribution which contributed 83 million USD in imports (up 21%). Products such as MA sushi squid, breaded fried squid and frozen octopus are highly favored by Japanese consumers.
China and Hong Kong combined for a total of 34 million USD, up 15% - with China alone surging by 87% in June 2025. Thailand also stood out with a 37% increase, driven by strong demand for boiled frozen octopus, dried squid and button squid.
Conversely, some markets like Taiwan, Australia and Hong Kong experienced declines, reflecting intense competition, certain technical and trade barriers.
Challenges Facing Enterprises
- Procedural and policy issues: Difficulties in obtaining Certificates of Origin (C/O) in accordance with Decree 31/2018/ND-CP have caused delays for many export shipments. Additionally, regulations on imported raw materials and food safety inspection procedures remain inconsistent, causing bottlenecks when converting the intended use of imported materials.
- IUU Yellow Card: The EU’s IUU yellow card continues to impact seafood exports, including squid and octopus, limiting competitiveness in this key market.
- U.S countervailing duties and risks: The potential imposition of U.S. countervailing duties of up to 20% is a significant concern. Vague regulations regarding product origin (transshipment, 40-20-40 rules, etc) also pose risks of high tariffs or import bans.
- U.S. MMPA regulations: The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has not yet recognized Vietnam’s marine mammal conservation measures, including fishing methods related to squid harvesting. If Vietnam fails to meet equivalency standards, exports to the U.S could be banned starting January 1, 2026.
Strategies for businesses amid market volatility
Vietnamese squid and octopus exporters should proactively diversify their markets with Asian countries such as South Korea, Japan and Thailand serving as stable pillars. Enterprises should also seize opportunities in other CPTPP member markets.
Additionally, enterprises need to standardize documentation and processes, investing in quality management and raw material traceability systems to ensure transparency and meet origin requirements - especially as technical barriers tighten.
Additionally, enterprises should prepare for worst - case scenarios in the U.S market, including the potential imposition of tariffs, by reassessing the proportion of exports to the U.S, adjusting market strategies and revising long-term contracts if necessary.
Finally, to meet the increasingly stringent environmental and traceability requirements from the EU and U.S, enterprises must strengthen collaboration with fishermen and invest in transparent traceability systems to ensure sustainable market access.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In March 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius export value reached USD 182 million, up 1% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively, exports in the first three months of 2026 totaled USD 514 million, an increase of 17% year-on-year, indicating that the growth momentum is being maintained despite signs of slowdown in some markets during March.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During peak heat periods, farmers raising pangasius, tilapia, and other freshwater fish in Dong Thap are implementing various technical measures to reduce risks and maintain stable production.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Japan continues to be one of Vietnam’s most important and stable shrimp markets. In recent years, shrimp exports to this market have fluctuated in line with Japan’s broader economic and consumption cycles, yet Japan remains a major, high-value destination with stringent standards.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Spain increased by 13% compared to 2024. This growth trend has continued into the first two months of 2026. According to Vietnam Customs statistics, export turnover to this market reached nearly USD 3 million in January–February 2026, up 101% year-on-year and significantly higher than the same period in 2024. This development indicates that Spain is once again becoming a notable destination for Vietnamese tuna amid strong demand for tuna raw materials and products in Europe.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The 2026 brackish water shrimp farming season in the Mekong Delta has started earlier than usual, mainly driven by positive market signals, as shrimp prices in 2025 remained high and supply was limited. Many enterprises and farms in Cần Thơ, Cà Mau, and Vĩnh Long have proactively stocked early to seize opportunities. By early 2026, stocking areas in many localities had reached a high proportion of planned targets, with intensive and high-tech farming models expanding rapidly.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States recorded remarkable growth in 2025, opening up major opportunities while also presenting considerable challenges. The U.S. remains the largest importer of Vietnamese tilapia fillets, with export turnover reaching USD 40 million—an increase of up to 499% compared to 2024. This impressive growth reflects strong demand in the U.S. market, as supply from competing countries such as China has been constrained by tariffs and rising production costs.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Pangasius remains a strategic export commodity in Vietnam’s seafood sector. Entering 2026, the industry faces a strong need to transition from volume-based growth to a value-driven development model, with a focus on quality, food safety, and sustainability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Following damage caused by Storm No. 13 in late 2025, brackish water shrimp farming in Gia Lai is being rapidly restored. In key farming areas such as Tuy Phước and Tuy Phước Đông, farmers are focusing on rehabilitating ponds, repairing infrastructure, and treating the environment in preparation for the 2026 crop.
(seafood.vasep.com) Facing the decline in fishery resources, Vietnam is accelerating livelihood transitions for fishermen to reduce fishing pressure and move toward sustainable development. Marine fish stocks have dropped significantly from 4.82 million tons in 2000–2005 to 3.95 million tons in 2016–2020.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp industry is entering a period of strong transformation with the emergence of various high-tech farming models, helping improve productivity and competitiveness. Over the past 5–10 years, farming practices have shifted from traditional methods to intensive and super-intensive systems, featuring lined ponds, environmental sensors, automated feeding, and data management.
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