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.
On July 22, 2026, the Government issued Decree No. 292/2026/ND-CP detailing certain articles and providing measures for the organization and implementation of the Law on Foreign Trade Management. The Decree takes effect on September 5, 2026, replacing Decree No. 69/2018/ND-CP.
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(seafood.vasep.com.vn) VIETFISH 2026 may have concluded after three dynamic days in Ho Chi Minh City, but conversations around the exhibition continue to resonate across international trade media, industry organizations, and the social media channels of participating companies.
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(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the afternoon of August 19, 2026, as part of the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026, the Hosted Buyer Program continued with the seminar “Vietnam Seafood Outlook 2026–2027: A Strategic Sourcing Destination,” followed by 1-to-1 B2B meetings between international buyers and Vietnamese seafood businesses.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of VIETFISH 2026 on August 19 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), U.S. Consul General Melissa Brown highlighted the important role of the exhibition in connecting Vietnam’s growing seafood industry with buyers, suppliers, and partners from the United States and around the world.
(vasep.com.vn) Tomorrow, August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026 will officially open at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. Taking place over three days, from August 19–21, Vietfish 2026 promises to provide a dynamic platform for business networking, trend updates, product experiences and comprehensive cooperation across the domestic and international seafood community.
(vasep.com.vn) The global tilapia market continues to grow, creating significant opportunities for countries with strengths in aquaculture, processing, and exports. Against this backdrop, Vietnam’s tilapia industry is gradually developing toward higher quality, greater product diversification, and broader market reach. At Vietfish 2026, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), together with the VASEP Tilapia Producers and Exporters Club, will host a joint booth to promote the image and potential of Vietnamese tilapia to domestic and international buyers.
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