HCM City (VNS/VNA) - Tuna exports are projected to reach 456.8 million USD in the first half of 2024, a year-on-year increase of 20%, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP). After decreasing in 2023, exports rose by 22% in the first five months of the year to 388 million USD. Shipments of canned tuna products, bagged tuna and frozen loin/fillet increased by 44%, 24%, and 7%. Exports of frozen whole tuna nearly tripled. Exports to most markets increased, with those to the US and the EU, the two largest, rising by 30% and 37% and accounting for 37% and 22% of total exports. Exports to Israel, Russia and the Republic of Korea rose by 64%, 58% and 66%. Speaking at the association’s annual general conference in HCM City on June 10, Cao Thị Kim Lan, Director of the Binh Dinh Fisheries Joint Stock Company, said in 2023, Vietnam became the world’s 5th largest exporter of tuna behind Thailand, Ecuador, Spain, and China, rising from the 8th place 10 years ago. She said a notable milestone was achieved in 2022 when exports of the fish topped 1 billion USD. She spoke about the potential of the tuna industry. “We have hi-tech tuna processing factories, experienced and skilled labourers and reputable products that are exported to nearly 100 markets. “With more than 30 years of experience, I believe the Vietnamese tuna industry can grow further if we make efforts to overcome internal challenges and resolve difficulties faced by the industry with support from the Government.” She said exports could reach 1 billion USD again this year if the raw material shortages are resolved. She pointed out more than 50% of exports are processed from imported tuna. Firms have difficulty obtaining statements of catch for raw material at fishing ports (the statement issued by competent authorities to verify raw materials from fishing that do not violate IUU regulations) after finalising the purchase of raw materials, according to Lan. She listed a number of reasons why they were unable to get the statements, including issues related to safety conditions and catching in illegal waters. Another issue is that a number of fishing vessels have installed the VNPT electronic monitoring system but regularly encounter technical errors, causing a disconnection between the vessels and the system monitoring fishing activities for six hours or more, even two to three days. Buyers could not know these issues when they purchase the fish, she said. She said localities and other competent agencies needed to implement well checking hygiene and food safety conditions of fishing vessels and fishing ports in line with Government regulations. She said the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development should consider amending regulations so that the certificates of raw materials could be issued immediately when loading and unloading are completed from fishing vessels under the supervision of port staff. "In cases where fishing vessels lose connection due to telecom service providers’ fault, the ministry needs to provide guidance on issuing the certificates to businesses," she said. She said the ministry needed to establish “a digital input data system connecting fishing ports and the Government. This is basic information for the Government and ministries to issue appropriate directions and policies.”/.
( Vietnamplus.vn )
Entering 2026, Vietnam’s seafood industry is facing a period of both high expectations and mounting pressures. Following the positive recovery in 2025, production and export activities in Q1/2026 demonstrated the strong adaptability of Vietnam’s seafood business community amid continued global trade volatility, intensifying international competition, and increasingly stringent compliance requirements in import markets.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 1.069 billion, up 17.5% compared to the same period in 2025. This is a positive result amid an uneven global shrimp market recovery, intensifying competition among major suppliers, and continued volatility in the international trade environment. However, this growth does not reflect a broad-based recovery across the entire sector, but rather is driven mainly by strong performance in a few markets and specific product segments—most notably lobster exports to China.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports continued to decline in March 2026. Cumulatively, in the first three months of the year, export value reached USD 208 million, down 4% compared to the same period in 2025. The export landscape shows clear divergence across markets: while the U.S. and EU remain challenging, markets such as Russia, the Middle East, Egypt, the Philippines, and Mexico have emerged as growth bright spots.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Quang Ngai Province, shrimp farming costs are rising sharply due to लगातार increases in feed, fuel, and input material prices, while farm-gate shrimp prices are declining. This has significantly reduced farmers’ profit margins and increased production risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports are experiencing impressive growth, reflecting expanding global demand as well as the sector’s development potential. However, behind the strong growth figures lie limitations in production capacity and supply chains, highlighting the need for sustainable development in the coming period.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the Middle East in 2025 and early 2026 have shown notable growth. However, escalating geopolitical tensions in the region have increasingly impacted export activities since March. This situation presents a challenge of balancing market expansion opportunities with rising trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The Quang Tri Department of Agriculture and Environment has instructed localities to base their stocking schedules on actual conditions in each farming area, while developing plans, allocating resources, and implementing synchronized measures for disease prevention and disaster risk management in aquaculture production.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first two months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cakes and surimi exceeded USD 45 million, up 7% compared to the same period in 2025, indicating a positive outlook for this product segment amid recovering demand in many markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During the week from April 4th to 10th, 2026, Quang Ngai province intensified its monitoring and law enforcement activities with the determination to eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Thanh Hoa’s shrimp sector is undergoing a strong transformation by accelerating the adoption of high technology, helping to improve productivity, increase profits, and meet market demands. The province currently has about 4,100 hectares of shrimp farming, with output continuing to rise despite stable farming area, mainly due to the shift from traditional methods to intensive and super-intensive farming.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
Chịu trách nhiệm: Ông Nguyễn Hoài Nam - Phó Tổng thư ký Hiệp hội
Đơn vị vận hành trang tin điện tử: Trung tâm VASEP.PRO
Trưởng Ban Biên tập: Bà Phùng Thị Kim Thu
Giấy phép hoạt động Trang thông tin điện tử tổng hợp số 138/GP-TTĐT, ngày 01/10/2013 của Bộ Thông tin và Truyền thông
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 – (ext.203); email: kimthu@vasep.com.vn
Trụ sở: Số 7 đường Nguyễn Quý Cảnh, Phường An Phú, Quận 2, Tp.Hồ Chí Minh
Tel: (+84) 28.628.10430 - Fax: (+84) 28.628.10437 - Email: vasephcm@vasep.com.vn
VPĐD: số 10, Nguyễn Công Hoan, Ngọc Khánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 - Fax: (+84 24) 37715084 - Email: vasephn@vasep.com.vn
