The decline occurred in almost all commodity groups, except for processed tuna HS code 16 (mainly frozen steamed tuna loin). In which, exports of frozen tuna meat/loin with HS code 0304 fell the most by 55%, exports of fresh/frozen/dried tuna decreased by 54% and canned tuna decreased by 46%.
2022 is a remarkable year for Vietnam's tuna industry as the export turnover reached a record of more than 1 billion USD, an increase of 34% compared to 2021. However, this growth is thanks to the strong growth in the domestic market in the first 3 quarters of 2022. In the fourth quarter, under the impact of inflation, Vietnam's tuna export decreased.This trend will continue in the first months of 2023. Unsurprisingly, tuna exports to main markets in January 2023 fell sharply.
The structure of Vietnam's tuna import market this month has changed . Notably, exports to new markets like Korea and Taiwan grew by 457% and 105% over the same period.
The US is still Vietnam's largest tuna importer, but the proportion of this market decreased compared to 2022. The value of tuna exports to this market in January 2023 was just over US$16 million, down 63% over the same period. Although inflation in the US has slowed down, concerns about a continued economic downturn are causing consumers to be more cautious in spendings. This is affecting US tuna imports from other countries.
Along with the US, the EU also recorded a sharp decline in the first month of 2023, down 42%, reaching nearly 9 million USD. This decline has caused the share of this market to decrease. The EU has dropped to the third position among the largest importers of Vietnamese tuna. The key tuna export markets in this market block in January were Germany, which increased by 25%, the Netherlands by 52% and Spain by 52%.
Meanwhile, exports to Israel recovered with an impressive growth rate of nearly 80% over the same period.
In the CPTPP market, Vietnam's tuna exports in January only increased slightly by 6%. Tuna exports to the largest import market in this block, Canada, decreased by 29%, but exports to Japan and Peru increased by 38% and 53%.
Vietnam's tuna export outlook in the first months of the year has not yet prospered as the world economy is forecasted to fall into a recession this year.
Compiled by Thuy Linh
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, tuna exports in the first month of 2026 reached over USD 75 million, up 13% compared to the same period in 2025. Notably, exports increased in most key markets such as Japan, the EU, and Russia, while exports to the United States fell by 6%—a contrasting development amid ongoing adjustments in U.S. import tariff policies and new compliance requirements under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), which took effect at the beginning of the year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In March 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports recorded strong growth, reaching USD 15 million, up 109% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively, in the first three months of 2026, export value reached USD 38 million, an increase of 174% year-on-year. This result highlights the sector’s robust expansion and reflects rapid growth across multiple markets.
(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.
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