In the first half of this year, export of live/fresh/frozen tuna had a good growth rate. In contrast, export of canned tuna grew slowly. Particularly, other tuna processed products (frozen skipjack/yellowfin tuna loin, bagged yellowfin/skipjack tuna in oil, frozen tuna flake...) tended to decrease over the same period in 2018.
In general, the main markets for Vietnam's tuna exports have grown well as of the end of June compared to the same period except Israel, ASEAN and Japan. Notably in this quarter, Vietnam's tuna exports to the EU has grown again.
The US
In the last 3 months, tuna exports to the US still maintains good growth momentum. In the first 6 months of 2019, Vietnam's tuna exports to the US reached US$159 million, up 61% compared to the same period in 2018.
From May 10, 2019, the US officially imposed a new tax on Chinese tuna industry, up from 10% to 25%. China was the main tuna exporter for the US market. The country is holding the majority of market share in the frozen tuna loin market segment of the US. This has led American companies to find alternative supplies from other countries such as Vietnam and Thailand. Therefore, compared to the same period in 2018, the export of Vietnamese tuna products to the US rose.
The EU
After the difficulties in raw materials imports in the first months of the year were solved, Vietnam's tuna exports to the EU in the second quarter of 2019 recovered, partly offseting the decline in the first 3 months of the year. Total tuna export value of Vietnam to the EU in the first 6 months of 2019 reached nearly US$71 million, up by 0.7% year on year.
With outstanding growth in June, Italy has become the largest tuna importer of Vietnam in the EU. Compared to the same period in 2018, Italy tended to increase imports of live/fresh and frozen tuna of Vietnam. In addition, notably export other processed tuna (such as frozen steamed tuna loins ...), raw materials for processing canned tuna, also increased sharply over the same period last year.
While tuna exports to the Netherlands in June dropped. However, due to good export growth of the previous 5 months, Vietnam's tuna export value to this market in the first 6 months still climbed over the same period. The Netherlands was the largest importer of frozen tuna fillet/loin code of HS0304 in the EU, accounting for more than 31% of the total import value of this product line from Vietnam.
Japan
In June, Vietnam's tuna exports to Japan showed positive signs. However, due to continuous decline in the previous 5 months, Vietnam's tuna exports to Japan in the first 6 months of 2019 was still down 9% compared to the same period in 2018. Overall, export of tuna products of Vietnam to Japan all increased over the same period, except for frozen tuna fillet/loin. In particular, the export proportion of canned processed tuna of Vietnam to Japan tended to go up so far.
It is forecasted that Vietnam's tuna exports in the coming time will continue to grow. Two new-generation trade agreements, CPTPP and EVFTA, are expected to bring more opportunities to penetrate market for Vietnamese businesses.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Biofloc technology is being piloted in several rice–shrimp farming models in Ca Mau Province, showing initial positive results in controlling pond environments, improving shrimp seed quality, and supporting sustainable aquaculture development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first four months of 2026, Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia together contributed USD 108 million to Vietnam’s pangasius exports, accounting for around 15% of the industry’s total export turnover. Amid tightening global whitefish supply and slowing demand in several traditional markets, Latin America is increasingly becoming an important expansion destination for the sector.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Alongside the development of high-tech shrimp farming, Ha Tinh Province is accelerating the cultivation of high-value freshwater aquatic species, with red tilapia emerging as an effective and sustainable farming model.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 81 million in April 2026, down 6% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of the year, export turnover totaled USD 289 million, down 4.8%. Although the overall export picture has yet to brighten significantly, market trends are becoming increasingly diversified rather than moving in a single direction.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is undergoing strong restructuring starting from the broodstock and fingerling segment in order to improve productivity, quality, and export competitiveness. This is considered a critical foundation for the sustainable development of the industry amid rising production costs and increasingly stringent market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, pangasius exports in April 2026 reached USD 206 million, up 18% compared to the same period in 2025 — marking another consecutive month of double-digit growth since the beginning of the year. Cumulative pangasius export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 720 million, up 17% year-on-year, reflecting the positive growth momentum of this key export product.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 maintained positive growth momentum, reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, behind this result lies diverging trends across markets, as the global shrimp industry continues to face pressure from inflation, high inventories, price competition, and increasing trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Vinh Tuy commune (Kien Giang Province), many shrimp farmers are adopting bottom aeration systems and reporting clear economic benefits, helping increase income and reduce production risks.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of crabs and other crustaceans reached more than USD 93 million, up 23% compared to the same period last year. The result shows that the sector is experiencing a fairly positive recovery, especially in its two key product groups: crabs and swimming crabs. However, behind the growth figures are several concerns: export markets remain highly concentrated, raw material supply is unstable, and trade barriers from the US and EU are becoming increasingly stringent.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Ca Mau province, many farmers are transitioning from traditional methods to high-tech shrimp farming, adopting recirculating systems with minimal water exchange to improve efficiency and reduce risks. In Hung My commune alone, there are about 260 super-intensive shrimp farming households covering more than 265 hectares, playing a key role in local economic development.
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