June growth driven by a recovery in exports
According to Vietnam Customs, tuna exports reached nearly USD 72 million in June 2026, up 20% compared with the same month last year. This marked the first strong monthly rebound following several months of sluggish export performance.
Nevertheless, cumulative tuna exports for the first six months of 2026 totaled USD 355 million, down 5% year-on-year. Although the decline narrowed from 7% recorded after the first five months, the industry has yet to return to a growth trajectory.
Export growth was recorded in 18 out of the top 20 markets, with the strongest increases seen in Russia (+83%), the Philippines (+31%), the United Arab Emirates (+29%), Israel (+17%), and the CPTPP market (+6%).
The market picture remains highly fragmented. While some destinations have shown signs of recovery, others continue to struggle with weak demand.
U.S. market recovers slightly but tariffs remain a concern
Tuna exports to the United States reached nearly USD 35 million in June, up 6% year-on-year after a prolonged period of decline. This rebound reflects importers' efforts to rebuild inventories ahead of potential changes in U.S. tariff policies.
However, the growth remains modest. U.S. importers continue to exercise caution due to uncertainty surrounding future tariff measures. Following the U.S. Supreme Court's suspension of IEEPA tariff orders, the White House has announced plans to introduce new tariffs under Section 301, creating additional uncertainty for importers.
CATEX fails to revive the EU market
The European Union remains the biggest challenge. Tuna exports to the EU fell 18% in June.
Despite the implementation of the Vietnam–EU Countervailing Measures and Trade Enhancement (CATEX) initiative, the agreement has yet to generate a significant boost in export performance. Market demand remains weak, while European buyers continue to reduce inventories and purchase only when necessary.
Another concern is the new traceability and sustainability requirements under the EU's Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing regulations and broader environmental policies. These stricter standards are forcing Vietnamese exporters to invest more heavily in compliance and supply chain transparency.
Indonesia gains ground as competition intensifies
While Vietnam faces headwinds in traditional markets, Indonesia is gradually strengthening its position in the EU.
Indonesia benefits from abundant tuna resources, preferential tariff treatment under several trade agreements, and a fishing fleet that has increasingly improved its ability to meet sustainability and traceability standards. As a result, Indonesian tuna is becoming more competitive in Europe.
This shift presents additional challenges for Vietnamese exporters, particularly as Indonesia continues to expand its market presence in the EU.
Rising freight costs add further pressure
In addition to weak demand, soaring ocean freight rates are placing increasing pressure on Vietnam's tuna exporters. Most tuna products are shipped over long distances to the U.S. and Europe, making logistics costs a critical factor affecting competitiveness.
Higher freight rates are driving up export costs, squeezing profit margins, and increasing delivery risks. For frozen tuna loins, cooked loins, canned tuna, and other processed products supplied to retail chains, much of the increased transport cost cannot be passed on to buyers.
As a result, the second half of 2026 will require exporters not only to secure new orders but also to optimize logistics, diversify markets, and improve operational efficiency in order to remain competitive in an increasingly challenging global market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) June 2026 brought encouraging signs for Vietnam's tuna exports, with export value rising 20% year-on-year to nearly USD 72 million. However, this increase has yet to offset the prolonged slowdown seen in key markets such as the European Union (EU), where import demand remains weak. The outlook for the second half of the year is expected to become more challenging as freight rates continue to climb.
(vasep.com.vn) As part of the Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition (Vietfish 2026), the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), in collaboration with the Agency for Domestic Market Management and Development under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, will organize the Domestic Seafood Supply–Demand Matching Program on the morning of August 20, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City. The program aims to foster direct business connections between Vietnamese seafood producers and processors and domestic distributors, retailers, and foodservice channels.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The Cooking Show will be one of the most engaging experiential highlights of Vietfish 2026. Taking place over three days, from August 19–21, 2026, at Hall B1, SECC, Ho Chi Minh City, the event will offer visitors a vibrant culinary space where Vietnamese seafood is showcased through its flavors, stories, and real-life culinary applications.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam's pangasius exports reached USD 205 million in June 2026, up 5% compared with the same month in 2025. Cumulative export value for the first six months of the year totaled USD 1.1 billion, an increase of 12% year-on-year. Growth was primarily driven by strong demand from China and CPTPP markets, while exports to the United States and Brazil continued to decline.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first six months of 2026, Ha Tinh province continued to implement comprehensive solutions to combat IUU fishing; strictly manage the fishing fleet, control fishing vessels entering and leaving ports, operate vessel tracking devices, trace the origin of seafood, and severely punish violations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam's tilapia exports reached USD 7 million in June 2026, down 32% compared with the same month in 2025. Nevertheless, thanks to strong growth in the first five months of the year, cumulative tilapia exports in the first half of 2026 totaled USD 69 million, up 67% year on year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Sa Giang Import-Export Joint Stock Company, a member of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), has been honored with the "Famous Brand - Competitive Vietnamese Brand 2026" certification at an award ceremony organized by the Vietnam Intellectual Property Association (VIPA).
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) China imported nearly $1.4 billion worth of Vietnamese seafood in the first half of the year, a 40% increase compared to the same period last year, surpassing the US to become the largest export market for the industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As part of Vietfish 2026, the International Seafood Hosted Buyer Program has been designed as a dedicated B2B matchmaking initiative for selected international buyers. The program provides opportunities to meet directly with Vietnamese seafood companies, gain market insights, and experience Vietnam's seafood supply chain firsthand.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) A Story from Cà Mau’s Coast It’s 5 AM in Cà Mau. Minh, a third-generation fisherman, is ready to set sail. But unlike his father and grandfather, his boat no longer runs on an old diesel engine that burns fuel and clouds the sky with smoke. Instead, it’s powered by a hybrid engine that saves 40% fuel—funded by an ESG program from a major seafood exporter.
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