Impressive seafood export turnover
According to data from Vietnam Customs, Vietnam's tuna exports in December 2024 reached nearly USD 86 million, a 17% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Cumulatively for the entire year 2024, tuna export turnover reached USD 989 million, a 17% increase compared to 2023.
Over the past year, exports of all Vietnamese tuna product groups increased year-on-year. Notably, exports of other processed tuna products, after a continuous decline in the first months of the year, experienced continuous growth in the final months, increasing by 24% year-on-year and accounting for 17% of total export turnover. In contrast, exports of canned tuna products tended to decline in the latter half of the year. Cumulatively for 2024, canned tuna exports increased by 17%.
Vietnam's frozen tuna meat/loin products still hold the highest proportion. Exports of this product group in 2024 rebounded and showed a rapid upward trend in the final months of the year.
Across markets, by the end of 2024, tuna exports to key markets remained higher than in 2023. However, export growth rates tended to be unstable in the second half of the year. Notably, tuna exports to the EU saw a slight rebound in December.
Along with the EU, tuna exports to Canada, after a period of decline, also accelerated in the final two months of the year. In December 2024 alone, tuna exports to Canada increased by 40% compared to the same period in 2023.
Conversely, exports to Japan have been declining continuously in the last two months of the year. In December 2024, exports to this market decreased by 27%. Exports to Israel also experienced a decline in December, with a 28% decrease compared to the same period.
Opportunities and challenges in 2025
Vietnam's tuna industry is expected to maintain its growth momentum in 2025 due to continued growth in demand for products. Furthermore, innovations in tariff policies in international markets, particularly in the US, are expected to provide a boost to exports.
Analysis suggests that in a potential second term of a US presidency under the previous administration, Vietnam could continue to benefit from high tariffs imposed on products imported from China. Additionally, the initial months following the reinstatement of tariff preferences under trade agreements present a favorable opportunity for businesses to increase exports to various markets.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam has strengthened its position in China’s massive seafood market, becoming the largest lobster supplier while maintaining a dominant share of the country’s imported pangasius.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietfish 2026 was more than just a larger exhibition space. Through B2B meetings, booth discussions, production-chain visits and post-show feedback, businesses and buyers found something more concrete: suitable suppliers, processing capabilities, technology solutions, new markets and a foundation for building long-term trust and partnerships.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States declined significantly in the first seven months of 2026. Cumulative export value reached US$18 million, down 42% from the same period in 2025. In July alone, exports amounted to just US$2 million, plunging 70%, indicating a clear slowdown in import demand from the US market.
(vasep.com.vn) At the seminar “Global Seafood Markets and the Future Workforce: Trends, Opportunities and Directions for the Sustainable Development of Vietnam’s Fisheries Sector,” held as part of VIETFISH 2026, Ms. Shirlene Maria Anthonysamy, Fisheries Officer (Markets) and GLOBEFISH Coordinator at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), presented initiatives aimed at promoting youth participation in fisheries and aquaculture.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the United States reached US$189 million, down 8% year-on-year. In July alone, export value reached US$22 million, down 28%. This trend indicates that U.S. demand for pangasius imports has remained relatively cautious this year, as importers tend to maintain moderate inventory levels and limit stockpiling.
(vasep.com.vn) After three days at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam International Fisheries Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 – has successfully concluded, leaving a strong impression in terms of scale, visitor numbers, the quality of business connections, and innovative activities. With more than 14,000 m² of exhibition space, 335 companies, 568 booths, participation from representatives of 17 countries and territories, and nearly 15,000 visitors, VIETFISH 2026 has once again affirmed its role as an important meeting point for Vietnam’s and the global seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Held as part of Vietfish 2026 from August 19–21 at SECC in Ho Chi Minh City, a series of five specialized seminars provided the seafood business community with updates on markets, technology, standards, human resources and cooperation opportunities. With the participation of experts, international organizations, government agencies and businesses from Vietnam and abroad, the seminars created an additional platform for professional exchange alongside the exhibition’s product showcases and business networking activities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the morning of August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 officially opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. With 568 booths representing 335 companies, alongside the presence of senior government officials, local authorities, diplomatic missions and international partners, VIETFISH 2026 kicks off three days of business networking, technology exchange and market engagement under the overarching theme “Innovation and Sustainability.”
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) officially announces that the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition (Vietfish 2026) will take place from August 19–21, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports recorded strong growth in the first half of 2026, but the performance was increasingly uneven across products, markets and enterprises. VASEP’s newly released premium report provides the detailed data and analysis needed to understand what lies behind the headline figures and prepare for the more challenging months ahead.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
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