However, in July, Vietnam's tuna exports to some main markets have tended to go down. Specifically, tuna exports to Israel and ASEAN continued to decline. Besides, after a period of good growth, exports to the EU and China in July dropped. In contrast, exports to Japan have a good recovery.
The US
In July, the US continued to increase tuna imports from Vietnam. The share of the US in total tuna exports of Vietnam is increasing and now accounts for 44%. By the end of July 2019, Vietnam's tuna exports to the US reached US $ 189 million, up nearly 61% over the same period in 2018. This shows the export trend in the first half of this year, most of the Vietnamese tuna products are exported to the US market after exports to EU and Israel slid.
EU
This year, Vietnam's tuna exports to the EU were not very favorable. After the recovery in the second quarter of 2017, Vietnam's tuna exports in July were not satisfactory. Tuna export value of Vietnam to this market in July 2019 decreased by 20%, reaching US$10 million. Therefore, in the first 7 months of 2019, Vietnam's tuna exports to the EU was only nearly US$82 million, down by 2.4% compared to the same period in 2018.
In July, while exports to Italy continued to increase incredibly by 337% over the same period.Tuna exports to Germany and the Netherlands continuously dropped.
The US have increased import tax on Chinese tuna products in this year, so China have switched to export tuna to the EU.This has led to increased competitiveness in the EU tuna market. Besides, tuna inventory in the EU is currently at a high level. All of these have affected EU tuna imports from Vietnam.
Japan
Vietnam's tuna exports to Japan continued to have good growth in July 2019. This has helped to raise the total value of Vietnam's tuna exports to this market in the first 7 months of 2019, up from the same period in 2018. Exports of frozen tuna loin/fillets from Vietnam to this market continuously declined.
ASEAN
In July, Vietnam's tuna exports to ASEAN reversed to increase. Tuna export value of Vietnam to this market increased by 47% over the same period, reaching US$5.5 million. However, due to the decline in previous months, the total export value in 7 months still declined by 2.5%. The growth in exports to ASEAN in July was due to the growth in tuna exports to Thailand in this month. This year, exports of processed tuna from Vietnam to Thailand decreased, while exports of fresh/live and frozen tuna increased over the same period.
It is forecasted that Vietnam's tuna exports in the coming months will continue the current growth momentum.
(seafoo.vasep.com.vn) Ca Mau Province is stepping up efforts to protect aquatic resources and promote transparent and sustainable fisheries, joining the country’s efforts to have the European Commission (EC) remove its “yellow card” warning for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
(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.
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