The US - EU
In the first two months of 2021, the total value of tuna exports to the US reached 32 million USD, down by 17% and to the EU worthed 16 million USD, down by 5% over the same period last year. However, among EU countries, tuna exports to Italy and the Netherlands increased sharply over the same period last year, especially exports to Italy recorded three-digit growth, up by 136%.
Earlier this year, a global supply chain disruption and large-scale foreign trade disruption left 25 million empty containers scattered all over the place, affecting Vietnam's tuna exports to the US and EU. In addition, the sea freight for the US and EU routes increased, the shipping lines prioritize dry cargo because of favorable freight rates. This has resulted in a decrease in Vietnam's tuna exports to the US and EU countries. It is expected that, after the service industry has rebounded in the US and EU, retail consumption will decrease, canned tuna products imports will decrease, instead imports of fresh and frozen tuna , steamed tuna loin… will increase.
CPTPP
By the end of February 2021, the total value of Vietnam's tuna exports to this market reached nearly 13 million USD, down by 9% over the same period last year. Tuna exports to Canada increased by 36% and Chile increased by 22%, while exports to Japan decreased by 16% and Mexico decreased by 28% year-on-year. In 2020, the Japanese tuna market was strongly affected by the Covid-19 epidemic, so Japan's tuna imports decreased. And this trend continued in the first quarter of this year.
Contrary to Japan, Vietnam's tuna exports to Canada continued to increase in the first two months of this year. The CPTPP agreement taking effect continues to have a good impact on Vietnam's tuna exports to this market. Vietnam's exports of canned tuna and frozen tuna are attracting Canadian importers.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Brazil became the largest market for Vietnamese tilapia, with export value reaching US$44 million, up 22,142% year-on-year and accounting for 49% of Vietnam’s total tilapia exports. In August alone, exports to Brazil reached US$4 million. However, behind this remarkable growth is a market that is imposing increasingly stringent requirements on imported supplies.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports sustained their upward trajectory in August 2026, though the pace remained modest at just 2%. The month saw divergent trends across key markets: the US maintained its leading position, Japan and Canada improved, Russia surged and the EU continued to experience a steep downturn. These developments suggest that exporters are entering the final months of the year amid a market environment marked by greater uncertainty.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Congalsa has acquired the entire charter capital of Lenger Seafood Vietnam, giving it full ownership of the business and its Nam Dinh processing facility.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ninh Binh Province is entering a peak period of action against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, focusing on thoroughly addressing violations, closely monitoring fishing vessels at ports and preventing vessels from violating regulations and operating illegally in foreign waters ahead of the European Commission’s (EC) upcoming inspection in 2026.
(vasep.com.vn) The application of biotechnology in seed production is increasingly viewed as a strategic imperative to upgrade pangasius fingerling quality, optimize farming efficiency and anchor sustainable industry development.
(vasep.com.vn) On September 15, 2026, in Can Tho, VASEP and ASC jointly organized a training course titled “New ASC standards: updates and practical implementation guidance for farms, businesses and aquafeed mills”. Beyond briefing stakeholders on updated ASC requirements for aquaculture facilities and feed production, the workshop dedicated substantial floor time to directly addressing on-the-ground compliance bottlenecks encountered by Vietnamese enterprises.
(searfood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports continued to post positive results in the first eight months of 2026, with total export value reaching US$90 million, up 43% year-on-year. However, exports in August alone stood at US$11 million, down 8%, reflecting uneven market developments. Brazil remained the leading market, while Japan recorded notable growth, opening up new opportunities for Vietnamese tilapia products.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached US$3.3 billion in the first eight months of 2026, up 12% year on year. However, growth has begun to slow and become more differentiated across markets, while the U.S. and EU continue to present significant challenges. The latest insights from the Global Shrimp Forum 2026 (GSF 2026), held in early September, also indicate that the final months of the year will remain highly competitive as global supply continues to expand and buyers increasingly focus on quality, product specifications, supply stability and the ability to meet market-specific demand.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In August 2026, Vietnam’s seafood exports reached $1.14 billion, up 6% year on year. Cumulative eight-month exports rose 11.8% to $8.00 billion, though momentum has cooled compared to the 12.8% growth seen through July. China - Hong Kong and ASEAN are offsetting weakness in the U.S, EU and partly Japan. This divergence will likely widen in Q4 as trade tariffs and traceability requirements directly weigh on new orders.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam–Russia relations are entering a new phase of cooperation, with a focus on expanding trade, investment and economic connectivity. Against this backdrop, tuna is emerging as one of the seafood products with significant growth potential in the Russian market. Export data for the first seven months of 2026 show strong growth in Vietnamese tuna exports to Russia. However, turning this momentum into sustainable market share will require businesses to address challenges related to logistics, payment and supply competition.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
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