In the first quarter of this year, exports of fresh and frozen tuna products with HS code 03 (except HS code 0304) to the EU increased by 64% and canned tuna exports increased by 27% over the same period. In contrast, exports of frozen tuna meat/fillets under HS code 0304 decreased by 6.4% and other processed tuna products under HS code 16 decreased by 25%. The Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Vietnam (EVFTA), effective from August 2020, allows the elimination of tariffs for fresh and frozen tuna products (except for frozen tuna loins/fillets with HS code 0304). ) and 11,500 tons of canned tuna from Vietnam, this has created an attraction for these Vietnamese products for EU tuna importers.
In the first months of 2021, Vietnam became the 4th largest supplier of tuna to the EU market.
Italy, Germany and the Netherlands are the three largest importers of Vietnamese tuna in the EU. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic still limits the supply of tuna to this market. Besides, in the context of Covid and high transportation costs, the fact that Vietnam's tuna products are entitled to preferential tariffs under the EVFTA agreement has made many EU importers choose Vietnamese tuna exporters.
Vietnam's tuna exports to Italy continued to grow spectacularly in the first 3 months of the year. Italy is also the second largest tuna importer in the EU. According to ITC statistics, Vietnam is the third largest tuna supplier to the Italian market after Indonesia and China. Italy imports a lot of fresh and frozen tuna from Vietnam, especially frozen quarter-cut yellowfin tuna products, accounting for 76% of total export value.
In the German market, Vietnam's tuna exports in the first three months of this year only increased slightly over the same period. Germany imports a lot of frozen tuna meat/fillets from Vietnam with HS code 03048700, accounting for 92% of total export value.
According to Eurostat statistics, EU countries mainly import processed and canned tuna products in 2020, accounting for 78%. When Covid-19 hit, retailers' sales skyrocketed along with imports. However, in the second half of the year, this trend has reversed and statistics show that canned tuna imports of this market in the fourth quarter have fallen sharply. For the whole of 2020, the Covid-19 Pandemic has caused consumers to stock up on canned tuna. But when things have calmed down and Europeans have learned to actively prepare for social distancing, retailers' sales have not skyrocketed as before. Many importers have delayed contractual imports and in many cases have not even made any new purchases. Therefore, in 2021, the Covid-19 pandemic will continue to spread in EU countries, but the EU's imports of processed and canned tuna in the first month of the year only increased slightly by 3% over the same period in 2020.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to the 2026 brackish-water shrimp farming calendar issued by the Da Nang Department of Agriculture and Environment, the 2026 crop started in early January and is expected to harvest in late June. However, stocking progress has been slower than planned as farmers remain cautious, focusing on pond renovation and production preparations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After the Lunar New Year of Binh Ngo 2026, commercial clam prices in Ha Tinh province surged sharply, nearly doubling compared to normal levels and standing about 20–30% higher than the same period last year. The spike has encouraged many aquaculture households to accelerate harvesting and sell large volumes to the market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In January 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 379.6 million, up 22% compared to the same period in 2025. The double-digit growth in the very first month of the year signals a relatively positive recovery in orders, particularly in Asian markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) From the very beginning of 2026, India’s shrimp industry has received a series of favorable trade signals: U.S. reciprocal tariffs have been reduced, while the successful conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU has opened prospects for eliminating nearly all seafood tariffs in the coming years. This shift not only enables Indian shrimp to quickly offset declines in the U.S. market, but also reshapes the global competitive landscape, placing greater pressure on Vietnamese shrimp exporters in terms of price, market share, and strategic positioning.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Entering 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is recording many positive signals, both in terms of raw fish prices and export prospects. Export turnover this year is projected to reach approximately USD 2.3 billion. Amid ongoing volatility in the global market, diversifying export destinations, reducing dependence on major markets, and effectively leveraging free trade agreements (FTAs) are considered key to maintaining sustainable growth and creating new momentum for the pangasius sector.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With forecasts indicating that weather conditions in 2026 may become more complex—featuring prolonged heatwaves, unseasonal rains, and increased salinity intrusion—the agricultural sector of Can Tho City advises brackish water shrimp farmers to strictly follow the seasonal farming calendar and strengthen pond environmental management to minimize risks and improve production efficiency.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On February 4, a working delegation led by the Authority of Telecommunications (Ministry of Science and Technology) met with the Management Board of Cat Lo Fishing Port (Phuoc Thang Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) to comprehensively review the installation of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), assess signal connectivity, and evaluate the effectiveness of information technology applications in fisheries management across the city.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 marked a significant milestone for China’s lobster market, with total imports reaching a record high and the supply structure undergoing major changes. Amid this surge, Vietnam’s lobster exports—especially green lobster—accelerated dramatically, reaching new highs and contributing substantially to Vietnam’s overall record shrimp export value.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With a range of synchronized solutions, from institutional improvements and strengthened communication to strict fleet control, Quang Ninh is stepping up efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, determined to join the country in soon having the European Commission’s (EC) “yellow card” lifted.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 closed with a remarkable milestone for Vietnam’s shrimp industry. According to Vietnam Customs, the country’s total shrimp export turnover in 2025 reached USD 4.6 billion, up 19% compared to 2024 and the highest level ever recorded.
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