The supply of raw materials and the demand remained high from the main markets, which facilitated the growth of Vietnam's cephalopod exports in January. However, the growth rate is slower than that of 2017 due to the decline in the export value to the EU from the impact of the yellow card warning.
Squid products remained as the main export items of Vietnam in January 2018, accounting for 54% of the total export value. Out of cephalopod products for exports, shipments of dried/salted/fresh/live/frozen octopus (HS code 03) took up the highest proportion of 34%; followed by fresh/live/frozen squid (HS code 03), accounting for 30%.
The export value of processed octopus (HS code 16) registered the highest increase of 114%; followed by dried/grilled squid (HS code 03) with 97%; dried/salted/live/fresh/frozen octopus (HS code 03) with 28%; with that of live/fresh/frozen squid (HS code 03) was down 8% over the same period in 2017.
In January 2018, Vietnam exported cephalopod to 37 markets. Of that, the export value to top 9 main markets picked up 99% of Vietnam’s total cephalopod export value.
South Korea
In 2017, Vietnam’s cephalopod exports to South Korea reached over US$218 million; up 31.6% over 2016. The figure in January 2018 was over US$19 million, up 27.3% over the same period in 2017. South Korea remained as the leading cephalopod importer of Vietnam, accounting for over 37% of Vietnam’s total export value to markets.
Japan
In 2017, Vietnam’s cephalopod exports to Japan showed the good growth in each month. The total export value to the market in 2017 reached US$148.7 million, up 35.6% from 2016. The figure in January 2018 hit US$12.8 million, up 23%. Japan ranked the second in top biggest buyers of Vietnam cephalopod, accounting for nearly 25%. Japan's economy is on the trend of recovery and the yen has increased; therefore, the demand for imports of the item increases, facilitating Vietnam’s cephalopod exports to this market.
ASEAN
In 2017, Vietnam’s cephalopod exports to ASEAN valued at US$71.5 million, rising by 39%. In January 2018, ASEAN emerged as the 3rd largest market of Vietnam cephalopod from the 4th rank in 2017. Vietnam’s cephalopod exports to this market in January this year reached US$7 million, up 105.8% over the same period last year. Thailand and Malaysia are two major importing markets of Vietnam cephalopod in ASEAN. Of that, exports to Thailand took the large share. Exports of the item to Thailand in January 2018 hit US$5.8 million, up nearly 90%.
EU
In January this year, the EU dropped to the 4th rank from 3rd rank in 2017. Vietnam’s cephalopod exports to the EU this month dropped by nearly 30% to see US$6.1 million. This was driven by the impact from the EU "yellow card" warning against Vietnam seafood. The country is working hard to improve the situation and move the EU yellow card.
Italy, France and Spain continued to be the three largest importing markets of Vietnam cephalopod in the EU. Exports to France and Spain increased by 33% and 31% respectively while exports to Italy decreased by 45.8%.
China
It can be said that China is the most active importing market of Vietnam seafood in 2017 with the strong growth in all items including cephalopod. In January of this year, Vietnam’s cephalopod exports to China grew by 146.5% to total US$3.6 million.
China held as the 5th largest importing market of Vietnam cephalopod, accounting for 7% of Vietnam's total cephalopod exports to markets. Chinese people increasingly preferred cephalopod from Vietnam. The demand for this item in China is rising in restaurants and in households. In addition, the increase in tourist arrivals also boosted demand for this item in China.
Online shopping in China is becoming more popular, which also stimulates seafood sales in this market. China expected to continue being an important and potential market of Vietnam’s cephalopod companies in the coming time, when exports to mainstream markets face difficulties.
(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.
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