The Covid-19 epidemic lasted for the whole of 2020, disrupting global trade in seafood, changing the trend of consumption of fishery products. Accordingly, Vietnam's main export products also fluctuate according to market trends, leading to an increase in exports of whiteleg shrimp, marine shrimp, variable fish, crabs and bivalve mollusks, while pangasius exports have decreased, tuna, squid and octopus exports decreased slightly.
COVID-19 has reduced the demand for seafood imports in the markets, but the main importers of Vietnamese seafood such as the EU, China, South Korea, and Japan only slightly decreased their imports from Vietnam (down 3-6%). Meanwhile, the US, the largest market still significantly increased (+ 10%) of Vietnam's seafood imports. In addition, other markets such as Russia, UK, Australia, and Canada still increased strongly (10-32%) of seafood imports from Vietnam.
Vietnam's seafood exports in the first quarter and second quarter of 2020 decreased by 10% and 7% respectively over the same period in 2019. However, from July, exports began to recover and increase in the third quarter (with 10% to 13% growth). In the fourth quarter, although the import demand of the markets is still good, the seafood trade is deadlocked because of the lack of empty containers to queue for export to other countries, while the freight is many times higher, causing export activities stagnation and slump.
In 2021, the seafood trade situation will still be strongly affected by this pandemic, even this is still the main factor that dominates Vietnam's trend of seafood import and export. However, Vietnam is still able to maintain its competitive strength thanks to a more stable supply of raw materials compared to other countries. In addition, the free trade agreements that Vietnam has signed will continue to be a lever for Vietnam's seafood exports to recover in some markets. After a year, Vietnamese seafood enterprises will have more experience and flexibility to adapt to changes and changes in market needs and tastes. Therefore, it is predicted that Vietnam's seafood export in 2021 will have better results than in 2020.
To get an overview, detailed forecast of seafood production and export trends over each quarter in 2021 and capture more details about the export status of each seafood item to markets in each month, each month. Quarter of 2020, you are invited to register for Report on Vietnam Seafood Exports in 2020, issued by VASEP in February 2021.
Please sign up for the Report here: http://seafood.vasep.com.vn/reports/quarterly-report-on-vietnam-seafood-exports/reports-on-vietnam-seafood-export/report-on-vietnam-seafood-exports-in-2020-21357.html
On July 22, 2026, the Government issued Decree No. 292/2026/ND-CP detailing certain articles and providing measures for the organization and implementation of the Law on Foreign Trade Management. The Decree takes effect on September 5, 2026, replacing Decree No. 69/2018/ND-CP.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnamese pangasius producer Vinh Hoan has won the top prize at the 2026 Seafood Excellence Asia Awards for its Cured Panga Croquette, highlighting the growing potential of value-added pangasius products in international markets.
(vasep.com.vn) The Global Shrimp Forum (GSF) 2026 is taking place from September 1–3 in Utrecht, the Netherlands, bringing together around 585 delegates from 40 countries, representing approximately 300 companies and organizations across the shrimp supply chain. Representatives from VASEP are attending the event as part of the Vietnamese delegation, strengthening connections with partners across the global shrimp industry.
(vasep.com.vn) At the international B2B seminar (Hosted Buyer Program) held as part of Vietfish 2026, Mr. Nguyen Hoang Pham, Sales Director of Tai Kim Anh Seafood Processing Joint Stock Company, delivered a presentation entitled “Vietnam’s Shrimp Industry: Changing for Sustainability.” From the perspective of a seafood processor, the presentation highlighted that Vietnam’s shrimp industry continues to play a leading role in seafood exports, but is entering a new phase of competition in which change is no longer an option, but a prerequisite for growth.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) VIETFISH 2026 may have concluded after three dynamic days in Ho Chi Minh City, but conversations around the exhibition continue to resonate across international trade media, industry organizations, and the social media channels of participating companies.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia industry is maintaining strong growth momentum, with significant room for further expansion in the coming years. In 2025, total tilapia production reached approximately 420,000 tonnes, up 33% from 2024 and 2.2 times higher than in 2015. During 2015–2025, production grew at an average annual rate of around 8.4%. As production and exports continue to expand, food safety control is receiving increasing attention to ensure product quality, meet the increasingly stringent requirements of international markets, and provide a foundation for the sustainable development of Vietnam’s tilapia industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the afternoon of August 19, 2026, as part of the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026, the Hosted Buyer Program continued with the seminar “Vietnam Seafood Outlook 2026–2027: A Strategic Sourcing Destination,” followed by 1-to-1 B2B meetings between international buyers and Vietnamese seafood businesses.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of VIETFISH 2026 on August 19 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), U.S. Consul General Melissa Brown highlighted the important role of the exhibition in connecting Vietnam’s growing seafood industry with buyers, suppliers, and partners from the United States and around the world.
(vasep.com.vn) Tomorrow, August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026 will officially open at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. Taking place over three days, from August 19–21, Vietfish 2026 promises to provide a dynamic platform for business networking, trend updates, product experiences and comprehensive cooperation across the domestic and international seafood community.
(vasep.com.vn) The global tilapia market continues to grow, creating significant opportunities for countries with strengths in aquaculture, processing, and exports. Against this backdrop, Vietnam’s tilapia industry is gradually developing toward higher quality, greater product diversification, and broader market reach. At Vietfish 2026, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), together with the VASEP Tilapia Producers and Exporters Club, will host a joint booth to promote the image and potential of Vietnamese tilapia to domestic and international buyers.
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