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
(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.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports are heading towards $12 billion this year, potentially the highest level on record. Yet one of the country’s export strengths is facing a growing list of challenges.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The first six months of 2026 indicate that Vietnam’s tilapia industry is entering a new phase of development, with strong export growth but also greater demands for production scale, quality and international competitiveness.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietfish 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition, will officially take place from 19–21 August 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City. As Vietnam’s largest annual seafood trade event, organized by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietfish 2026 will once again bring together leading seafood companies, industry experts, and international partners from across the global seafood value chain.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports reached USD 1.1 billion in July 2026, up 4.8% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulative exports in the first seven months of the year totaled nearly USD 6.86 billion, an increase of 11.5% year-on-year. Exceeding the USD 1 billion mark in July further reinforces the prospect that Vietnam’s seafood exports could surpass USD 12 billion in 2026. However, the July figures also send a clear signal that the most favorable growth period may have passed: overall export growth slowed to just 4.8%, pangasius exports fell 6.1%, tuna exports were virtually flat, while exports to the EU, South Korea, and the Middle East all recorded double-digit declines.
(vasep.com.vn) As part of the Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition (Vietfish 2026), the seminar "Global Seafood Market and the Future Workforce: Trends, Opportunities, and Sustainable Development Pathways for Vietnam's Seafood Industry" will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. on August 19, 2026, at Convention Room B, Level 2, SECC, Ho Chi Minh City. This is the first of five specialized seminars at Vietfish 2026, focusing on key issues that are shaping the long-term development of Vietnam's seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnamese seafood exports recorded impressive growth, generating nearly 6 billion USD in revenue during the first six months of the year, up 13% compared with the same period last year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Fishermen in Ha Tinh are gradually overcoming difficulties to maintain the efficiency of seafood exploitation. In the first six months of 2026, the entire province achieved a production of more than 23,000 tons of seafood, worth more than 1,200 billion VND.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) June 2026 brought encouraging signs for Vietnam's tuna exports, with export value rising 20% year-on-year to nearly USD 72 million. However, this increase has yet to offset the prolonged slowdown seen in key markets such as the European Union (EU), where import demand remains weak. The outlook for the second half of the year is expected to become more challenging as freight rates continue to climb.
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