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
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 marked a pivotal milestone for Vietnam’s seafood industry in its restructuring process toward sustainability, transparency, and higher value creation, amid continued uncertainties in the global economic and trade environment. Prolonged inflation in major economies, the rising trend of trade protectionism, and increasingly stringent requirements related to environmental standards, traceability, and social responsibility have posed significant challenges to seafood production and exports. Nevertheless, overcoming these pressures, Vietnam’s seafood sector has gradually demonstrated its adaptability, maintained growth momentum, and laid an important foundation for the next stage of development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Amid the increasingly evident impacts of drought and saltwater intrusion, the shrimp-rice production model in Ca Mau province continues to prove itself as a viable direction, contributing to higher farmer incomes, improved soil conditions and the promotion of ecological and sustainable agricultural development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The management of fishing vessels, monitoring of fishing activities, and handling of violations in the fisheries sector in Lam Dong province have continued to be implemented in a synchronized and stringent manner, contributing to raising awareness of legal compliance among fishermen and aiming to end illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Can Tho’s fishery industry sustained steady growth in 2025 with total aquatic and marine output reaching nearly 783,000 tons, fulfilling 100% of the annual target. Aquaculture, capture fisheries and fishing fleet management were further strengthened, aiming for sustainable development in the coming years.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius export turnover reached nearly USD 2.2 billion, up 8% year-on-year. This result indicates that pangasius exports maintained their growth momentum despite significant volatility in the global market environment. In December 2025, pangasius export value reached USD 200 million, up 10% compared to December 2024. This solid performance in the final month of the year reflects increased import demand for consumption and inventory replenishment in key markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Spain experienced significant fluctuations. According to Vietnam Customs, during the first 11 months of 2025, export turnover for the first 11 months of the year edged up by 0.3% year-on-year, reaching nearly $15 million.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son has signed Decision No. 16/QD-TTg, dated January 5, 2026, approving the implementation plan for the Vietnam-Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA). Under the plan, in the coming period, ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government-affiliated entities and People’s Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities must institutionalize and execute tasks focused on the dissemination of information regarding VIFTA and the Israeli market; legislative and institutional development, as well as enhancing competitiveness and human resource growth...
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Beyond achieving double-digit growth, Vietnam’s fish cake and surimi exports are showing a notable year-end "inflection point": the EU his accelerating with nearly twofold growth, China & Hong Kong are rising sharply, while the largest market, South Korea, signaled a slowdown in November. According to Vietnam Customs data, export turnover of fish cake and surimi reached $327 million in the first 11 months of 2025, up 22% year-on-year; November 2025 alone accounted for $35 million, marking a 5% increase. This serves as a critical foundation for exporters to reassess market structures and competitive intensity while finalizing order strategies for 2026.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ca Mau, widely regarded as the nation’s “shrimp capital”, continued its strong performance in 2025 as shrimp output reached nearly 600,000 tons, maintaining its position as Vietnam’s leading shrimp-producing locality.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On December 29, 2025, at the 2025 Pangasius Industry Review Conference held in Can Tho City, the Vietnam Pangasius Association announced that fingerling prices have surged to record levels due to acute supply shortages.
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