After a strong increase of 23% in November, seafood exports in December continued to increase by 29% to over US$940 million. In December 2021, exports of all key products increased sharply by 6-110%.
Thanks to a breakthrough increase in December, with a growth rate of about 80% to about USD 245 million, pangasius exports for the whole year in 2021 exceeded expectations with over USD 1.6 billion, up 10%.
Shrimp exports in December increased by 10% to about 325 million USD. By the end of the year, shrimp exports reached 3.88 billion USD, up 4%. Tuna exports increased by 55% in December to USD 85.5 million, bringing the whole year result to USD 757 million. Cephalopod exports in December reached over USD 60 million, up 10%, accordingly, the whole year exports reached over USD 600 million.
Seafood exports to China in December rebounded the most, increasing by 90% to over $170 million. However, because exports to this market continuously decreased from March to October, the total export value in 2021 still decreased 14% compared to 2020 to reach 1.17 billion USD. China only accounts for 13% of Vietnam's seafood exports, compared to 16% in 2020.
The US still accounts for the highest proportion, 23% of Vietnam's seafood exports with over 2 billion USD in 2021, an increase of 26% compared to 2020. Particularly in December 2021, seafood exports to the US reached 176 million USD, up 32% over the same period in 2020.
In 2021, seafood exports to the EU market account for 12% with over 1 billion USD, up 12% compared to 2020. Last month, seafood exports to the EU also increased sharply by 26% to reach 109 million USD.
Exports to CPTPP countries in 2021 have earned nearly 2.2 billion USD, almost equivalent to 2020. In December alone, exports to this market block reached 209 million USD. While exports to Japan continued to decline by 8% in December, exports to Australia still grew by 13%. Exports to Japan in 2021 reached 1.3 billion USD, down over 6%, while exports to Australia reached 265 million USD, up 6% compared to 2020.
(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.
(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.
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