In October 2020, among the top 5 main importing markets, excluding the EU, cephalopod exports to the remaining markets such as Korea, Japan, ASEAN, and China lifted. China was still the the most stable importer for Vietnamese cephalopod in the first 10 months of this year. After an increase in September, export of cephalopod to the EU slipped in October due to a decrease in exports to Italy and Germany. Total exports of Vietnam cephalopod in the first 10 months of this year declined due to Covid-19 pandemic.
Squid and cuttlefish exports accounted for 54.4%, octopus sales made up 45.6%. In the first 10 months of this year, squid export value jumped while octopus turnover slumped. The export of processed octopus (HS code 6) dropped the most by nearly 26%. Dried/roasted squid (HS code 03) still got positive growth of 32%, reaching $105.7 million. Exports of other processed squid (HS code 16) and fresh/frozen squid (HS code 03) decreased by 4% and 8%, respectively, compared to the same period in 2019.
South Korea was still the largest import market for Vietnamese octopus and squid, with proportion of 41.5%. Vietnamese cephalopod exports to South Korea had been rising continuously from June to October this year. In October, the export of this item to South Korea hiked by 14% to US$24.9 million, but due to the decrease in the previous months, the total exports to this market still fell by 1% in the first 10 months of the year, reaching US$188.6 million.
The decrease in export prices and consumption demand due to the Covid-19 pandemic were affecting the export of Vietnamese cephalopod to South Korea in the first 10 months of 2020. Vietnam's squid and octopus exports to the South Korean market has been showing signs of an increase in recent months.
Japan ranked second in Vietnamese cephalopod imports, accounting for 22%. Exports to Japan in the first 10 months of 2020 reached nearly US$100 million, down 16% over the same period in 2019. Exports to Japan had been declining continuously from May to September before slightly recovering in October.
The exports of cephalopod to the EU from March to July this year declined sharply due to the impact of the IUU yellow card from EU, plus the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic, which reduced demand. However, the exports to this market showed signs of recovery in August and September, then went down in October. In October 2020, the exports to the EU market reached 5.9 million USD, down 8.5% compared to October 2019. In the first 10 months of this year, total exports of this item to the EU reached 38.4 million USD, down 30.6% over the same period in 2019.
China was the 5th largest importer for Vietnamese cephalopod, accounting for 8%. Exports of squid and octopus to China in October 2020 soared by 103% to over US$6 million. In the first 10 months of the year, the total exports to China reached nearly US$37 million, up 56.3% over the same period in 2019. Exports to China recorded the best growth rate in the first 10 months of this year.
In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic which has not yet been controlled worldwide, the supply of raw materials has decreased, the demand for cephalopod imports of the world and the exports from Vietnam are expected to be lower. It is estimated that the exports of Vietnamese cephalopod in 2020 will reach about US$566 million, down about 2% compared to 2019.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Can Tho City statistics indicate that in 2025, following the merger of three former administrative entities - Can Tho, Hau Giang and Soc Trang - fisheries output in 2025 increased by 6.23% compared with 2024 with aquaculture production nearly 9.1 times higher than capture fisheries.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to the Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ca Mau province has achieved significant, comprehensive and substantive progress in combating IUU fishing in 2025, successfully fulfilling all tasks directed by the central government and strengthening fisheries governance. These efforts have established a solid foundation for the nationwide effort to lift the EC’s "yellow card" warning.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ca Mau has exceeded its 2025 production targets, reaching nearly 595,000 tons of shrimp. This milestone reinforces the province’s position as Vietnam’s leading shrimp producer and a bright spot in the country’s seafood sector.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, cumulative shrimp exports from the beginning of the year through November reached $4.3 billion, up 21% year-on-year, continuing to serve as the primary growth driver of the entire seafood sector. In November alone, export turnover amounted to $393 million, up 14%.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, the fisheries sector continued to stand out as a bright spot in Ca Mau’s economic landscape, maintaining positive growth in both output and value.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) By the end of November 2025, Vietnam’s total pangasius export turnover had exceeded the $2 billion threshold, registering a 9% compared with the same period in 2024. In November alone, pangasius exports reached $195 million, also posting a 9% increase year-on-year, underscoring a stable recovery trajectory for the sector in the final months of the year.
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(seafood.vasep.com.vn) An Giang is focusing on expanding climate-adaptive marine aquaculture models, aiming for safe and sustainable production. This approach not only enhances economic efficiency but also helps fishermen stabilize their livelihoods amid weather fluctuations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first 10 months of 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius export value to China (including Mainland China and Hong Kong) reached $483 million, up 1% compared to the same period in 2024. October alone posted $73 million, a strong 19% increase year-on-year. The Chinese market currently accounts for nearly 27% of Vietnam’s total pangasius export value.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to data from Vietnam Customs, the country’s lobster exports posted another strong month in October 2025, reaching $93 million - a 75% increase from the same month in 2024. This performance extends the sector’s impressive growth streak from earlier in the year, pushing cumulative exports for the first 10 months to $712 million, up an extraordinary 135% year-over-year. Within the product mix, green lobster remained the dominant driver, accounting for 98% of total export value, with $700 million recorded in the first 10 months - a 141% jump year-on-year. In contrast, exports of spiny lobster and other lobster varieties declined slightly by 22% and 1%, respectively, indicating that market demand is becoming increasingly concentrated on the most sought-after product line.
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