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) Vietnam’s tuna exports to the UK have shown positive signs in the first months of 2026. While the UK’s overall tuna imports from the world declined, imports from Vietnam increased strongly, indicating that there is still room for Vietnam to expand its market share. However, behind this growth, competitive pressure remains intense, especially as the UK continues to be a major market for established suppliers such as Ecuador, Mauritius, and Ghana.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Biofloc technology is being piloted in several rice–shrimp farming models in Ca Mau Province, showing initial positive results in controlling pond environments, improving shrimp seed quality, and supporting sustainable aquaculture development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first four months of 2026, Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia together contributed USD 108 million to Vietnam’s pangasius exports, accounting for around 15% of the industry’s total export turnover. Amid tightening global whitefish supply and slowing demand in several traditional markets, Latin America is increasingly becoming an important expansion destination for the sector.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Alongside the development of high-tech shrimp farming, Ha Tinh Province is accelerating the cultivation of high-value freshwater aquatic species, with red tilapia emerging as an effective and sustainable farming model.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 81 million in April 2026, down 6% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of the year, export turnover totaled USD 289 million, down 4.8%. Although the overall export picture has yet to brighten significantly, market trends are becoming increasingly diversified rather than moving in a single direction.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is undergoing strong restructuring starting from the broodstock and fingerling segment in order to improve productivity, quality, and export competitiveness. This is considered a critical foundation for the sustainable development of the industry amid rising production costs and increasingly stringent market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, pangasius exports in April 2026 reached USD 206 million, up 18% compared to the same period in 2025 — marking another consecutive month of double-digit growth since the beginning of the year. Cumulative pangasius export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 720 million, up 17% year-on-year, reflecting the positive growth momentum of this key export product.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 maintained positive growth momentum, reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, behind this result lies diverging trends across markets, as the global shrimp industry continues to face pressure from inflation, high inventories, price competition, and increasing trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Vinh Tuy commune (Kien Giang Province), many shrimp farmers are adopting bottom aeration systems and reporting clear economic benefits, helping increase income and reduce production risks.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of crabs and other crustaceans reached more than USD 93 million, up 23% compared to the same period last year. The result shows that the sector is experiencing a fairly positive recovery, especially in its two key product groups: crabs and swimming crabs. However, behind the growth figures are several concerns: export markets remain highly concentrated, raw material supply is unstable, and trade barriers from the US and EU are becoming increasingly stringent.
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