In the first 5 months of this year, Vietnam's cephalopod exports only climbed in January and March, while decreasing in the other months. In May, Vietnam's export of cephalopod fall with the same rate in February of 13%. In June, 2019, Vietnam's cephalopod exports to the US and Japan went up by 48% and 16.5% respectively. Exports to Korea and EU went down slightly by 3% and 9% respectively. Exports to ASEAN, China sharply decreased 43% and 65% respectively compared to the same period in 2018.
In the total structure of cephalopod exports, octopus accounted for a higher proportion with 52.8%, squid accounted for 47.2%. Vietnam still mainly exports live/fresh/frozen squid and octopus products (accounting for 72%), and processed products are not much (accounting for 28%).
In the total structure of cephalopod export products, dried/salt/live/fresh/frozen octopus (HS03) had the strongest growth of 28%, while dried/baked squid (HS03) dropped the most by 28% compared to the same period in 2018.
South Korea is still the largest importer of Vietnam's cephalopod, accounting for 43% of Vietnam's total cephalopod exports to markets. In the first 5 months of this year, cephalopod exports to Korea reached US$104 million, up 19% compared to the same period in 2018. After having continuous growth in the first 4 months of this year, exports this item to South Korea in May declined slightly by 3.4%. Stable consumption demand and tariff advantages from the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and Korea (VKFTA) were the factors that supported the export of Vietnam's cephalopod to this market.
Japan, the second largest importer of Vietnam's cephalopod, imported more than US$ 61 million of squid and octopus from Vietnam in the first 5 months of this year, up 11.3% compared to the same period in 2018. After decreasing in April 2019, Vietnam's cephalopod exports to Japan rose again by 16.5% in May.
In terms of tax rate, currently processed octopus products imported from Thailand and the Philippines to Japan are advantageous with 0% tax rate, while that of from Vietnam and Indonesia is 1.8%, and from China is 6.9%. The CPTPP Agreement, officially in effect from the beginning of this year, will facilitate export of cephalopod to Japan in the near future.
Export of this product to EU market in the first 5 months of this year reached US$27.7 million, down 12.3% compared to the same period in 2018. Italy, Spain and the Netherlands are the three largest markets for Vietnam's cephalopod in the EU. Exports to Spain and the Netherlands lifted by 15% and 57% respectively, while exports to Italy fell by 21% compared to the same period in 2018.
In squid and octopus products, Vietnam mainly exports squid products to the EU market, accounting for 75% - 86% of Vietnam's total squid and octopus export value to the EU.
Vietnam's cephalopod exports to EU market have not yet increased due to the impact of yellow card.
Vietnam is the 4th largest processed squid exporter into Europe, accounting for over 6% of total EU import value of this product.
In the context of the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and EU (EVFTA) come into effect, Vietnam's cephalopod exports to the EU will be enjoyed the tax incentives. According to the commitment in EVFTA, some processed squid and octopus products have a relatively high basic tax rate (20%), which will be reduced immediately to 0%. Most of frozen cephalopod products that have a basic tax of 6-8% will be reduced immediately to 0%.
Export of cephalopod to China declined by 50% to nearly US$10 million as of May, 2019 as Vietnam must compete with many cheap suppliers in this market.
It is forecasted that, Vietnam's cephalopod exports in the coming months will continue to maintain positive growth momentum.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam has strengthened its position in China’s massive seafood market, becoming the largest lobster supplier while maintaining a dominant share of the country’s imported pangasius.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietfish 2026 was more than just a larger exhibition space. Through B2B meetings, booth discussions, production-chain visits and post-show feedback, businesses and buyers found something more concrete: suitable suppliers, processing capabilities, technology solutions, new markets and a foundation for building long-term trust and partnerships.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States declined significantly in the first seven months of 2026. Cumulative export value reached US$18 million, down 42% from the same period in 2025. In July alone, exports amounted to just US$2 million, plunging 70%, indicating a clear slowdown in import demand from the US market.
(vasep.com.vn) At the seminar “Global Seafood Markets and the Future Workforce: Trends, Opportunities and Directions for the Sustainable Development of Vietnam’s Fisheries Sector,” held as part of VIETFISH 2026, Ms. Shirlene Maria Anthonysamy, Fisheries Officer (Markets) and GLOBEFISH Coordinator at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), presented initiatives aimed at promoting youth participation in fisheries and aquaculture.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the United States reached US$189 million, down 8% year-on-year. In July alone, export value reached US$22 million, down 28%. This trend indicates that U.S. demand for pangasius imports has remained relatively cautious this year, as importers tend to maintain moderate inventory levels and limit stockpiling.
(vasep.com.vn) After three days at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam International Fisheries Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 – has successfully concluded, leaving a strong impression in terms of scale, visitor numbers, the quality of business connections, and innovative activities. With more than 14,000 m² of exhibition space, 335 companies, 568 booths, participation from representatives of 17 countries and territories, and nearly 15,000 visitors, VIETFISH 2026 has once again affirmed its role as an important meeting point for Vietnam’s and the global seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Held as part of Vietfish 2026 from August 19–21 at SECC in Ho Chi Minh City, a series of five specialized seminars provided the seafood business community with updates on markets, technology, standards, human resources and cooperation opportunities. With the participation of experts, international organizations, government agencies and businesses from Vietnam and abroad, the seminars created an additional platform for professional exchange alongside the exhibition’s product showcases and business networking activities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the morning of August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 officially opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. With 568 booths representing 335 companies, alongside the presence of senior government officials, local authorities, diplomatic missions and international partners, VIETFISH 2026 kicks off three days of business networking, technology exchange and market engagement under the overarching theme “Innovation and Sustainability.”
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) officially announces that the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition (Vietfish 2026) will take place from August 19–21, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports recorded strong growth in the first half of 2026, but the performance was increasingly uneven across products, markets and enterprises. VASEP’s newly released premium report provides the detailed data and analysis needed to understand what lies behind the headline figures and prepare for the more challenging months ahead.
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