In Jan-Jul this year, Vietnam’s exports of cephalopod items were on the upward trend. Specifically, in the period, Vietnam tended to increase shipments of squid products with the growth of 62%. Of that, exports of fresh/live/frozen squid, which was the main export product of Vietnam in Jan-Jul 2017, recorded the highest growth of 89% from a year before. Sales of other processed squid increased by 74%, while those of dried/grilled squid went up 21% year on year.
Vietnam’s octopus exports increased by 40% compared to the first 7 months of 2016. Of that, exports of fresh/live/frozen/dried item climbed by 47%, accounting for 83% of Vietnam’s octopus exports in this period. Meanwhile, exports of processed octopus inched up 14%.
Currently, Vietnam cephalopod was destined to 59 markets, up 9 markets over the same period in 2016. In the first 7 months of this year, shipments to top 9 major importing markets all increased from a year before. Of that, the proportion of exports to South Korea, Japan and ASEAN decreased while that to the EU and China was up from the same period of 2016.
South Korea
Vietnam’s cephalopod exports to South Korea continues the good growth. The figure in the first 7 months of 2017 hit US$115 million, up 41% over the same period last year. South Korea remained its 1st rank in top largest buyers of Vietnam cephalopod, accounting for 34%. This was also the leading importer of Vietnam octopus.
Sales of fresh/frozen octopus ocupied the large proportion in Vietnam's cephalopod shipments to the market, followed by those of dried squid and fresh/frozen squid.
Japan
Japan held as the second largest importer of Vietnam cephalopod as well as the biggest one of Vietnam squid. In Jan-Jul 2017, Vietnam’ cephalopod exports to Japan eyed US$77 million, up 41% and accounted for 23% of the total export value.
Recently, production of raw cephalopod in Japan decreased while Yen exchange rate increased which partly caused Japanese importers to increase imports of the item from Vietnam.
EU
The EU ranked the 3rd in top leading importers of Vietnam cephalopod. Exports to the market in the first 7 months of 2017 reached US$63 million, up 96% year on year. In particular, in the period, shipments to France and the Netherlands showed the impressive rise at 3-digit level. Of that, France increased imports of Vietnam squid while the Netherlands boosted those of both squid and octopus items in the first 7 months of this year.
Raw frozen squid (HS code 030749) was the main product imported into the Netherlands. The country bought raw cephalopod for processing and re-exporting to other countries in the EU. The demand for the product in the EU countries in the first months of this year was high, which helped Vietnam's cephalopod sales to the Netherlands increased remarkably.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Recently, in Long Xuyen City, An Giang Province, the Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development (IPSARD) and the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) organized a workshop to announce the results of the project “Food Loss Assessment in the Pangasius Value Chain in the Mekong River Region.” The project aims to provide scientific evidence to support the sustainable development of Vietnam’s pangasius industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Shrimp prices in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta have recovered since early May, helping to improve farmers’ confidence and accelerate stocking activities for the 2026 farming season. However, farmers remain cautious due to rising input costs, unfavorable weather conditions, and disease risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On May 27, the Vietnam Trade Office in India, in collaboration with trade promotion agencies, industry associations, and businesses from both countries, organized the online seminar “Vietnam–India Seafood Trade Forum and Supply-Demand Connectivity 2026.” The event aimed to promote trade cooperation, investment, and seafood supply chain connectivity between Vietnam and India amid the ongoing restructuring of global markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In recent years, Ninh Binh Province has intensified the application of science and technology in aquaculture in order to improve productivity, product quality, and economic efficiency.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 49 million, up 151% compared to the same period in 2025. This figure reflects an emerging export sector that is taking advantage of market gaps created by global trade disruptions, while larger producers are adjusting their strategies.
On the afternoon of May 28, the People’s Committee of Ho Thi Ky Commune signed a memorandum of understanding with Minh Phu Certified Shrimp Social Co., Ltd. (a member of Minh Phu Seafood Corporation) on cooperation to develop a black tiger shrimp farming area meeting international certification standards during the 2026–2030 period in the commune.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The “Moringa Noodles Salad” product by Sa Giang Import-Export Corporation was honored as one of the “Top 10 Winning Products” at the THAIFEX – Anuga taste Innovation Show 2026, held as part of THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026 in Bangkok.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a fairly strong upward trend in 2025, Vietnam’s clam exports entered 2026 with a mixed picture: strong growth at the beginning of the year, followed by a slowdown from March onward. According to Vietnam Customs data, Vietnam’s clam export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached more than USD 38 million, up 2% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is facing new opportunities to expand its development space as many localities and businesses begin promoting marine farming models aimed at diversifying farming areas and adapting to climate change. However, for pangasius to truly “go offshore” and develop into a large-scale industry segment, significant challenges related to technology, broodstock, and markets still need to be addressed.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports in April 2026 reached USD 11 million, up 92% compared to the same period in 2025. This strong growth indicates that Vietnamese tilapia products are continuing to penetrate and expand rapidly in international markets. Cumulative export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 49 million, up 151% year-on-year.
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