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.
(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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