In the last 5 years (2011-2016), cephalopod imports into China reached the highest in 2014. From 2014 up to now, imports of this product into China were on the downward trend.
In the first half of 2017, China's cephalopod imports reached US$46.7 million; down 65.4% over the same period in 2016. Peru, South Korea, the U.S and Chile were top biggest suppliers to China.
Vietnam stayed as the 20th largest exporter of cephalopod to China and the 4th biggest supplier of live/fresh/chilled squid (HS code 030741) to the market behind South Korea, Japan and Indonesia. Out of top 4 exporters of live/fresh/chilled squid to China, only Vietnam and Indonesia are enjoyed the tax rate of 0% while the others are subject to the tax rate of 6%.
Vietnam also ranked the 3rd supplier of frozen octopus (HS code 030759) to China behind Japan and Mauritania.
In the first six months of 2017, China increased imports of processed squid (HS code 160554; except for smocked item); live/fresh/chilled octopus (HS code 030751); processed octopus (HS code 160555); in which imports of fresh/chilled/frozen octopus (HS code 030751) showed the highest increase of 117.863% over the same period in 2016.
China was the 5th largest buyer of Vietnam cephalopod; accounting for 7.3% of Vietnam’s cephalopod exports to markets.
In 2016, out of cephalopod items exported to China; squid shipments accounted for the main proportion of 86%. Of that, China preferred dried/frozen items (93.2%) than processed products (6.8%).
In 2017, Vietnam’s cephalopod exports to this market showed signs of recovery. Up to 15th Sep 2017, Vietnam’s cephalopod exports to the country hit US$31.3 million; up 180.4% over the same period in 2016.
In the coming time, demand for Vietnam cephalopod in China expected to rise.
|
Cephalopod imports into China (Source: ITC) |
||||||
|
Products |
Volume (kg) |
Value (Thousand US$) |
||||
|
Jan-Jun 2016 |
Jan-Jun 2017 |
Variation (%) |
Jan-Jun 2016 |
Jan-Jun 2017 |
Variation (%) |
|
|
Total |
69,305,629 |
14,752,230 |
-78.7 |
135,046 |
46,688 |
-65.4 |
|
Processed squid (except for smocked items) (HS code 160554) |
4,208,830 |
11,343,197 |
169.5 |
7,391 |
33,686 |
355.8 |
|
Frozen squid (HS code 030749) |
64,116,674 |
3,172,204 |
-95.1 |
124,037 |
11,965 |
-90.4 |
|
Frozen/dried/salted octopus (HS code 030759) |
974,234 |
214,630 |
-78.0 |
3,540 |
899 |
-74.6 |
|
Live/fresh/chilled octopus (HS code 030751) |
11 |
12,976 |
117,863.6 |
- |
91 |
|
|
Live/fresh/chilled squid (HS code 030741) |
3,040 |
- |
-100.0 |
59 |
- |
-100.0 |
|
Processed octopus (HS code 160555) |
2,840 |
9,223 |
224.8 |
19 |
47 |
147.4 |
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports in September 2026 are estimated at US$1.135 billion, up 11.9% year-on-year, bringing total exports in the first nine months of the year to US$9.103 billion, up 11.4%. Behind this double-digit growth, however, increasingly divergent market trends are emerging: China–Hong Kong and ASEAN posted strong growth, while the U.S., EU and Japan all recorded declines in September.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Brazil became the largest market for Vietnamese tilapia, with export value reaching US$44 million, up 22,142% year-on-year and accounting for 49% of Vietnam’s total tilapia exports. In August alone, exports to Brazil reached US$4 million. However, behind this remarkable growth is a market that is imposing increasingly stringent requirements on imported supplies.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports sustained their upward trajectory in August 2026, though the pace remained modest at just 2%. The month saw divergent trends across key markets: the US maintained its leading position, Japan and Canada improved, Russia surged and the EU continued to experience a steep downturn. These developments suggest that exporters are entering the final months of the year amid a market environment marked by greater uncertainty.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Congalsa has acquired the entire charter capital of Lenger Seafood Vietnam, giving it full ownership of the business and its Nam Dinh processing facility.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ninh Binh Province is entering a peak period of action against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, focusing on thoroughly addressing violations, closely monitoring fishing vessels at ports and preventing vessels from violating regulations and operating illegally in foreign waters ahead of the European Commission’s (EC) upcoming inspection in 2026.
(vasep.com.vn) The application of biotechnology in seed production is increasingly viewed as a strategic imperative to upgrade pangasius fingerling quality, optimize farming efficiency and anchor sustainable industry development.
(vasep.com.vn) On September 15, 2026, in Can Tho, VASEP and ASC jointly organized a training course titled “New ASC standards: updates and practical implementation guidance for farms, businesses and aquafeed mills”. Beyond briefing stakeholders on updated ASC requirements for aquaculture facilities and feed production, the workshop dedicated substantial floor time to directly addressing on-the-ground compliance bottlenecks encountered by Vietnamese enterprises.
(searfood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports continued to post positive results in the first eight months of 2026, with total export value reaching US$90 million, up 43% year-on-year. However, exports in August alone stood at US$11 million, down 8%, reflecting uneven market developments. Brazil remained the leading market, while Japan recorded notable growth, opening up new opportunities for Vietnamese tilapia products.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached US$3.3 billion in the first eight months of 2026, up 12% year on year. However, growth has begun to slow and become more differentiated across markets, while the U.S. and EU continue to present significant challenges. The latest insights from the Global Shrimp Forum 2026 (GSF 2026), held in early September, also indicate that the final months of the year will remain highly competitive as global supply continues to expand and buyers increasingly focus on quality, product specifications, supply stability and the ability to meet market-specific demand.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In August 2026, Vietnam’s seafood exports reached $1.14 billion, up 6% year on year. Cumulative eight-month exports rose 11.8% to $8.00 billion, though momentum has cooled compared to the 12.8% growth seen through July. China - Hong Kong and ASEAN are offsetting weakness in the U.S, EU and partly Japan. This divergence will likely widen in Q4 as trade tariffs and traceability requirements directly weigh on new orders.
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