For the whole year, the export of mollusk shells reached 141.6 million USD, an increase of 35% compared to 2020. Except in February, exports decreased by 24% as it coincided with the Lunar New Year holiday, and in November when exports grew slightly by 9%. For the rest of the year, all recorded double-digit export growth (from 22-82%).
In the structure of mollusk shell exports last year, clams were the main product, accounting for 73% with nearly 103 million USD, up 52% compared to 2020. The second-largest export product was snails accounting for 10% with over 14 million USD, up 3%. Followed by scallop products, scallops accounted for 8% with 11.4 million USD, up 13%. The rest are oysters, scallops, mussels, abalone, and other mixed types...
In 2021, Vietnam exports mollusk shells to more than 50 markets, out of which the top 10 markets consume more than 90% of Vietnam's total mollusk shell exports.
Spain is the largest single market for Vietnam's mollusk shells, accounting for 18%, Italy and the US are second, accounting for 17%, and Portugal is 15%. Japan ranks 5th, accounting for 8% of Vietnam's mollusk shell exports.
Last year, exports to most of the main markets grew by double digits. In which, exports to the US increased the most, 93% reaching 23.6 million USD. Exports to three major EU markets including Spain, Italy, and Portugal increased from 37.5 to 43.7%, reaching 26 million USD, 24.6 million USD, and 20.9 million USD, respectively. However, exports to Japan fell by over 18% to only 11.4 million USD.
Particularly for clam products, Spain, Italy and Portugal were the three largest importing markets, accounting for 25%, 24%, and 20% of Vietnam’s export value, respectively. The US ranked 4th with 14%. Clam exports to all markets got 2-3 digit growths, with the US market alone observing a growth of 144%.
In 2021, there were 20 localities across the country that had exported clams, of which, the leading province is Thanh Hoa, accounting for over 30% of clam export turnover with 24.5 million USD, mainly attributed to Thanh Hoa Seafood Import-Export Joint Stock Company. The province with the second largest clam export turnover is Ben Tre with 17.8 million USD, accounting for 22% with 3 exporters, namely Ben Tre Seafood Import-Export Joint Stock Company, Ben Tre Seafood Joint Stock Company, and Hung Truong Phat Seafood Joint Stock Company. Ranking third is Nam Dinh province with a 12% share, prominently by Lenger Vietnam Seafood Co., Ltd worth nearly 10 million USD.
In the first quarter of 2022, the country's shellfish exports increased by 24%, reaching over 30 million USD, of which clams alone were estimated at nearly 20 million USD, up 40% over the same period in 2021.
It is forecasted that mollusk shell exports will continue to increase in the coming months, according to which it is estimated that exports in April 2022 will reach over 12 million USD, up 4% over the same period in 2021.
Please register for the Vietnam Seafood Export Report to access detailed data about the export of each main seafood product in the first quarter of 2022, as well as a forecast for the whole year of 2022.
Compiled by Minh Trang
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In March 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports recorded strong growth, reaching USD 15 million, up 109% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively, in the first three months of 2026, export value reached USD 38 million, an increase of 174% year-on-year. This result highlights the sector’s robust expansion and reflects rapid growth across multiple markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In March 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius export value reached USD 182 million, up 1% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively, exports in the first three months of 2026 totaled USD 514 million, an increase of 17% year-on-year, indicating that the growth momentum is being maintained despite signs of slowdown in some markets during March.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During peak heat periods, farmers raising pangasius, tilapia, and other freshwater fish in Dong Thap are implementing various technical measures to reduce risks and maintain stable production.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Japan continues to be one of Vietnam’s most important and stable shrimp markets. In recent years, shrimp exports to this market have fluctuated in line with Japan’s broader economic and consumption cycles, yet Japan remains a major, high-value destination with stringent standards.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Spain increased by 13% compared to 2024. This growth trend has continued into the first two months of 2026. According to Vietnam Customs statistics, export turnover to this market reached nearly USD 3 million in January–February 2026, up 101% year-on-year and significantly higher than the same period in 2024. This development indicates that Spain is once again becoming a notable destination for Vietnamese tuna amid strong demand for tuna raw materials and products in Europe.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The 2026 brackish water shrimp farming season in the Mekong Delta has started earlier than usual, mainly driven by positive market signals, as shrimp prices in 2025 remained high and supply was limited. Many enterprises and farms in Cần Thơ, Cà Mau, and Vĩnh Long have proactively stocked early to seize opportunities. By early 2026, stocking areas in many localities had reached a high proportion of planned targets, with intensive and high-tech farming models expanding rapidly.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States recorded remarkable growth in 2025, opening up major opportunities while also presenting considerable challenges. The U.S. remains the largest importer of Vietnamese tilapia fillets, with export turnover reaching USD 40 million—an increase of up to 499% compared to 2024. This impressive growth reflects strong demand in the U.S. market, as supply from competing countries such as China has been constrained by tariffs and rising production costs.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Pangasius remains a strategic export commodity in Vietnam’s seafood sector. Entering 2026, the industry faces a strong need to transition from volume-based growth to a value-driven development model, with a focus on quality, food safety, and sustainability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Following damage caused by Storm No. 13 in late 2025, brackish water shrimp farming in Gia Lai is being rapidly restored. In key farming areas such as Tuy Phước and Tuy Phước Đông, farmers are focusing on rehabilitating ponds, repairing infrastructure, and treating the environment in preparation for the 2026 crop.
(seafood.vasep.com) Facing the decline in fishery resources, Vietnam is accelerating livelihood transitions for fishermen to reduce fishing pressure and move toward sustainable development. Marine fish stocks have dropped significantly from 4.82 million tons in 2000–2005 to 3.95 million tons in 2016–2020.
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