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
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached US$3.7 billion in the first nine months of 2026, up 11% year on year. Although growth has been supported by China and several markets within the CPTPP, momentum is slowing as exports to the United States and the European Union decline. Tariff pressures, international competition, and raw material challenges are creating significant hurdles for exporters in the final months of the year.
(vasep.com.vn) Markets are changing faster, buyer requirements are becoming more demanding, and trade barriers are growing increasingly complex. In this environment, seafood businesses need more than an understanding of current market conditions. They need a longer-term perspective to answer a critical question: Where will growth opportunities come from in 2027–2029, and what should businesses do now to prepare? This is one of the key reasons why VASEP is organizing Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the Middle East reached US$113 million, up 7% year on year from the same period in 2025. Growth has become more pronounced in recent months. In August alone, exports to the region totaled US$20 million, an increase of 24%. This indicates that demand for Vietnamese pangasius in the Middle East is gradually recovering after a slowdown in March, although the pace of recovery varies across markets.
(vasep.com.vn) China’s shrimp imports continued to grow strongly in 2026, while Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the market also recorded notable growth. However, behind these positive figures lie two distinct trends: Chinese consumption is growing more slowly than imports, and lobster accounts for a substantial share of Vietnam’s shrimp exports to China, making its product mix significantly different from those of Ecuador and India. Exporters therefore need to assess each segment carefully to understand the opportunities and risks.
(vasep.com.vn) Changing markets, shifting buyer demand, and increasingly complex trade barriers are raising a key question for Vietnam’s seafood industry: Where will the new growth opportunities lie in 2027–2029?
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As of the end of August 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States reached $21 million, representing a steep 48% year-over-year decline and accounting for 23% of the country's total tilapia export turnover. Frozen fillets accounted for 78% with the remainder consisting of whole frozen tilapia and frozen cuts.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a volatile first half of the year, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to Brazil registered robust growth in July and August 2026. In August alone, export turnover reached $19 million, surging 73% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively for the first eight months, total export value reached $124 million, reflecting an 8% year-over-year increase.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Besides modifying their boats, many fishermen in Dak Lak province are making efforts to venture out to sea to harvest seafood during the rough sea season.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) At the Responsible Seafood Summit and TCRS Shrimp Summit 2026, organized by the GSA (Global Seafood Alliance) in Bangkok, Thailand, the conversation about the future of the shrimp industry began with one of its most important foundations: seedstock quality.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Lithuania surpassed $14 million, up 8% year on year. While the increase remains modest, it is notable given the continued pressure on Vietnamese tuna exports to the EU as a whole. More importantly, export turnover to Lithuania has shown a clearer recovery in recent months, making the market a destination worth monitoring for Vietnamese businesses in Europe.
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