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) With continued policy support, technological innovation and close coordination among authorities, businesses and farmers, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is expected to make a strong and sustainable breakthrough during the 2026–2030 period, reinforcing its position as the world’s leading exporter of the fish.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to Asian markets showed varying trends across regions and countries. The Middle East recorded strong growth, with Saudi Arabia emerging as the largest Asian market for Vietnamese tilapia. ASEAN markets also expanded significantly, driven primarily by Malaysia. Meanwhile, Japan maintained solid growth, while exports to South Korea declined compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Shrimp and pangasius continued to lead growth, helping seafood exports reach $4.67 billion in the first five months of the year; however, differentiation among product groups and increasingly stringent requirements from importing markets are posing many challenges for the industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Every day, the seafood processing industry in Ca Mau generates large quantities of shrimp heads and shells during processing operations. In the past, these by-products were largely treated as waste, increasing production costs and posing potential environmental risks. However, thanks to advanced processing technologies, materials once considered waste are now being transformed into high-value products, creating a circular economy model within the seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam Clean Seafood Corporation has invested in a 280-hectare super-intensive shrimp farming zone in Tran De Commune, Can Tho City, generating export value of approximately VND 3 billion per hectare per year—around 50 times higher than traditional agricultural production.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports reached USD 1.02 billion in May 2026, up 0.6% year-on-year. Cumulative exports in the first five months of 2026 totaled USD 4.67 billion, an increase of 11% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In a rapidly changing global seafood market, timely insights and reliable data are more critical than ever. The Report on Vietnam Seafood Exports in Q1/2026 provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in Vietnam’s seafood production, trade performance, and export trends, helping businesses navigate uncertainty and identify new growth opportunities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) While many major markets continue to experience slow growth, Russia has emerged as a brighter destination for Vietnamese tuna exports in early 2026. Export turnover to this market increased by nearly 55% in the first four months of the year, indicating a clear improvement in demand. Nevertheless, Russia remains a market that should be viewed with both optimism and caution.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius exports have shown encouraging signs of recovery in 2026. In the first four months of the year, total export turnover reached USD 720 million, up 17% compared to the same period last year. This result reflects improving demand across many markets, as well as the efforts of Vietnamese pangasius enterprises to maintain production, secure orders, and adapt to changing market conditions.
(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 impressive growth reflects positive momentum in the tilapia sector, with Brazil emerging as a key driver of growth, while frozen tilapia fillets continued to be the industry's leading export product.
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