China drives growth, Japan slows, U.S. recovers from a low base
China has consistently accounted for the largest share of Vietnam’s crab exports, exceeding 50% over the past two years. This highlights the sector’s heavy dependence on Northeast Asia, especially China. In the first two months of 2026 alone, exports to China exceeded USD 36 million, representing 67% of total export value. Including Hong Kong, the combined share rises to 68%.
This shows that current growth is largely driven by nearby markets with fast consumption and strong absorption capacity, particularly China. Meanwhile, Japan remains the second-largest market, with over USD 12 million (22% share), but saw a 9% decline year-on-year. The U.S. reached nearly USD 4 million, accounting for almost 7%, with a sharp increase of nearly 194%, although its overall share remains relatively small.
What opportunities for crab exports in 2026?
From this structure, it is clear that crab exports in 2026 will likely continue to lean heavily toward nearby markets with strong demand and logistical advantages. This presents a significant opportunity for Vietnamese businesses, especially as China maintains solid demand for fresh and frozen seafood. In addition, markets such as the U.S., Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore are all experiencing positive growth, suggesting potential for expanding orders in niche segments.
However, crab exports in 2026 also face several challenges. First is the risk of overdependence on a single market. With China accounting for nearly 67% of total export value, any changes in import policies, consumer demand, or price competition could significantly impact the entire sector. Second, Japan’s slowdown reflects increasing competition and stricter quality requirements. Third, high-value markets such as the U.S. and the EU, while promising, require businesses to better meet standards on traceability, technical compliance, and supply consistency.
In 2026, Vietnam’s crab exports are likely to continue growing but with strong divergence across markets. China will remain the key driver; however, for sustainable growth, businesses cannot rely on a single outlet. Expanding into higher value-added markets, promoting processed products, and improving quality to meet specific market requirements will be crucial strategies.
Overall, Vietnam’s crab exports have had a favorable start in 2026. Nevertheless, to sustain growth throughout the year, the sector must both capitalize on opportunities in Asian markets and gradually reduce dependence on a few major markets, thereby enhancing stability and export value.
(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.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam–Russia relations are entering a new phase of cooperation, with a focus on expanding trade, investment and economic connectivity. Against this backdrop, tuna is emerging as one of the seafood products with significant growth potential in the Russian market. Export data for the first seven months of 2026 show strong growth in Vietnamese tuna exports to Russia. However, turning this momentum into sustainable market share will require businesses to address challenges related to logistics, payment and supply competition.
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