Key Markets Show Strong Growth
South Korea and Thailand remain the two largest markets, importing USD 49 million (up 21%) and USD 46 million (up 24%) respectively in the first seven months of the year. Both markets consume these products directly and reprocess products for regional distribution.
Within CPTPP markets, export value of this product group rose 23% to USD 31 million. Japan led with a 25% growth, reflecting signs of recovery in traditional processed products. Malaysia and Singapore also showed positive growth at 19% and 21%, respectively.
Notably, in July 2025 alone, exports to China and Hong Kong skyrocketed by 104% year-on-year. Cumulative exports for the first seven months reached $26 million, rise 57%, driven by rising demand for both consumption and reprocessing.
The EU emerged as a bright spot, with July imports surging 89%. Total exports for the period reached $16 million, up 47%, led by Lithuania and Spain.
By contrast, the U.S. market remained modest at $6 million with a slight increase (2%). However, July 2025 saw a sharp 74% decline compared to July 2024, due to new countervailing tariff policies and cautious importers.
Global market context
On the international market, global surimi supply remains abundant, keeping prices under downward pressure. Japanese buyers are selective, accepting price increases only for premium grade-A surimi, while lower-grade products maintain stable prices. In the EU, declining inflation has boosted purchasing power, supporting demand for mid-value processed products. South Korea increased seafood imports in the first half of 2025, strengthening its role as one of Vietnam’s key markets.
Meanwhile, the U.S is considered the most policy-risk-prone market. New countervailing tariffs may affect potentially undermining competitiveness, especially as exemptions for specific HS codes remain unclear.
Outlook for the second half of 2025
In the latter half of 2025, Asian markets are expected to continue driving growth in Vietnam’s fish cakes and surimi exports, supported by stable demand and flexible pricing. The EU is forecast to maintain its recovery momentum, with a focus on convenient, small-packaged products catering to cost-conscious consumers. China and Hong Kong show strong growth potential but face intense competition from Russian and ASEAN suppliers.
The U.S. remains the most unpredictable market. Businesses are advised to secure contracts only with clear tariff confirmations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In recent years, Ninh Binh Province has intensified the application of science and technology in aquaculture in order to improve productivity, product quality, and economic efficiency.
(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 figure reflects an emerging export sector that is taking advantage of market gaps created by global trade disruptions, while larger producers are adjusting their strategies.
On the afternoon of May 28, the People’s Committee of Ho Thi Ky Commune signed a memorandum of understanding with Minh Phu Certified Shrimp Social Co., Ltd. (a member of Minh Phu Seafood Corporation) on cooperation to develop a black tiger shrimp farming area meeting international certification standards during the 2026–2030 period in the commune.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The “Moringa Noodles Salad” product by Sa Giang Import-Export Corporation was honored as one of the “Top 10 Winning Products” at the THAIFEX – Anuga taste Innovation Show 2026, held as part of THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026 in Bangkok.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a fairly strong upward trend in 2025, Vietnam’s clam exports entered 2026 with a mixed picture: strong growth at the beginning of the year, followed by a slowdown from March onward. According to Vietnam Customs data, Vietnam’s clam export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached more than USD 38 million, up 2% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is facing new opportunities to expand its development space as many localities and businesses begin promoting marine farming models aimed at diversifying farming areas and adapting to climate change. However, for pangasius to truly “go offshore” and develop into a large-scale industry segment, significant challenges related to technology, broodstock, and markets still need to be addressed.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports in April 2026 reached USD 11 million, up 92% compared to the same period in 2025. This strong growth indicates that Vietnamese tilapia products are continuing to penetrate and expand rapidly in international markets. Cumulative export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 49 million, up 151% year-on-year.
(seafood.vasep.com) At VietShrimp Asia 2026, disease management trends in shrimp farming are shifting strongly from treatment-based approaches toward proactive prevention through environmental and pond ecosystem control.
(vasep.com.vn) After a period of strong growth, with export turnover reaching USD 38 million in Q1/2026 — up 174% year-on-year — the sector’s rapid expansion clearly reflects growing market opportunities.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the ASEAN bloc reached USD 44 million, up 7% compared to the same period in 2025. After falling to the lowest level of the quarter at USD 9 million in February — reflecting the seasonal slowdown in orders after the festive period — exports recovered strongly to USD 18 million in March, the highest monthly value of the quarter. This development shows that import demand for pangasius in ASEAN remains relatively stable despite short-term fluctuations.
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