According to Vietnam Customs statistics, South Korea remained the largest importer of Vietnamese fish cakes and surimi, with export value reaching USD 12 million, accounting for 26% of total exports. Thailand ranked second with over USD 10 million (23.1%), followed by China with USD 6 million (14%), which also recorded one of the strongest growth rates among key markets, increasing by 37% year-on-year.
In addition, exports to Japan reached nearly USD 5 million, up 4%, while shipments to Lithuania totaled nearly USD 3 million, surging by 53%. Notably, exports to the United States, though still modest at nearly USD 2 million, rose sharply by 173% compared to the same period in 2025. At the regional level, exports to the EU exceeded USD 3 million, up 53%, while exports to China and Hong Kong reached USD 6 million, up 33%.
However, market developments also reveal clear divergence. Some traditional markets recorded declines, with South Korea down 6% and Thailand down 2%, while exports to ASEAN countries fell by 4% in the first two months of the year. This reflects continued competitive pressure in nearby markets, particularly in the mid-range, mass-market segment.
The growth in fish cake and surimi exports in early 2026 reflects relatively stable demand for processed, convenient, and reasonably priced products. This category also has strong potential for expansion across multiple markets, as it aligns well with consumer trends favoring affordability, ease of preparation, and diverse distribution channels—from retail to foodservice.
In 2026, Vietnam’s fish cake and surimi sector is expected to have further growth opportunities in markets such as China, the EU, Japan, and the United States. However, businesses will continue to face challenges including raw material supply fluctuations, pricing pressure, rising production and logistics costs, and increasingly stringent requirements on quality, food safety, and traceability in importing markets.
In this context, the sector’s ability to sustain growth will depend on companies’ capacity to secure raw material supply, improve product quality, and better capture demand in recovering markets. With positive results from the beginning of the year, fish cakes and surimi are emerging as one of the bright spots in Vietnam’s seafood exports in 2026.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam has strengthened its position in China’s massive seafood market, becoming the largest lobster supplier while maintaining a dominant share of the country’s imported pangasius.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietfish 2026 was more than just a larger exhibition space. Through B2B meetings, booth discussions, production-chain visits and post-show feedback, businesses and buyers found something more concrete: suitable suppliers, processing capabilities, technology solutions, new markets and a foundation for building long-term trust and partnerships.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States declined significantly in the first seven months of 2026. Cumulative export value reached US$18 million, down 42% from the same period in 2025. In July alone, exports amounted to just US$2 million, plunging 70%, indicating a clear slowdown in import demand from the US market.
(vasep.com.vn) At the seminar “Global Seafood Markets and the Future Workforce: Trends, Opportunities and Directions for the Sustainable Development of Vietnam’s Fisheries Sector,” held as part of VIETFISH 2026, Ms. Shirlene Maria Anthonysamy, Fisheries Officer (Markets) and GLOBEFISH Coordinator at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), presented initiatives aimed at promoting youth participation in fisheries and aquaculture.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the United States reached US$189 million, down 8% year-on-year. In July alone, export value reached US$22 million, down 28%. This trend indicates that U.S. demand for pangasius imports has remained relatively cautious this year, as importers tend to maintain moderate inventory levels and limit stockpiling.
(vasep.com.vn) After three days at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam International Fisheries Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 – has successfully concluded, leaving a strong impression in terms of scale, visitor numbers, the quality of business connections, and innovative activities. With more than 14,000 m² of exhibition space, 335 companies, 568 booths, participation from representatives of 17 countries and territories, and nearly 15,000 visitors, VIETFISH 2026 has once again affirmed its role as an important meeting point for Vietnam’s and the global seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Held as part of Vietfish 2026 from August 19–21 at SECC in Ho Chi Minh City, a series of five specialized seminars provided the seafood business community with updates on markets, technology, standards, human resources and cooperation opportunities. With the participation of experts, international organizations, government agencies and businesses from Vietnam and abroad, the seminars created an additional platform for professional exchange alongside the exhibition’s product showcases and business networking activities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the morning of August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 officially opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. With 568 booths representing 335 companies, alongside the presence of senior government officials, local authorities, diplomatic missions and international partners, VIETFISH 2026 kicks off three days of business networking, technology exchange and market engagement under the overarching theme “Innovation and Sustainability.”
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) officially announces that the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition (Vietfish 2026) will take place from August 19–21, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports recorded strong growth in the first half of 2026, but the performance was increasingly uneven across products, markets and enterprises. VASEP’s newly released premium report provides the detailed data and analysis needed to understand what lies behind the headline figures and prepare for the more challenging months ahead.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
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