This strong performance continues the upward trajectory seen in 2024, when exports of shelled mollusks totaled USD 218 million, up 72% year-on-year. These figures reflect not only the growing global demand but also the improving production capacity and export competitiveness of Vietnam’s mollusk industry.
Clams remained the leading export product within the shelled mollusk category, earning more than USD 14 million—up 41% compared to USD 10 million in the same period of 2024. Vietnamese clams have demonstrated strong competitiveness in international markets.
Among other mollusk products, snails and scallops achieved remarkable growth. Snail exports surged by 673%, rising from USD 2 million in the first two months of 2024 to USD 14 million during the same period in 2025. Scallop exports also increased sharply by 479%, from USD 2 million to USD 10 million.
Mussels and basket clams also showed promising growth, with exports increasing by 128% and 65%, respectively. In contrast, oyster exports declined by 43%, from USD 3 million to USD 2 million. Abalone exports dropped dramatically to just USD 623, down 99% compared to the same period last year (USD 96,579).
Diverse product portfolio and expanding market reach
Vietnam’s mollusk exports comprise a wide range of value-added products that are well received by international markets, including IQF boiled clam meat, half-shell boiled clams, whole clams, frozen scallop adductor muscles, frozen ark clam meat, and canned clam meat.
Vietnamese shelled mollusks are exported to traditional markets such as China, the European Union, Japan, the United States, and South Korea. In recent years, Vietnamese enterprises have also been expanding into new territories including Eastern and Northern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North and South America, and other parts of Asia.
With the strong growth achieved in 2024 and the early months of 2025, Vietnam’s shelled mollusk exports show significant potential for breakthrough development throughout the remainder of the year.
However, the industry is currently facing several challenges. These include declining seed quality, overstocking beyond the planned farming zones, and environmental degradation in farming areas—all of which undermine the reliability of raw material supply.
To ensure sustainable development of the mollusk sector, supportive policy mechanisms in investment and credit access are urgently needed for organizations and individuals engaged in mollusk production, processing, and trade. Ensuring price stability and profitability for farmers, alongside the establishment and expansion of specialized, high-quality mollusk farming zones, is critical for long-term sectoral resilience and growth.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnamese tilapia is moving into a higher-value segment as brackish-water farmed fish from the Mekong Delta is now being processed for sashimi and exported regularly to Japan.
(seafoo.vasep.com.vn) Ca Mau Province is stepping up efforts to protect aquatic resources and promote transparent and sustainable fisheries, joining the country’s efforts to have the European Commission (EC) remove its “yellow card” warning for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
(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.”
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