In November 2022, exports of shrimp, pangasius and tuna all decreased by 20-26% compared to the same period last year. Only cephalopods and marine fishes exports still maintained positive growth of 9% and 6%, respectively.
By the end of November, pangasius exports still grew strongly by 63% to nearly 2.3 billion USD, shrimp exports earned over 4 billion USD, up 14%. Tuna is the sector with the second largest growth of 40%, reaching 941 million USD. Export of cephalopods also increased strongly by 30% to 704 million USD.
The US market contributes the largest amount of foreign currency to Vietnamese seafood with over US$2 billion, up nearly 10% over the same period in 2021. Exports to China - Hong Kong and the Japanese market achieved approximate sales , about 1.6 billion USD. By the end of November, seafood exports to the EU market brought in over $1.2 billion and to South Korea reached over $882 million.
The CPTPP countries (including Japan), accounted for over 26% of Vietnam's total seafood exports with nearly $2.7 billion in the first 11 months of the year, up 34%.
In general, the achievement of over 10 billion USD by the end of November is the result of strong growth in the first 3 quarters of the year, with favorable market demand, increased export prices, and sufficient raw materials to supply orders.
In the second half of 2022, Vietnam's seafood export growth slowed down
However, in the second half of the year, export growth slowed down and market demand dropped, especially in the fourth quarter. In October, seafood exports only increased by 2% over the same period. In November, seafood exports increased 14%, lower than in November 2021.
Seafood exports in December are forecasted to fall further and the decline trend will last until 2023. Inflation heavily affects import markets, and decreases the purchasing demand in the first quarter of 2023. Many seafood enterprises said that orders have dropped sharply not only for high-priced items such as black tiger shrimp, large white leg shrimp, and high-class seafood such as squid, octopus, tuna, etc, but also other affordable products such as small shrimp, pangasius, small sea fish, fish cakes, surimi also saw a significant reduction in demand for the next quarter.
Compiled by Thuy Linh
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a sharp decline in 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Israel are showing positive signs of recovery in the early months of 2026. According to Vietnam Customs data, export turnover to this market grew steadily month by month in Q1/2026, reaching nearly USD 10 million, up 33% compared to the same period in 2025. However, compared to Q1/2024, this level remains significantly lower, indicating that the recovery is still in its early stage following last year’s strong adjustment.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Entering 2026, the U.S. whitefish market has shown complex developments as global cod supply continues to tighten, while the U.S. trade environment becomes less stable. In this context, the U.S. market has had to become more flexible in sourcing alternative whitefish. However, relying heavily on Alaska pollock is not a long-term solution, as it is a strictly managed fishery with quotas and sustainability regulations, limiting any rapid increase in output to offset cod shortages.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Aquaculture, capture fisheries, and seed production activities in Lam Dong in the early months of 2026 continued to show positive signs, with both output and farming area slightly increasing compared to the same period, contributing to maintaining overall industry stability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, tuna exports in the first month of 2026 reached over USD 75 million, up 13% compared to the same period in 2025. Notably, exports increased in most key markets such as Japan, the EU, and Russia, while exports to the United States fell by 6%—a contrasting development amid ongoing adjustments in U.S. import tariff policies and new compliance requirements under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), which took effect at the beginning of the year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In March 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports recorded strong growth, reaching USD 15 million, up 109% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively, in the first three months of 2026, export value reached USD 38 million, an increase of 174% year-on-year. This result highlights the sector’s robust expansion and reflects rapid growth across multiple markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In March 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius export value reached USD 182 million, up 1% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively, exports in the first three months of 2026 totaled USD 514 million, an increase of 17% year-on-year, indicating that the growth momentum is being maintained despite signs of slowdown in some markets during March.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During peak heat periods, farmers raising pangasius, tilapia, and other freshwater fish in Dong Thap are implementing various technical measures to reduce risks and maintain stable production.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Japan continues to be one of Vietnam’s most important and stable shrimp markets. In recent years, shrimp exports to this market have fluctuated in line with Japan’s broader economic and consumption cycles, yet Japan remains a major, high-value destination with stringent standards.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Spain increased by 13% compared to 2024. This growth trend has continued into the first two months of 2026. According to Vietnam Customs statistics, export turnover to this market reached nearly USD 3 million in January–February 2026, up 101% year-on-year and significantly higher than the same period in 2024. This development indicates that Spain is once again becoming a notable destination for Vietnamese tuna amid strong demand for tuna raw materials and products in Europe.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The 2026 brackish water shrimp farming season in the Mekong Delta has started earlier than usual, mainly driven by positive market signals, as shrimp prices in 2025 remained high and supply was limited. Many enterprises and farms in Cần Thơ, Cà Mau, and Vĩnh Long have proactively stocked early to seize opportunities. By early 2026, stocking areas in many localities had reached a high proportion of planned targets, with intensive and high-tech farming models expanding rapidly.
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