Monthly data indicate an upward trend in squid and octopus exports in 2026. During the first quarter, export values were volatile, with some months recording increases, others declines, and some remaining broadly unchanged from the same period in 2025. This was likely a seasonal slowdown associated with the Lunar New Year holiday and the pace of shipments at the beginning of the year. From March onward, exports regained momentum. Notably, monthly export value peaked at $78 million, a 10% year-on-year increase. This suggests that market demand continues to provide support, although the pace of growth has moderated from earlier periods. On a positive note, recent monthly turnovers have stabilized in the $70–78 million range, outperforming the 2024 baseline and the majority of 2025. For squid and octopus processors and exporters, this suggests that orders are not only recovering in volume but may also be supported by export prices, product mix or more stable demand in several key markets.
However, the outlook is not without challenges. The final months of 2025 established a high comparative baseline, meaning the industry will face significant year-on-year pressure through the end of 2026. To maintain double-digit growth, monthly export turnover in the final months of the year will need to remain high, at a minimum of around $75–80 million. From a market perspective, aggregate turnover trends suggest a cautious recovery in import demand. Surges in certain months largely reflect order replenishment following inventory destocking phases. However, slower growth in July and August suggests that buyers may be taking a more cautious approach to prices, delivery schedules and year-end consumption prospects. For squid and octopus businesses, three factors will require close attention during this period. First is raw material supply, as the ability to ensure consistent deliveries will determine how well companies can retain orders, particularly from major buyers. Second is product mix, with deeply processed and convenient products suited to retail and foodservice channels potentially providing continued advantages. Third are prices and profit margins. Export growth is a positive signal, but if raw material, labor, logistics and financing costs rise faster than selling prices, companies may still face margin pressure. Overall, Vietnam’s squid and octopus exports have entered 2026 on a stronger footing than in the previous two years. Turnover remains elevated, post-holiday recovery has been robust, and August established a new peak for the year. Nevertheless, the final quarter will serve as a critical stress test. Enterprises must proactively secure raw material supplies, closely monitor ordering schedules across markets, maintain quality control and avoid pursuing growth at any cost.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Nearly US$1.7 billion is the projected gap in 2029 between the baseline scenario and a scenario in which Vietnam’s seafood exports grow by 10% annually, according to calculations by VASEP to be presented at Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026. This gap raises a key question for the entire industry: Which markets, products and supply chain improvements will generate the additional growth?
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Although Germany’s tuna imports have declined, Vietnam’s tuna exports to the market continue to show positive signs. Notably, export value recovered strongly in Q3/2026, and German import data also show Vietnamese products strengthening their position amid competition among suppliers.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Seafood exports are holding double-digit growth, but the opportunities are not spread evenly across product groups and markets. As businesses draw up their plans for 2027, Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026 (VSS2026) offers a chance to look ahead together: what to sell, where to sell it, and how to prepare for growth in the coming years.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With less than two weeks to go, the Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026 (VSS 2026) will officially take place in Can Tho. Under the theme “Seafood Market Outlook 2027–2029 – Opportunities and Potential for Double-Digit Export Growth,” the Summit is organized by VASEP at a time when seafood businesses are facing rapid market shifts, changing buyer demand, trade policy changes and growing competitive pressure all at once.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On October 28, 2026, the China Fisheries & Seafood Expo opened in Qingdao, China. The expo takes place over three days from October 28 to 30, 2026. This is a prestigious specialized seafood exhibition organized annually by Sea Fare Exposition Inc.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first nine months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the CPTPP bloc reached $7 million, marking a 51% year-on-year increase. The bloc rstands as the fourth-largest market for Vietnamese tilapia, trailing Brazil, the US, and Saudi Arabia.
(vasep.com.vn) VASEP has officially announced the program for Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026 (VSS 2026), featuring five in-depth sessions covering industry outlooks, trade barriers, buyer demand, the domestic market, and solutions to improve productivity and reduce costs across the seafood value chain.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached US$3.7 billion in the first nine months of 2026, up 11% year on year. Although growth has been supported by China and several markets within the CPTPP, momentum is slowing as exports to the United States and the European Union decline. Tariff pressures, international competition, and raw material challenges are creating significant hurdles for exporters in the final months of the year.
(vasep.com.vn) Markets are changing faster, buyer requirements are becoming more demanding, and trade barriers are growing increasingly complex. In this environment, seafood businesses need more than an understanding of current market conditions. They need a longer-term perspective to answer a critical question: Where will growth opportunities come from in 2027–2029, and what should businesses do now to prepare? This is one of the key reasons why VASEP is organizing Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the Middle East reached US$113 million, up 7% year on year from the same period in 2025. Growth has become more pronounced in recent months. In August alone, exports to the region totaled US$20 million, an increase of 24%. This indicates that demand for Vietnamese pangasius in the Middle East is gradually recovering after a slowdown in March, although the pace of recovery varies across markets.
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