Products of Kien Cuong Seafood
Among export markets, South Korea remains the largest importer, with imports in the first five months of 2025 exceeding USD 100 million, accounting for 36% of Vietnam’s total exports and up 6% compared to the same period in 2024. Vietnam mainly exports frozen cuttlefish and boiled octopus to this market.
Japan follows with nearly USD 69 million, up 19% year-on-year. Exports of squid and octopus to Japan have been on the rise thanks to stable demand and the appeal of high-quality products such as sashimi and boiled octopus.
Exports to China are also rebounding strongly, with high growth over the past two months after a decline earlier this year. This rebound is attributed to the reopening of the Chinese market, which has recently increased imports of frozen and semi-processed squid to serve its food service sector. Export value to China in the first five months reached more than USD 26 million, a 2% increase year-on-year.
Exports to the EU have also accelerated in recent months. With a total value of nearly USD 15 million in the first five months (up 11% year-on-year), the EU ranks as Vietnam’s fifth-largest market for squid and octopus. Exports to the bloc’s top three markets—Italy, Spain, and Belgium—grew by 6%, 71%, and 24% respectively.
In addition, several emerging markets such as the Philippines, UAE, Cambodia, and Canada recorded growth of over 40% compared to the same period last year, showing great potential in the mid-range and convenience product segments.
Forecasts suggest that Vietnam’s squid and octopus exports in the first five months of 2025 have made a strong start, laying a solid foundation for reaching the target of over USD 700 million for the full year. As the global market shows signs of recovery, enterprises need to invest more in deep processing, traceability, and expanding access to emerging markets to enhance the sustainability of this strategic industry. However, to achieve this target, businesses also need government support in facilitating the domestic raw material supply, and in promptly resolving bottlenecks related to the certification and verification of harvested seafood.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 81 million in April 2026, down 6% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of the year, export turnover totaled USD 289 million, down 4.8%. Although the overall export picture has yet to brighten significantly, market trends are becoming increasingly diversified rather than moving in a single direction.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is undergoing strong restructuring starting from the broodstock and fingerling segment in order to improve productivity, quality, and export competitiveness. This is considered a critical foundation for the sustainable development of the industry amid rising production costs and increasingly stringent market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, pangasius exports in April 2026 reached USD 206 million, up 18% compared to the same period in 2025 — marking another consecutive month of double-digit growth since the beginning of the year. Cumulative pangasius export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 720 million, up 17% year-on-year, reflecting the positive growth momentum of this key export product.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 maintained positive growth momentum, reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, behind this result lies diverging trends across markets, as the global shrimp industry continues to face pressure from inflation, high inventories, price competition, and increasing trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Vinh Tuy commune (Kien Giang Province), many shrimp farmers are adopting bottom aeration systems and reporting clear economic benefits, helping increase income and reduce production risks.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of crabs and other crustaceans reached more than USD 93 million, up 23% compared to the same period last year. The result shows that the sector is experiencing a fairly positive recovery, especially in its two key product groups: crabs and swimming crabs. However, behind the growth figures are several concerns: export markets remain highly concentrated, raw material supply is unstable, and trade barriers from the US and EU are becoming increasingly stringent.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Ca Mau province, many farmers are transitioning from traditional methods to high-tech shrimp farming, adopting recirculating systems with minimal water exchange to improve efficiency and reduce risks. In Hung My commune alone, there are about 260 super-intensive shrimp farming households covering more than 265 hectares, playing a key role in local economic development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cake and surimi reached USD 63 million, down 5% compared to the same period last year. Although total export value declined slightly due to decreases in some key markets, many other destinations continued to post strong growth, opening up room for this convenience-oriented processed segment in the coming quarters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Favorable weather conditions in the early months of 2026 have brought encouraging signs for fisheries activities in Quang Tri. Output has grown steadily, contributing to improved livelihoods for local residents.
Entering 2026, Vietnam’s seafood industry is facing a period of both high expectations and mounting pressures. Following the positive recovery in 2025, production and export activities in Q1/2026 demonstrated the strong adaptability of Vietnam’s seafood business community amid continued global trade volatility, intensifying international competition, and increasingly stringent compliance requirements in import markets.
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