The export result in February was more positive than the previous month with a modest increase of 4%. However, this does not reflect the recovery trend as the same period in 2022 was the Lunar New Year.
Accumulated in the first two months of the year, seafood exports reached over $1.1 billion, down 26% over the same period in 2022. Of which pangasius exports fell by 38% to $240 million, shrimp fell by 37% to $350 million , and tuna fell 27% to 113 million USD. Exports of cephalopod and marine fish tend to be more positive with a growth of 6% each, reaching USD 103 million and USD 273 million, respectively.
The reopening of the Chinese market brings opportunity for Vietnamese seafood exporters, especially pangasius exporters
The reopening of the Chinese market has created favorable conditions for exporters. In Feb, seafood exports value to this market increased by 33% to 122 mil USD. Accumulating the first 2 months of 2023, seafood exports to China reached 158 mil USD, decreasing 7%.
The US and EU markets have not shown any sign of recovery in Feb, thus exports to these two markets fell by 35% and 8% respectively. By the end of February 2023, seafood exports to the US were down 53% to 164 mil USD, to the EU down 32% to 123 million USD.
Seafood exports to Korea, CPTPP countries and some other markets tend to be more positive. South Korea increased by 26% in importing Vietnamese seafood in February, while the CPTPP bloc increased by 14%. However, due to a sharp decrease in January, the results for the first 2 months of the year to these markets were still lower than in the same period.
The market demand is gradually recovering, especially at the Chinese market and many other small markets. The raw material of aquatic materials (shrimp, pangasius) will also increase in the next month, thus exports in March and April will increase.
|
Vietnam seafood exports in the first 2 months of 2023 (Mil USD) |
||||
|
Product |
Feb 2023 (estimated) |
Change(%) |
Jan-Feb/2023 (estimated) |
Change(%) |
|
Shrimp |
208.703 |
-15% |
350.130 |
-37% |
|
Pangasius |
156.157 |
-9% |
239.807 |
-38% |
|
Tuna |
62.466 |
-7% |
112.832 |
-27% |
|
Other fish |
157.736 |
59% |
273.192 |
6% |
|
Cephalopod |
60.290 |
76% |
103.106 |
6% |
|
Shell mollusc |
9.728 |
30% |
18.375 |
-5% |
|
Other molluscs |
1.173 |
23% |
1.261 |
18% |
|
Crab and other crustaceans |
6.516 |
-41% |
19.713 |
-42% |
|
Total |
662.770 |
4% |
1,118.417 |
-26% |
Compiled by Thuy Linh
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With continued policy support, technological innovation and close coordination among authorities, businesses and farmers, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is expected to make a strong and sustainable breakthrough during the 2026–2030 period, reinforcing its position as the world’s leading exporter of the fish.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to Asian markets showed varying trends across regions and countries. The Middle East recorded strong growth, with Saudi Arabia emerging as the largest Asian market for Vietnamese tilapia. ASEAN markets also expanded significantly, driven primarily by Malaysia. Meanwhile, Japan maintained solid growth, while exports to South Korea declined compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Shrimp and pangasius continued to lead growth, helping seafood exports reach $4.67 billion in the first five months of the year; however, differentiation among product groups and increasingly stringent requirements from importing markets are posing many challenges for the industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Every day, the seafood processing industry in Ca Mau generates large quantities of shrimp heads and shells during processing operations. In the past, these by-products were largely treated as waste, increasing production costs and posing potential environmental risks. However, thanks to advanced processing technologies, materials once considered waste are now being transformed into high-value products, creating a circular economy model within the seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam Clean Seafood Corporation has invested in a 280-hectare super-intensive shrimp farming zone in Tran De Commune, Can Tho City, generating export value of approximately VND 3 billion per hectare per year—around 50 times higher than traditional agricultural production.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports reached USD 1.02 billion in May 2026, up 0.6% year-on-year. Cumulative exports in the first five months of 2026 totaled USD 4.67 billion, an increase of 11% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In a rapidly changing global seafood market, timely insights and reliable data are more critical than ever. The Report on Vietnam Seafood Exports in Q1/2026 provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in Vietnam’s seafood production, trade performance, and export trends, helping businesses navigate uncertainty and identify new growth opportunities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) While many major markets continue to experience slow growth, Russia has emerged as a brighter destination for Vietnamese tuna exports in early 2026. Export turnover to this market increased by nearly 55% in the first four months of the year, indicating a clear improvement in demand. Nevertheless, Russia remains a market that should be viewed with both optimism and caution.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius exports have shown encouraging signs of recovery in 2026. In the first four months of the year, total export turnover reached USD 720 million, up 17% compared to the same period last year. This result reflects improving demand across many markets, as well as the efforts of Vietnamese pangasius enterprises to maintain production, secure orders, and adapt to changing market conditions.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 49 million, up 151% compared to the same period in 2025. This impressive growth reflects positive momentum in the tilapia sector, with Brazil emerging as a key driver of growth, while frozen tilapia fillets continued to be the industry's leading export product.
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