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
(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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