The historical milestone of 11 billion USD for the seafood export industry in 2022 was mentioned many times by businesses, state management agencies and the media in the early days of 2023 with joy and pride. However, this successful result was thanks to the continuous growth in the first 3 quarters of the year, with a high rate of 34 -46% over 2021. In the fourth quarter, the export trend reversed to negative growth of more than 9% and fell deeply in all sectors due to the impact of inflation.
In January 2023, following the trend of the last quarter of the previous year plus the Lunar New Year holiday, seafood exports continued to decrease sharply. It is estimated that in the first month of the year, seafood exports decreased by 31%, reaching about 600 million USD. In which, pangasius decreased by 50%, shrimp decreased by 46%, tuna decreased by 32%, especially squid and octopus maintained a positive growth of 4% and other marine fish species increased by 6%.
Exports to major markets in January 2023 all decreased sharply, of which the US decreased by 56%, China - HK decreased by 55%, the EU decreased by 35%.
In the first months of the year, the picture of seafood exports can’t be brightened up, especially when the world economy is forecasted to experience a recession this year. However, seafood is still an essential food item, the demand can not drop too sharply. There will be adjustments in demand by product segment. Accordingly, the advantage will be more inclined to affordable-priced goods because it is suitable for low- or middle-income consumers, the group most affected by inflation.
According to economic experts, there are still many risks in 2023. The tension in Russia-Ukraine could increase, the possibility of a transatlantic trade war that could continue to affect seafood supplies in major markets. That context could also be an opportunity for Vietnamese seafood to increase supply to the US, China, and EU markets.
In addition, the opening of China gives great hope for a recovery in demand not only in this market but also in other markets around the world. The recovery will be more clear from the second quarter of 2023.
Besides, experts are optimistic about markets that are assessed to have economic growth this year such as Asia, the Middle East, etc.
In that context, seafood enterprises have to ensure financial health to maintain stable production and raw materials supply to speed up production when the consumption market recovers. Seafood businesses can take advantage of each sector in terms of supply and consumption market factors by capturing market information and forecasting.
The conditions for the Vietnamese business environment are also gradually improving in the direction of supporting more production and export. One outstanding news is the update of infrastructure and logistics for export production in the key Mekong Delta region. On the first day of the new year, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh inspected key transport projects in the Mekong Delta and required that by 2026 the Mekong Delta must have 554 km of highways. This is good news for the economic development of the region, especially in the fisheries sector. This is also expected to be a driving force and a condition to promote seafood production and export in the coming time.
Right from the first days of the new year 2023, the exciting atmosphere of farmers, fishermen and many seafood enterprises has also shown optimism in the recovery of the consumption market as well as the stability of seafood exports. With that spirit, the seafood industry looks forward to the recovery of demand and increase of orders from the second quarter of 2023.
Compiled by Thuy Linh
(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.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States recorded remarkable growth in 2025, opening up major opportunities while also presenting considerable challenges. The U.S. remains the largest importer of Vietnamese tilapia fillets, with export turnover reaching USD 40 million—an increase of up to 499% compared to 2024. This impressive growth reflects strong demand in the U.S. market, as supply from competing countries such as China has been constrained by tariffs and rising production costs.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Pangasius remains a strategic export commodity in Vietnam’s seafood sector. Entering 2026, the industry faces a strong need to transition from volume-based growth to a value-driven development model, with a focus on quality, food safety, and sustainability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Following damage caused by Storm No. 13 in late 2025, brackish water shrimp farming in Gia Lai is being rapidly restored. In key farming areas such as Tuy Phước and Tuy Phước Đông, farmers are focusing on rehabilitating ponds, repairing infrastructure, and treating the environment in preparation for the 2026 crop.
(seafood.vasep.com) Facing the decline in fishery resources, Vietnam is accelerating livelihood transitions for fishermen to reduce fishing pressure and move toward sustainable development. Marine fish stocks have dropped significantly from 4.82 million tons in 2000–2005 to 3.95 million tons in 2016–2020.
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