Shrimp exports accounted for the highest proportion, 52.5% of the total seafood turnover to the EU with US$256 million, up 27% over the same period last year. Of which, whiteleg shrimp alone is over 205 million USD, up 31%, black tiger shrimp exports reach 36.5 million USD, up 15%, the rest are marine shrimp and lobster.
While the EU market is recovering in demand, exports of Vietnamese seafood products to the market have increased, while pangasius exports are still 18% lower than the same period , reaching nearly 58 million USD, accounting for less than 12% of seafood exports to Vietnam to EU. Exports of crabs and other crustaceans to the EU also halved to under $2.5 million, mainly swimming crab exports, down 44%.
Exporting squid, octopus, clams, tuna and other marine fish to the EU market in the first half of the year brought much better turnover compared to the same period last year. In which squid increased by 56% to nearly 21 million USD, octopus increased by 33% to 5.5 million USD. Clam exports to the EU increased sharply by 45% to USD 33 million, which is also an important commodity exported to the EU, accounting for 7%.
Tuna is the second largest export value to the EU with over $74 million, up 31%, accounting for over 15%. Exports of other marine fish to the EU only accounted for 7% with about US$33 million, up 21%. In which, mainly cod with nearly 5 million USD, which is processed product from materials imported from other countries. Other products made from marine fish include surimi (doubled to 4 million USD), sailfish...
Limited sources of marine fish raw materials, along with regulations on certification and verification of caught materials according to IUU regulations of Vietnam. EU, making it more difficult for marine fish to be exported to the EU.
In the farmed fish group, in addition to pangasius, Vietnamese enterprises also increased the export of other freshwater fish such as catfish and tilapia with a value of about 4 million USD, an increase of over 60% over the same period last year.
The EU is currently the fourth largest seafood export market of Vietnam, after the US, Japan and China, accounting for over 11%. In which, the dominant markets in this block are the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and Italy, which are the main markets for Vietnam's shrimp and tuna consumption.
The EU accounts for over 14% of Vietnam's shrimp exports, ranking third after the US and Japan. For tuna, the EU occupies 21%, behind the US. The EU only accounts for 7.4% of Vietnam's total pangasius exports. For clam exports alone, the EU occupies a "dominant" position with over 70% of Vietnam's exports.
The economies of EU countries are recovering thanks to positive changes following the Covid-19 vaccination program and post-Covid support packages. The demand for seafood imports from the EU market started to increase sharply from March 2021 and is expected to continue to prosper in the second half of the year.
With the current Covid pandemic situation and the IUU yellow card problem, Vientam's seafood exports to the EU in the second half of the year could not maintain the same growth as the first half of the year. It is estimated that seafood exports to the EU in the second half of the year will reach about 600 million USD, up 8% over the same period, bringing the full year export result to 1,087 billion USD, up 13% compared to 2020.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, the global food market is facing increasing volatility in logistics costs, energy prices, and supply chains. In the seafood sector, alongside ocean-caught products such as tuna, the surimi-based product group—including fish cakes, crab sticks, fish balls, and other imitation seafood products—has also been affected to some extent by these developments.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to the 2026 brackish-water shrimp farming calendar issued by the Da Nang Department of Agriculture and Environment, the 2026 crop started in early January and is expected to harvest in late June. However, stocking progress has been slower than planned as farmers remain cautious, focusing on pond renovation and production preparations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After the Lunar New Year of Binh Ngo 2026, commercial clam prices in Ha Tinh province surged sharply, nearly doubling compared to normal levels and standing about 20–30% higher than the same period last year. The spike has encouraged many aquaculture households to accelerate harvesting and sell large volumes to the market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In January 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 379.6 million, up 22% compared to the same period in 2025. The double-digit growth in the very first month of the year signals a relatively positive recovery in orders, particularly in Asian markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) From the very beginning of 2026, India’s shrimp industry has received a series of favorable trade signals: U.S. reciprocal tariffs have been reduced, while the successful conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU has opened prospects for eliminating nearly all seafood tariffs in the coming years. This shift not only enables Indian shrimp to quickly offset declines in the U.S. market, but also reshapes the global competitive landscape, placing greater pressure on Vietnamese shrimp exporters in terms of price, market share, and strategic positioning.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Entering 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is recording many positive signals, both in terms of raw fish prices and export prospects. Export turnover this year is projected to reach approximately USD 2.3 billion. Amid ongoing volatility in the global market, diversifying export destinations, reducing dependence on major markets, and effectively leveraging free trade agreements (FTAs) are considered key to maintaining sustainable growth and creating new momentum for the pangasius sector.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With forecasts indicating that weather conditions in 2026 may become more complex—featuring prolonged heatwaves, unseasonal rains, and increased salinity intrusion—the agricultural sector of Can Tho City advises brackish water shrimp farmers to strictly follow the seasonal farming calendar and strengthen pond environmental management to minimize risks and improve production efficiency.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On February 4, a working delegation led by the Authority of Telecommunications (Ministry of Science and Technology) met with the Management Board of Cat Lo Fishing Port (Phuoc Thang Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) to comprehensively review the installation of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), assess signal connectivity, and evaluate the effectiveness of information technology applications in fisheries management across the city.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 marked a significant milestone for China’s lobster market, with total imports reaching a record high and the supply structure undergoing major changes. Amid this surge, Vietnam’s lobster exports—especially green lobster—accelerated dramatically, reaching new highs and contributing substantially to Vietnam’s overall record shrimp export value.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With a range of synchronized solutions, from institutional improvements and strengthened communication to strict fleet control, Quang Ninh is stepping up efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, determined to join the country in soon having the European Commission’s (EC) “yellow card” lifted.
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