Shrimps still account for the highest proportion in the product category exported to the EU of 54% (303 million USD), a leap of 51% over the same period in 2021. In which, imports of vannamei increased by 46% with 236 million USD, making up 78%. Imports of Vietnamese black tiger shrimp into EU skyrocketed 75% to over USD 50 million, accounting for 16.5% of total shrimp exports to this block. The top 3 markets in the block include the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium, recorded growth rates of 58-91% in Vietnamese shrimp imports in the first 5 months of 2022.
A positive sign is witnessed in pangasius exports to the EU this year, which rebounded strongly with an increase of 89% in the first 5 months, reaching nearly $89 million, accounting for 16% of seafood export value to this block. This is a remarkable change compared to 10% in 2021. In which, pangasius exports to the Netherlands increased by 80%, to Germany by 89%, to Spain by 90%, to Belgium by 104% ... Frozen pangasius fillets portion cuts (HS code 0304) accounted for 93% with 82.5 million USD, up by 93% year-on-year, whole fish exports accounted for nearly 5%, the rest was processed pangasius accounted for 2%.
Tuna exports accounted for 12% of total seafood exports to EU, reaching US$68 million, an increase of 9%. Tuna exports to the Netherlands and Belgium increased sharply by 59%, 70% and 100%, respectively. The two main products are frozen tuna loin/fillet, taking up 63% and canned tuna for 25%. Exports of these two products to the EU increased by 77% and 14% respectively. Meanwhile, exports of other processed tuna and fresh/frozen tuna fell by 63% and 69% respectively, accounting for a total of 10% of tuna exports to the EU.
In the European market, there is an inclination towards consumption of sustainable and healthy seafood. Accordingly, Europeans increasingly prefer white fish products due to health-related factors, along with the increasing awareness of environment and seafood resources protection, the opportunity for imported farmed fish is getting greater. Besides that, the demand for sustainable and organic seafood is also increasing; Sales of seafood in the retail market increased due to COVID-19; Europe has a growing market for convenience and ready-to-eat products
Requirements for products with sustainability certification will increase in Europe. Consumers are increasingly concerning of seafood traceability and sustainable, safe and fair production methods. As EU is a difficult market, SPS and TBT regulations will be increasingly tightened, especially when environmental and labor regulations will be given more attention and stricter inspection in the criteria of imported seafood products.
Compiled by My Hanh
(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.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 closed with a remarkable milestone for Vietnam’s shrimp industry. According to Vietnam Customs, the country’s total shrimp export turnover in 2025 reached USD 4.6 billion, up 19% compared to 2024 and the highest level ever recorded.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
Chịu trách nhiệm: Ông Nguyễn Hoài Nam - Phó Tổng thư ký Hiệp hội
Đơn vị vận hành trang tin điện tử: Trung tâm VASEP.PRO
Trưởng Ban Biên tập: Bà Phùng Thị Kim Thu
Giấy phép hoạt động Trang thông tin điện tử tổng hợp số 138/GP-TTĐT, ngày 01/10/2013 của Bộ Thông tin và Truyền thông
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 – (ext.203); email: kimthu@vasep.com.vn
Trụ sở: Số 7 đường Nguyễn Quý Cảnh, Phường An Phú, Quận 2, Tp.Hồ Chí Minh
Tel: (+84) 28.628.10430 - Fax: (+84) 28.628.10437 - Email: vasephcm@vasep.com.vn
VPĐD: số 10, Nguyễn Công Hoan, Ngọc Khánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 - Fax: (+84 24) 37715084 - Email: vasephn@vasep.com.vn