The US holds the first position in Vietnam's seafood export market, accounting for 23% of total export value. This is also the No 1 market for Vietnam shrimp, making up for 21% (particularly vannamei shrimp exported to the US accounted for 25%). Vietnam tuna exports to the US contribute to an overwhelming proportion of 54%. For pangasius, the US is the second market after China, accounting for 25.6%.
In the US market, except for the drop of 10% in the mollusks shells, other key products such as pangasius, tuna…also recorded high growths in comparison to the same period of 2021. Especially, pangasius export recorded a growth rate of 131% over the same period.
Vietnam panagasius exports accelarate in the first 5 months of the year
There were 5 main reasons that affected the rise in Vietnam's pangasius export to the US in the first 5 months of the year. Firstly, the production of catfish in the US has decreased, secondly is the high inflation. Thirdly, the antidumping duty of POR17 brought many favorable conditions for Vietnam pangasius exporters. Fourtly, the number of Vietnam pangasius exporters allowed to export to the US increased and finally Vietnam pangasius export’s price to US reached the record.
In the first 5 months of this year, whiteleg shrimp and black tiger shrimp exports to the US increased by 33% and 29% respectively over the same period last year. Vietnam is a leading supplier of peeled and deveined shrimp (PD shrimp) to the US market. Total shrimp exports to the US reached nearly 390 million USD, up 32% over the same period last year.
Regarding tuna export, Vietnam mainly exports frozen tuna loin/ fillet to the US, accounting for 74%. In the first 5 months of 2022, Vietnam tuna export to the US achieved 251 million USD, twice as high as the same period last year. In particular, tuna loin reached 186 million USD, a rise of 184%.
In the first 4 months of the year, the US imported more than 1 million tons of seafood in volume and 10 billion USD in value, up 14% and 34% respectively to the same period 2021, the average import price increased by 17%. In which, shrimp is the most consumed product, accounting for 28%, the import value went up by 32% because of the 13% rise in the import price.
China new policy preventing Covid-19 affect the transportation
The demand for seafood and seafood imports into the US is forecasted to remain high due to the impact of the Russia - Ukraine war and the continuous US - China trade. However, after a hot growth in the first half of theyear, Vietnam's seafood exports to the US in the second half of the year will grow slowlier than the first half of the year in response to the supply - demand trend and logistic factors assessed by experts such as:
A sharp increase in raw materials from other countries may push down import prices
Increased competition between suppliers
Many inventory plus falling prices make importers more hesitant to buy in bulk
The next big purchase will be around the beginning of Q3 to prepare for Thanksgiving
Difficulties in the logistics such as high transportation costs, shipping delays and prolonged lack of containers also lead to reticent purchases.
High packaging costs and scared of delivery trucks
Global oil price inflation exacerbates the problem
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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