Korea and Japan are the two markets that account for a prominent proportion of Vietnam's squid and octopus imports, accounting for 36% and 22% respectively. China ranks third with 10% but has a high growth rate of 113%. Exports to the US, Spain, France, and Israel also increased strongly: 53%, 152%, 76% and 193% respectively.
Export of squid and octopus to the EU market in the first 8 months of the year reached over US$52 million, up 34% over the same period. Italy, Spain and France are the three largest import markets in the bloc. Exports to Italy decreased slightly by 1% while exports to the other two markets increased by 152% and 76% respectively.
Japan and Korea are the two largest market of Vietnamese squid and octopus
Fresh and frozen octopus, HS code 03, accounts for 83% of total octopus exports. For squid, fresh/frozen products accounted for 49%, grilled dried squid accounted for 42%, the rest was processed squid (9%).
The value of squid exports recorded a higher growth (47%) than octopus exports (24%). Export of processed squid recorded the highest growth rate of 79% among Vietnam's exported squid and octopus products in the first 8 months of this year.
The localities that export the most squid and octopus in Vietnam are Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Kien Giang, and Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Thuan, Soc Trang... Their main export products are frozen octopus, frozen cut octopus, dried squid, unprocessed dried squid, frozen processed octopus, peeled dried squid, octopus Whole octopus cleaned and frozen, frozen squid…
Compiled by Thuy Linh
(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.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp industry is entering a period of strong transformation with the emergence of various high-tech farming models, helping improve productivity and competitiveness. Over the past 5–10 years, farming practices have shifted from traditional methods to intensive and super-intensive systems, featuring lined ponds, environmental sensors, automated feeding, and data management.
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