The Russia-Ukrain conflict has caused price increase not only in energy commodities to, but also in food commodities in countries. This situation is creating the opportunities for Vietnamese seafood in general, and tuna in particular, to increase exports to other markets.
The US
By the end of June 2022, the total value of tuna exports to the US market reached more than 300 million USD, an increase of 96% compared to the same period in 2021. Vietnam's tuna exports continued to maintain a high growth rate in June. In the first 6 months of 2022, tuna catches in the East Pacific (EPO) were low, which affected the catches of the US fishing fleet. Besides, high inflation has pushed up the demand for canned tuna. All of this has boosted US tuna imports from sources, including Vietnam.
The EU
Vietnam's tuna exports to the EU have continuously declined in the past 3 months. Tuna export turnover to the market in June decreased by 25% compared to June 2021, reaching nearly 9.5 million USD, bringing the total export turnover in the first 6 months to 77 million USD, up 4% over the same period.
According to a report released by the European Union's (EU) data statistics agency Eurostat on July 1st, consumer prices of 19 countries in the eurozone rose 8.6% in June (consumption in this region a month ago was 8.1%). In which, the group of food items increased by 8.9%, showing that inflation is spreading in the eurozone. Despite recorded inflation, the European Central Bank (ECB) has not been able to raise interest rates as quickly as the US. This delay caused the euro to depreciate against the US dollar.
The price of tuna products increases due to higher costs of necessary goods, a strong dollar may cause the final tuna products imported into the EU from countries outside the bloc such as Vietnam, Philippines, Ecuador,.. to be more expensive. This has affected tuna imports of EU countries.
CPTPP
Tuna exports to Canada, Japan and Mexico continued to grow positively. By the end of June 2022, CPTPP is the third largest export market block of Vietnamese tuna exporters (after the US and EU). The demand for tuna imports from CPTPP countries reached US$68 million, up 50% over the same period last year. Of which, exports to Canada increased by 68%, to Japan by 26% and to Mexico by 30%. Particularly for Chile, export turnover to this market, after slowing down in May, showed signs of decreasing in June, down 48%.
In addition to the three major export markets above, in the first 6 months of 2022, tuna exports to Saudi Arabia, Thailand, the Philippines or Russia still grew well. Total export value of tuna to Saudi Arabia reached 1.2 million USD, to Thailand increased by 59%; Philippines up 86%...
At the beginning of this year, due to an increase in oil prices, 40-45% of fishing vessels nationwide had to lie on shore. This has greatly affected the supply of raw tuna for factories, especially the supply of raw materials of wholly obtained (ie, domestic origin). Therefore, tuna processing and exporting enterprises must import from countries and territories that do not have a free trade agreement (FTA) with Vietnam. This has made Vietnam's tuna exports unable to take advantage of the FTA to increase their competitiveness compared to other rivals.
It is forecasted that tuna exports in the second half of 2022 will continue to grow positively, but the growth rate will slow down. Tuna export turnover in 2022 is expected to reach about 1.1 billion USD, up 45% compared to 2021.
Compiled by My Hanh
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Egypt is emerging as one of the most promising destinations for Vietnamese tuna exports in 2026. During the first four months of the year, export turnover to this market exceeded USD 7.3 million, marking a sharp increase compared to the same period over the previous two years. As Egypt’s tuna imports continue to recover and demand for canned tuna remains strong, the market is becoming increasingly attractive for Vietnamese tuna processors and exporters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to CPTPP member countries reached nearly USD 128 million, accounting for 18% of the country’s total pangasius export value and increasing by 21% compared to the same period in 2025. Demand patterns varied significantly across the bloc: Mexico primarily imported fresh and frozen pangasius products, while Japan and Canada recorded substantial shares of processed products. Australia remained focused on frozen fillets but continued to maintain a portion of processed imports.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Despite the slow recovery of the U.S. market and continued trade-related challenges facing Vietnam’s shrimp industry, Minh Phu Seafood Corporation (MPC) has set ambitious targets for 2026. The company aims to produce 68,800 metric tons of finished shrimp products, generate consolidated revenue of VND 19.9 trillion, and achieve VND 1.059 trillion in pre-tax profit. If achieved, these figures would represent the highest revenue and profit levels in the company’s history.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) HungHau Foods Joint Stock Company (HungHau Foods) has been honored at the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Forum, receiving two prestigious awards: “Top 10 Outstanding Asia-Pacific Enterprises 2026” and “Top 10 Outstanding Entrepreneurs” awarded to HungHau Foods CEO, Ms. Nguyen Yen.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a period of sluggish imports in 2025, the Chinese market has returned with strong shrimp purchasing momentum in the first months of 2026. However, alongside rising demand comes an increasingly stringent import control system, covering quarantine requirements, food safety standards, registration procedures, and traceability. This makes China a market that offers both significant opportunities and growing risks for Vietnamese shrimp exporters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Recently, in Long Xuyen City, An Giang Province, the Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development (IPSARD) and the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) organized a workshop to announce the results of the project “Food Loss Assessment in the Pangasius Value Chain in the Mekong River Region.” The project aims to provide scientific evidence to support the sustainable development of Vietnam’s pangasius industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Shrimp prices in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta have recovered since early May, helping to improve farmers’ confidence and accelerate stocking activities for the 2026 farming season. However, farmers remain cautious due to rising input costs, unfavorable weather conditions, and disease risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On May 27, the Vietnam Trade Office in India, in collaboration with trade promotion agencies, industry associations, and businesses from both countries, organized the online seminar “Vietnam–India Seafood Trade Forum and Supply-Demand Connectivity 2026.” The event aimed to promote trade cooperation, investment, and seafood supply chain connectivity between Vietnam and India amid the ongoing restructuring of global markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In recent years, Ninh Binh Province has intensified the application of science and technology in aquaculture in order to improve productivity, product quality, and economic efficiency.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 49 million, up 151% compared to the same period in 2025. This figure reflects an emerging export sector that is taking advantage of market gaps created by global trade disruptions, while larger producers are adjusting their strategies.
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