According to the statistics from Vietnam Customs, Vietnam’s tuna exports in June 2018 touched nearly US$57 million, up 12.6% over the same period in 2017. The figure in the first 6 months of the year estimated nearly US$303 million, up 12% over the first half of 2017.
Of that, exports of fresh/live/frozen and dried tuna (HS code 03) reached US$159 million, accounting for 52.5% of total tuna export value of Vietnam in Jan-Jun 2018; the remaining was processed items. Vietnamese sales of fresh/live/frozen and dried tuna this year increased by 5.7% compared with the first half of 2017; of which exports of frozen tuna loins/fillets increased over 10%. Similarly, exports of canned/processed tuna also increased by 19% over the same period last year thanks to a 67% rise in canned tuna exports.
Top 8 major importing markets for Vietnamese tuna remained unchanged from the beginning of the year. However, the growth rate of export to some key markets has been positive.
The U.S
Vietnam's tuna exports to the U.S continued to decline. Therefore, Vietnam’s total tuna export value to the market in the first half of this year decreased by 8.3% to hit US$99 million. Exports of tuna items of Vietnam to the U.S continued to decrease over the same period, except for other processed tuna.
This year, imports of canned small tuna into the U.S continued to fall down. These products are sold as new Chunk Light tuna steaks, mainly in the food service sector. These products are creating an unhealthy competition in this market.
The EU
After the decline of imports in May 2018, Vietnam's tuna exports to the EU suddenly rebounded. The figure in June 2018 reached US$12.7 million, up 18.5% over the same period last year. As a result, the total tuna export value of Vietnam to the EU in the first half of 2018 increased by nearly 23% over the same period in 2017, reaching more than US$71 million.
In June 2018, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Germany- the largest importing market of Vietnam in the EU – went up compared to June 2017. Therefore, Vietnam's tuna exports to the three largest importers in the bloc in the first half of the year increased year on year.
Exports of frozen tuna loins/fillets of Vietnam to the EU have increased by over 31% over the same period of 2017. Sales of other processed tuna items inched up over 305% from a year before.
Israel
Vietnam's tuna exports to Israel continued to post the growth of 131% in June 2018. Therefore, the market continued to stay as Vietnam's third largest tuna buyer in the first half of 2018.
This remarkable growth was driven by enterprises promoting exports of canned/processed tuna to the market. The export value of this item to Israel in the first half of 2018 reached over US$29 million, up nearly 96% over the same period last year. Besides, exports of other tuna products of Vietnam to Israel also increased over the same period last year.
In the context of the increasingly fierce competition in the U.S market and a fall in consumption demand, Vietnam’s tuna exports to this market in the coming time forecasted to slow down. Meanwhile, exports to alternative markets such as Israel will continue the rise. Exports to the EU expected to be more favorable as the negotiation of the FTA between the EU and Vietnam is coming to an end.
(seafoo.vasep.com.vn) Ca Mau Province is stepping up efforts to protect aquatic resources and promote transparent and sustainable fisheries, joining the country’s efforts to have the European Commission (EC) remove its “yellow card” warning for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam has strengthened its position in China’s massive seafood market, becoming the largest lobster supplier while maintaining a dominant share of the country’s imported pangasius.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietfish 2026 was more than just a larger exhibition space. Through B2B meetings, booth discussions, production-chain visits and post-show feedback, businesses and buyers found something more concrete: suitable suppliers, processing capabilities, technology solutions, new markets and a foundation for building long-term trust and partnerships.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States declined significantly in the first seven months of 2026. Cumulative export value reached US$18 million, down 42% from the same period in 2025. In July alone, exports amounted to just US$2 million, plunging 70%, indicating a clear slowdown in import demand from the US market.
(vasep.com.vn) At the seminar “Global Seafood Markets and the Future Workforce: Trends, Opportunities and Directions for the Sustainable Development of Vietnam’s Fisheries Sector,” held as part of VIETFISH 2026, Ms. Shirlene Maria Anthonysamy, Fisheries Officer (Markets) and GLOBEFISH Coordinator at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), presented initiatives aimed at promoting youth participation in fisheries and aquaculture.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the United States reached US$189 million, down 8% year-on-year. In July alone, export value reached US$22 million, down 28%. This trend indicates that U.S. demand for pangasius imports has remained relatively cautious this year, as importers tend to maintain moderate inventory levels and limit stockpiling.
(vasep.com.vn) After three days at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam International Fisheries Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 – has successfully concluded, leaving a strong impression in terms of scale, visitor numbers, the quality of business connections, and innovative activities. With more than 14,000 m² of exhibition space, 335 companies, 568 booths, participation from representatives of 17 countries and territories, and nearly 15,000 visitors, VIETFISH 2026 has once again affirmed its role as an important meeting point for Vietnam’s and the global seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Held as part of Vietfish 2026 from August 19–21 at SECC in Ho Chi Minh City, a series of five specialized seminars provided the seafood business community with updates on markets, technology, standards, human resources and cooperation opportunities. With the participation of experts, international organizations, government agencies and businesses from Vietnam and abroad, the seminars created an additional platform for professional exchange alongside the exhibition’s product showcases and business networking activities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the morning of August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 officially opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. With 568 booths representing 335 companies, alongside the presence of senior government officials, local authorities, diplomatic missions and international partners, VIETFISH 2026 kicks off three days of business networking, technology exchange and market engagement under the overarching theme “Innovation and Sustainability.”
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) officially announces that the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition (Vietfish 2026) will take place from August 19–21, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City.
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