However, in 2020, due to the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic, EU processors' demand for import of cheap frozen steamed tuna meat/loin (loin) increased, reaching the highest level in the past 5 years. Currently, the main suppliers of frozen steamed tuna in the EU are from countries outside the bloc, accounting for nearly 96% of the total import volume. Although Vietnam's export price decreased, it still could not compete with products from China, Ecuador, Mauritius ...
In the EU, Italy, Germany and Spain are the three largest tuna import markets. In 2020, Vietnam's tuna exports to Italy and Germany both increased compared to 2019, while to Spain decreased.
Vietnam's tuna exports to Italy grew spectacularly in 2020. Due to the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic, the supply of tuna from countries such as Ecuador and Solomon to the EU market was limited, and the importers of tuna EU, especially countries with a developed canned tuna production industry such as Italy, are looking for alternative sources, including Vietnam. In addition, the EVFTA Agreement has helped Vietnam become a destination for Italian tuna importers.
In the German market, Vietnam exports the most canned tuna products. According to Eurostate statistics, Vietnam was the 5th largest supplier, accounting for about 5% of the total volume of German canned tuna imports in the first 9 months of 2020. After a decrease in 2019, exports of canned tuna of Vietnam to Germany in 2020 has recovered, increasing by 64%. In the year, the average price of canned tuna exports from Vietnam to Germany is 2,927 EUR/ton, down by 2%. Canned tuna products from Vietnam to the German market had the lowest average import prices among sources. Vietnam exports mainly tuna products with sauce, tuna in sauce with peas and onions ... to this market. In recent years, canned tuna products imported from countries getting preferential tariffs such as Ecuador, the Philippines, PNG or Ghana have been dominant. The payment of 24% more import tax makes canned tuna products from countries that are not entitled to tariff incentives difficult to compete. Therefore, the entry into force of the EVFTA Agreement has boosted the export of canned tuna to this market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cake and surimi reached USD 63 million, down 5% compared to the same period last year. Although total export value declined slightly due to decreases in some key markets, many other destinations continued to post strong growth, opening up room for this convenience-oriented processed segment in the coming quarters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Favorable weather conditions in the early months of 2026 have brought encouraging signs for fisheries activities in Quang Tri. Output has grown steadily, contributing to improved livelihoods for local residents.
Entering 2026, Vietnam’s seafood industry is facing a period of both high expectations and mounting pressures. Following the positive recovery in 2025, production and export activities in Q1/2026 demonstrated the strong adaptability of Vietnam’s seafood business community amid continued global trade volatility, intensifying international competition, and increasingly stringent compliance requirements in import markets.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 1.069 billion, up 17.5% compared to the same period in 2025. This is a positive result amid an uneven global shrimp market recovery, intensifying competition among major suppliers, and continued volatility in the international trade environment. However, this growth does not reflect a broad-based recovery across the entire sector, but rather is driven mainly by strong performance in a few markets and specific product segments—most notably lobster exports to China.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports continued to decline in March 2026. Cumulatively, in the first three months of the year, export value reached USD 208 million, down 4% compared to the same period in 2025. The export landscape shows clear divergence across markets: while the U.S. and EU remain challenging, markets such as Russia, the Middle East, Egypt, the Philippines, and Mexico have emerged as growth bright spots.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Quang Ngai Province, shrimp farming costs are rising sharply due to लगातार increases in feed, fuel, and input material prices, while farm-gate shrimp prices are declining. This has significantly reduced farmers’ profit margins and increased production risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports are experiencing impressive growth, reflecting expanding global demand as well as the sector’s development potential. However, behind the strong growth figures lie limitations in production capacity and supply chains, highlighting the need for sustainable development in the coming period.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the Middle East in 2025 and early 2026 have shown notable growth. However, escalating geopolitical tensions in the region have increasingly impacted export activities since March. This situation presents a challenge of balancing market expansion opportunities with rising trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The Quang Tri Department of Agriculture and Environment has instructed localities to base their stocking schedules on actual conditions in each farming area, while developing plans, allocating resources, and implementing synchronized measures for disease prevention and disaster risk management in aquaculture production.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first two months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cakes and surimi exceeded USD 45 million, up 7% compared to the same period in 2025, indicating a positive outlook for this product segment amid recovering demand in many markets.
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