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) Vietnam’s seafood exports in February 2026 reached approximately USD 707 million, up 8% compared to the same period last year. Cumulatively, exports in the first two months of 2026 totaled USD 1.7 billion, an increase of 20.2% year-on-year. The results show that the sector’s recovery momentum has remained relatively solid following strong growth in January, although the pace slowed noticeably in February for several key products and major markets. Within the overall picture, shrimp continues to be the largest pillar, pangasius rebounds strongly, while tuna exports and the U.S. and Korean markets are sending signals that warrant closer monitoring. In March, seafood exports are expected to gain additional momentum from markets other than the U.S., potentially supporting stronger growth.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first months of 2026, fishing activities in Quang Tri province recorded many positive signals, with output reaching over 15,941 tons. This result not only demonstrates fishermen’s efforts to stay offshore but also reflects the effectiveness of management and support measures implemented by local authorities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first months of 2026, IUU prevention models focused on communication and mobilizing fishermen to comply with fisheries laws and avoid encroaching on foreign waters—related to combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing—have been implemented in coastal localities of Lam Dong province and have delivered initial positive results.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The sharp rise in raw pangasius prices to record levels is sending positive signals for the industry, but experts warn of potential supply–demand imbalances if production is not tightly controlled.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to statistics from Vietnam Customs, the country’s total canned tuna export value in 2025 reached over USD 275 million, down 8% compared to 2024. Vietnamese canned tuna products were present in approximately 80 markets worldwide. However, the 2025 picture shows clear divergence: the U.S. maintained stability, the EU declined sharply, while several Middle East–North Africa (MENA) markets accelerated.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s crab exports reached nearly USD 86 million, up almost 6% compared to 2024. A notable feature of 2025 was the strong market concentration in the United States, which accounted for more than 81% of Vietnam’s total crab export value, up 10% from the previous year. In contrast, exports to several Asian markets declined significantly, resulting in only modest overall growth for the year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s tilapia exports recorded impressive growth, with total export turnover reaching over USD 99 million, highlighting the increasingly important role of this product in the country’s seafood export structure. Of this total, tilapia fillets and other fish meat products accounted for USD 61 million, representing 61% of total export value and reaffirming their position as the key product category.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Shrimp seed quality is considered the “first link” and a decisive factor affecting the efficiency of the entire commercial shrimp production chain. High-quality seed directly influences survival rates, growth performance, and disease resistance, thereby determining production costs, productivity, and farmers’ profitability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As part of its agricultural restructuring strategy toward sustainability, Quang Tri Province is gradually promoting environmentally friendly aquaculture models. Among these, organic-oriented golden pompano farming is considered a promising direction, aligned with the goals of enhancing production value and building sustainable rural areas.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 marked a pivotal milestone for Vietnam’s seafood industry in its restructuring process toward sustainability, transparency, and higher value creation, amid continued uncertainties in the global economic and trade environment. Prolonged inflation in major economies, the rising trend of trade protectionism, and increasingly stringent requirements related to environmental standards, traceability, and social responsibility have posed significant challenges to seafood production and exports. Nevertheless, overcoming these pressures, Vietnam’s seafood sector has gradually demonstrated its adaptability, maintained growth momentum, and laid an important foundation for the next stage of development.
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