Cumulatively in the first 9 months of the year, tuna export turnover to this bloc reached more than 123 million USD, up 16% over the same period.
One of the reasons for this growth is that the markets soon enter the peak season to serve the year-end holiday. In addition, the veda ban in the EPO area from July 29 and lasted for 72 days has reduced the supply of tuna to the EU market from this area. Moreover, the price of tuna in the Manta region, Ecuador is much different from that in the area of Bangkok, Thailand, so the EU tends to strongly increase tuna imports from Asian countries at this time. In this context, Vietnam's tuna products with tariff advantages under the EVFTA agreement are more competitive than countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia or Thailand.
This year, due to high sea freight costs, EU canners are reluctant to ship their goods through the port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, which will add to the cost of their CFR bills. Therefore, countries such as Germany, Belgium, Romania or France tend to reduce indirect imports through the port of Rotterdam, increase direct imports.
Cumulatively in the first 9 months of the year, Vietnam tuna export turnover to the EU reached more than 123 million USD, up 16% over the same period.
According to the statistics of Vietnam Customs, Italy used to be one of the three major tuna import markets of Vietnam, this year exports to this market decreased by 70% and dropped to 7th position. Along with Italy, exports to Spain, one of the three largest import markets, also decreased. However, Germany and Belgium tended to increase during this period, especially exports to Belgium increased by 111% over the same period.
In addition, exports to some other EU markets are also increasing strongly over the same period, such as Romania up 102%, France up 155% and Denmark up 305%.
Currently, there are more than 50 enterprises participating in exporting tuna to the EU. Bidifisco, Tuna Vietnam and FoodTech are the 3 largest tuna exporters to this market, accounting for 45% of the country's total tuna export turnover to the EU.
Inflation in Europe is forecasted to still increase, tuna consumption in this market will continue to increase, especially for canned tuna products. However, the devaluation of the Euro against the US dollar is making canned tuna products expensive for Europeans. Therefore, European importers will tend to increase imports of raw tuna from sources with competitive prices and advantages in terms of position. Vietnam's tuna exports to the EU in the last months of the year will therefore continue to increase over the same period in 2021.
Compiled by Thuy Linh
(vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Brazil became the largest market for Vietnamese tilapia, with export value reaching US$44 million, up 22,142% year-on-year and accounting for 49% of Vietnam’s total tilapia exports. In August alone, exports to Brazil reached US$4 million. However, behind this remarkable growth is a market that is imposing increasingly stringent requirements on imported supplies.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports sustained their upward trajectory in August 2026, though the pace remained modest at just 2%. The month saw divergent trends across key markets: the US maintained its leading position, Japan and Canada improved, Russia surged and the EU continued to experience a steep downturn. These developments suggest that exporters are entering the final months of the year amid a market environment marked by greater uncertainty.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Congalsa has acquired the entire charter capital of Lenger Seafood Vietnam, giving it full ownership of the business and its Nam Dinh processing facility.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ninh Binh Province is entering a peak period of action against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, focusing on thoroughly addressing violations, closely monitoring fishing vessels at ports and preventing vessels from violating regulations and operating illegally in foreign waters ahead of the European Commission’s (EC) upcoming inspection in 2026.
(vasep.com.vn) The application of biotechnology in seed production is increasingly viewed as a strategic imperative to upgrade pangasius fingerling quality, optimize farming efficiency and anchor sustainable industry development.
(vasep.com.vn) On September 15, 2026, in Can Tho, VASEP and ASC jointly organized a training course titled “New ASC standards: updates and practical implementation guidance for farms, businesses and aquafeed mills”. Beyond briefing stakeholders on updated ASC requirements for aquaculture facilities and feed production, the workshop dedicated substantial floor time to directly addressing on-the-ground compliance bottlenecks encountered by Vietnamese enterprises.
(searfood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports continued to post positive results in the first eight months of 2026, with total export value reaching US$90 million, up 43% year-on-year. However, exports in August alone stood at US$11 million, down 8%, reflecting uneven market developments. Brazil remained the leading market, while Japan recorded notable growth, opening up new opportunities for Vietnamese tilapia products.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached US$3.3 billion in the first eight months of 2026, up 12% year on year. However, growth has begun to slow and become more differentiated across markets, while the U.S. and EU continue to present significant challenges. The latest insights from the Global Shrimp Forum 2026 (GSF 2026), held in early September, also indicate that the final months of the year will remain highly competitive as global supply continues to expand and buyers increasingly focus on quality, product specifications, supply stability and the ability to meet market-specific demand.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In August 2026, Vietnam’s seafood exports reached $1.14 billion, up 6% year on year. Cumulative eight-month exports rose 11.8% to $8.00 billion, though momentum has cooled compared to the 12.8% growth seen through July. China - Hong Kong and ASEAN are offsetting weakness in the U.S, EU and partly Japan. This divergence will likely widen in Q4 as trade tariffs and traceability requirements directly weigh on new orders.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam–Russia relations are entering a new phase of cooperation, with a focus on expanding trade, investment and economic connectivity. Against this backdrop, tuna is emerging as one of the seafood products with significant growth potential in the Russian market. Export data for the first seven months of 2026 show strong growth in Vietnamese tuna exports to Russia. However, turning this momentum into sustainable market share will require businesses to address challenges related to logistics, payment and supply competition.
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