According to Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), fishermen found some obstacles due to decline in raw tuna price and tuna output. Besides, the model of production chain in tuna production showed no significant efficiency. Tuna yield of Vietnam in Jan-Jun 2016 estimated to reach 11,152 MT. In which output of Phu Yen province was 3,500 MT, down 7.5% year on year; Binh Dinh of 4,820 MT (-5%); Khanh Hoa of 2,382 MT (+13%). The price of raw tuna was in the range of VND85,000 – 88,000/kg; VND10,000 – 12,000/kg lower than that of the previous month.
According to Vietnam Customs, through Jun 2016, among exported tuna products; tuna fillet/loin still accounted for the largest proportion of 51.5%. It was followed by canned tuna with the proportion of 27.7%. in the period, exports of tuna fillet/loin surged by 18.2% year on year while sales of canned tuna downed 18.4%.
In the first 6 months of 2016, Vietnam exported tuna to 87 markets. 8 largest importing markets included the US, EU, ASEAN, China, Japan, Israel, Mexico and Canada, accounting for more than 89% of the total tuna export value. In QII/2016, exports to almost major markets reported the positive growth.
The US: In Jan-Jun 2016, Vietnam's tuna exports to the market reached US$92,8 million, down 0.2% from the same period last year. The US continued to raise imports of frozen tuna fillet/loins from Vietnam with import value of US$61.8 million, up 22.8% over the same period last year. Meanwhile, imports of other tuna products from Vietnam into the US declined.
EU: Vietnam's tuna sales to the EU in the first 6 months of the year hit US$50.8 million, down 6.6% compared to the same period in 2015. The EU continued to raise imports of fresh/live/frozen tuna from Vietnam with value of US$29.3 million, up 25.7% compared to the same period last year. While imports of processed and canned tuna from Vietnam into the EU decreased by 30.8% to reach US$21.5 million.
Italy, Germany and Belgium were 3 largest markets of Vietnam tuna in the EU bloc. In the first 6 months of this year, while Germany declined tuna imports from Vietnam; Italy and Belgium increased imports. Notably, Vietnam's tuna exports to Italy reported the high growth, particularly 3-digit growth in some months.
Japan: Vietnam's tuna shipment to Japan in Jan-Jun 2016 touched US$8.7 million, down 10.5% year on year. Exports of processed and canned tuna of Vietnam to Japan continued to increase by 27.9% over the same period last year in which exports of other processed tuna surged 37.6%. Exports of fresh/live/frozen tuna products to the market still downed 30.1%.
ASEAN: While Vietnam's tuna exports to major markets like the US, the EU and Japan declined, ASEAN has emerged as the most promising importing markets. The total export value of Vietnam tuna to the market in the first 6 months increased by 24.5% to reach US$21 million.
In the first half of this year, ASEAN increased imports of almost tuna products from Vietnam (excluding canned tuna). Specifically, Vietnam’s exports of live/fresh/frozen tuna to the market rose by 69.2%; tuna loin and fillet increased by 30% and other processed tuna increased by 19.7%.
Predictably, tuna consumption in the US and the EU will be better. Besides, Vietnam’s exports to the emerging markets will continue to rise. Tuna exports in QIII/2016 is expected to increase by 5% to reach US$123 million.
Written by Nguyen Ha
Compiled by Kim Thu
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 81 million in April 2026, down 6% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of the year, export turnover totaled USD 289 million, down 4.8%. Although the overall export picture has yet to brighten significantly, market trends are becoming increasingly diversified rather than moving in a single direction.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is undergoing strong restructuring starting from the broodstock and fingerling segment in order to improve productivity, quality, and export competitiveness. This is considered a critical foundation for the sustainable development of the industry amid rising production costs and increasingly stringent market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, pangasius exports in April 2026 reached USD 206 million, up 18% compared to the same period in 2025 — marking another consecutive month of double-digit growth since the beginning of the year. Cumulative pangasius export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 720 million, up 17% year-on-year, reflecting the positive growth momentum of this key export product.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 maintained positive growth momentum, reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, behind this result lies diverging trends across markets, as the global shrimp industry continues to face pressure from inflation, high inventories, price competition, and increasing trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Vinh Tuy commune (Kien Giang Province), many shrimp farmers are adopting bottom aeration systems and reporting clear economic benefits, helping increase income and reduce production risks.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of crabs and other crustaceans reached more than USD 93 million, up 23% compared to the same period last year. The result shows that the sector is experiencing a fairly positive recovery, especially in its two key product groups: crabs and swimming crabs. However, behind the growth figures are several concerns: export markets remain highly concentrated, raw material supply is unstable, and trade barriers from the US and EU are becoming increasingly stringent.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Ca Mau province, many farmers are transitioning from traditional methods to high-tech shrimp farming, adopting recirculating systems with minimal water exchange to improve efficiency and reduce risks. In Hung My commune alone, there are about 260 super-intensive shrimp farming households covering more than 265 hectares, playing a key role in local economic development.
(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 - 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