Due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Vietnam's export of tuna products has decreased, except canned tuna. The export value of canned tuna of Vietnam in the first 8 months of this year climbed by 23% over the same period in 2019.
In August, the export value of Vietnamese tuna not only picked up to Canada and Egypt, but it also jumped to the US and Israel. In particular, after a period of decline, tuna exports to Israel reversed and had a higher and higher growth rate. In August alone, tuna exports to this market went up significantly by 238% over the same period in 2019.
In the US, after a period of consecutive decline, Vietnam's tuna exports to this country enlarged by 5.2% over the same period. The lockdown and social distancing rule due to the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly reduced the demand for tuna in the US, especially fresh and frozen tuna. Due to the impact of the epidemic, the increasing retail demand, the US tended to increase imports of processed and canned tuna from Vietnam. In August alone, the export value of processed and canned tuna from Vietnam to the US ballooned by nearly 97% over the same period in 2019. The main export products of Vietnam to this market this month were frozen steamed yellowfin tuna loin, HS code16041490) and frozen tuna meat (HS code 03048700). The average export price of these products from Vietnam to the US was at US$6.6/kg and US$9.3/kg, respectively.
Contrary to the US, Vietnam's tuna exports to the EU sank. After recovering in July, Vietnam's tuna exports to EU countries in August did not grow as expected, down 17%. However, tuna exports to major markets in the bloc such as Germany and the Netherlands still achieved good growth.
The export value of Vietnamese tuna to the UK was not included in the EU due to Brexit, which has created a large gap compared to previous years. Because inherently, the UK was the largest import market for canned tuna in the EU, especially in the context of Covid-19. This is also one of the reasons why the export value to the EU is difficult to achieve as in previous years.
The main products of Vietnam exported to the EU in August include frozen tuna meat (HS code 03048700), canned tuna in oil/canned in sauce (HS code16041419), and frozen steamed tuna meat (HS code16041490). These are products on which Vietnam will enjoy tariff preferences when EVFTA comes into effect. The average price of Vietnam's frozen tuna exports and frozen steamed tuna meat to the EU in August were US$6.41/kg and US$4.98/kg, respectively.
Similar to the EU, Vietnam's tuna exports to Japan reversed to increase in August. The value of exports to this market in August slashed by nearly 35% compared to the same period in 2019. The cause of this decline mainly due to the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic, which made the demand for tuna in the Japanese market unstable.
It is expected that, due to the uncontrolled Covid-19 pandemic in markets, Vietnam's tuna exports to other markets will not be able to recover. However, exports to major markets will be more positive than the first months of the year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius exports have shown encouraging signs of recovery in 2026. In the first four months of the year, total export turnover reached USD 720 million, up 17% compared to the same period last year. This result reflects improving demand across many markets, as well as the efforts of Vietnamese pangasius enterprises to maintain production, secure orders, and adapt to changing market conditions.
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(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.
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