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.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietfish 2026 was more than just a larger exhibition space. Through B2B meetings, booth discussions, production-chain visits and post-show feedback, businesses and buyers found something more concrete: suitable suppliers, processing capabilities, technology solutions, new markets and a foundation for building long-term trust and partnerships.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States declined significantly in the first seven months of 2026. Cumulative export value reached US$18 million, down 42% from the same period in 2025. In July alone, exports amounted to just US$2 million, plunging 70%, indicating a clear slowdown in import demand from the US market.
(vasep.com.vn) At the seminar “Global Seafood Markets and the Future Workforce: Trends, Opportunities and Directions for the Sustainable Development of Vietnam’s Fisheries Sector,” held as part of VIETFISH 2026, Ms. Shirlene Maria Anthonysamy, Fisheries Officer (Markets) and GLOBEFISH Coordinator at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), presented initiatives aimed at promoting youth participation in fisheries and aquaculture.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the United States reached US$189 million, down 8% year-on-year. In July alone, export value reached US$22 million, down 28%. This trend indicates that U.S. demand for pangasius imports has remained relatively cautious this year, as importers tend to maintain moderate inventory levels and limit stockpiling.
(vasep.com.vn) After three days at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam International Fisheries Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 – has successfully concluded, leaving a strong impression in terms of scale, visitor numbers, the quality of business connections, and innovative activities. With more than 14,000 m² of exhibition space, 335 companies, 568 booths, participation from representatives of 17 countries and territories, and nearly 15,000 visitors, VIETFISH 2026 has once again affirmed its role as an important meeting point for Vietnam’s and the global seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Held as part of Vietfish 2026 from August 19–21 at SECC in Ho Chi Minh City, a series of five specialized seminars provided the seafood business community with updates on markets, technology, standards, human resources and cooperation opportunities. With the participation of experts, international organizations, government agencies and businesses from Vietnam and abroad, the seminars created an additional platform for professional exchange alongside the exhibition’s product showcases and business networking activities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the morning of August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 officially opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. With 568 booths representing 335 companies, alongside the presence of senior government officials, local authorities, diplomatic missions and international partners, VIETFISH 2026 kicks off three days of business networking, technology exchange and market engagement under the overarching theme “Innovation and Sustainability.”
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) officially announces that the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition (Vietfish 2026) will take place from August 19–21, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports recorded strong growth in the first half of 2026, but the performance was increasingly uneven across products, markets and enterprises. VASEP’s newly released premium report provides the detailed data and analysis needed to understand what lies behind the headline figures and prepare for the more challenging months ahead.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Brazil remains one of the key markets for Vietnamese pangasius in South America. However, exports to the market showed signs of slowing in the first half of 2026, while frozen pangasius fillets continued to account for the overwhelming majority of exports.
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