Vietnamese tuna gains wider access to Russia amid a new phase of cooperation

Russia emerges as a bright spot for tuna exports

According to Vietnam’s export data, in the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Russia reached approximately US$33.4 million, up 72% year-on-year. This was the highest growth rate among the major markets for Vietnamese tuna during the period.

Growth was relatively consistent during the first months of the year. Notably, the increase did not come from just a few individual orders but continued across several consecutive months. This indicates a clear improvement in demand in the Russian market and suggests that Vietnamese companies are making better use of opportunities there.

Vietnam–Russia relations provide a stronger foundation for seafood trade

The Joint Statement on strengthening Vietnam–Russia relations in the new phase reaffirmed the two countries’ commitment to promoting economic and trade cooperation and expanding connectivity.

For the seafood industry, Russia is a large-potential market that has yet to be fully tapped. Russian consumers have a long-standing preference for seafood products, including canned tuna, frozen tuna and convenient processed products.

Continued efforts by the two countries to promote trade are creating more favorable conditions for businesses on both sides to expand commercial ties, strengthen supply-chain stability and explore long-term cooperation opportunities.

In addition, the Vietnam–Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement (VN-EAEU FTA) remains an important framework supporting access for Vietnamese products, including seafood, to the Russian market under more favorable conditions.

Russia is becoming a strategic destination, not merely an alternative market

In recent years, Vietnamese tuna exports have faced considerable volatility in traditional markets such as the US and EU. New requirements related to traceability, combating IUU fishing, tariffs and growing supply competition have increased pressure on exporters.

Against this backdrop, Russia is emerging as a market that can help Vietnamese companies diversify their export destinations.

However, Russia is not an easy market. Competition comes from a range of suppliers, particularly China, Thailand, Ecuador, Indonesia and other established tuna-producing countries.

Companies seeking to expand in Russia cannot rely solely on price competitiveness. Factors such as supply stability, long-term delivery capacity, food safety standards, packaging suited to local consumer preferences and international payment capabilities will become increasingly important.

Logistics and payment remain key challenges

Despite strong growth, the Russian market continues to present several barriers.

The long geographical distance means that transportation costs and delivery times need to be carefully considered. Changes in international shipping routes, cargo insurance and cross-border payment methods can directly affect export efficiency.

For small and medium-sized enterprises in particular, building stable relationships with Russian importers, selecting secure payment methods and maintaining healthy cash flow should be priorities.

The Russian market also has distinctive consumer preferences. Canned tuna, convenient products and competitively priced items aimed at mass-market consumers offer considerable potential, but companies need to carefully study packaging specifications, consumer tastes and distribution channels.

Moving from order growth to long-term market development

The results for the first seven months of 2026 show that Russia is becoming a new bright spot for Vietnamese tuna exports. To sustain this growth, businesses should view Russia not simply as a supplementary market when other destinations become more challenging, but as a strategic long-term market.

Opportunities are emerging from improving bilateral relations and Russia’s import demand. However, to fully capitalize on these opportunities, Vietnamese tuna exporters need to move beyond short-term orders and focus on building brands, developing long-term relationships with importers and establishing stable supply chains.