Exports to major markets decline
In July 2025, Vietnam's tuna exports to several key markets experienced a decline.
In the US market, tuna exports to the U.S continued to falter due to concerns over new countervailing tariffs that came into effect in early August 2025. As a result, exports to this market saw a significant drop in July of nearly 38% compared to the same period last year, reaching approximately $21 million.
After five consecutive months of growth, tuna exports to Japan reversed course in July, declining by 23% compared to the same period last year.
In the Middle East bloc, the escalating conflicts in the Gaza Strip have impacted Vietnam's tuna exports to the region. Notably, exports to Israel saw a sharp decline, dropping by 43% in July, amounting to just over $2 million.
By contrast, tuna exports to the European market rebounded, rising 12% in July. Among the top importing markets in the EU, exports to the Netherlands surged by an impressive 133% year-on-year, while exports to Italy and Germany declined. Alongside the Netherlands, exports to Lithuania and Belgium also grew rapidly, by 105% and 56%, respectively.
In addition to the EU, exports to Canada maintained strong growth in July, rising by 39% compared to the same period last year. Exports to Mexico also saw a significant increase of 53% in the same month.
Market outlook
Starting August 7, 2025, the United States implemented new countervailing duties specific to each country. The disparity in duty rates applied to Vietnamese products compared to those from competitors like Thailand, Indonesia and Ecuador is eroding the competitiveness of Vietnamese tuna. This is expected to eroding tuna exports to the U.S market.
Additionally, geopolitical instability, logistical challenges and fluctuating demand in key markets such as Russia, Israel and Chile are having a considerable impact on Vietnam’s tuna exports to these regions.
Meanwhile, regulatory constraints related to fishing, processing, and exporting tuna in Vietnam remain unresolved. Vietnamese tuna businesses are facing numerous difficulties and challenges. Consequently, it is forecasted that Vietnamese tuna will struggle to make a breakthrough and maintain its market share this year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the afternoon of August 19, 2026, as part of the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026, the Hosted Buyer Program continued with the seminar “Vietnam Seafood Outlook 2026–2027: A Strategic Sourcing Destination,” followed by 1-to-1 B2B meetings between international buyers and Vietnamese seafood businesses.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of VIETFISH 2026 on August 19 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), U.S. Consul General Melissa Brown highlighted the important role of the exhibition in connecting Vietnam’s growing seafood industry with buyers, suppliers, and partners from the United States and around the world.
(vasep.com.vn) Tomorrow, August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026 will officially open at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. Taking place over three days, from August 19–21, Vietfish 2026 promises to provide a dynamic platform for business networking, trend updates, product experiences and comprehensive cooperation across the domestic and international seafood community.
(vasep.com.vn) The global tilapia market continues to grow, creating significant opportunities for countries with strengths in aquaculture, processing, and exports. Against this backdrop, Vietnam’s tilapia industry is gradually developing toward higher quality, greater product diversification, and broader market reach. At Vietfish 2026, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), together with the VASEP Tilapia Producers and Exporters Club, will host a joint booth to promote the image and potential of Vietnamese tilapia to domestic and international buyers.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports are heading towards $12 billion this year, potentially the highest level on record. Yet one of the country’s export strengths is facing a growing list of challenges.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The first six months of 2026 indicate that Vietnam’s tilapia industry is entering a new phase of development, with strong export growth but also greater demands for production scale, quality and international competitiveness.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietfish 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition, will officially take place from 19–21 August 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City. As Vietnam’s largest annual seafood trade event, organized by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietfish 2026 will once again bring together leading seafood companies, industry experts, and international partners from across the global seafood value chain.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports reached USD 1.1 billion in July 2026, up 4.8% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulative exports in the first seven months of the year totaled nearly USD 6.86 billion, an increase of 11.5% year-on-year. Exceeding the USD 1 billion mark in July further reinforces the prospect that Vietnam’s seafood exports could surpass USD 12 billion in 2026. However, the July figures also send a clear signal that the most favorable growth period may have passed: overall export growth slowed to just 4.8%, pangasius exports fell 6.1%, tuna exports were virtually flat, while exports to the EU, South Korea, and the Middle East all recorded double-digit declines.
(vasep.com.vn) As part of the Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition (Vietfish 2026), the seminar "Global Seafood Market and the Future Workforce: Trends, Opportunities, and Sustainable Development Pathways for Vietnam's Seafood Industry" will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. on August 19, 2026, at Convention Room B, Level 2, SECC, Ho Chi Minh City. This is the first of five specialized seminars at Vietfish 2026, focusing on key issues that are shaping the long-term development of Vietnam's seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnamese seafood exports recorded impressive growth, generating nearly 6 billion USD in revenue during the first six months of the year, up 13% compared with the same period last year.
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