Of the total export value of marine products in the first 5 months of 2021, marine fish products accounted for 75% (tuna accounted for 22%, other fish accounted for 53%). Products of cephalopods and bivalve molluscs account for 20%, the rest are crabs and other crustaceans.
Compared to the same period in 2020, Vietnam's exports of seafood product groups increased in the first 5 months of this year. Notably, exports of cephalopods reached USD 216 million, up 13%; bivalve molluscs reached $48 million, up 44%.
In terms of structure, processed mollusk products, such as dried/baked squid, other processed squid, processed bivalve products, etc., have been Vietnam's mainstays in the past 5 months.
Exports to main markets continue to increase
Excluding tuna, the 5 largest import markets for other marine products of Vietnam include: CPTPP accounted for 26%, South Korea accounted for 11%, the US accounted for 8%, China accounted for 7% and the EU accounted for 5%. Compared to the same period in 2020, Vietnam's exports of other marine products to these 5 markets all increased over the same period, CPTPP increased by 7%, South Korea increased by 6%, the US increased by 55%, China increased by 2%. and the EU increased by 31%.
In the CPTPP market, Japan is the largest import market and also the largest single market for Vietnam's seafood imports, accounting for 20%, reaching 298 million USD. Over the same period, the export value of marine products to this market only increased slightly by 1%. For squid and octopus, Japan is also the second largest single market. However, compared to the same period, Vietnam's cephalopod exports to this country decreased by 9%.
Exports to South Korea, the largest export market of Vietnam's cephalopods, continued to grow in May. The export value of Vietnam's marine products to this market in the first five months of the year reached more than 157 million USD, of which nearly 89 million USD comes from cephalopod exports.
After Korea is the US market with the import value of marine products from Vietnam reaching more than 113 million USD. In the past 3 months, the expansion of vaccination against Covid-19 and the economic stimulus package of the US Government have been the driving force for the recovery of seafood consumption demand, not only in the food service and restaurant hotel segments, but also in the retail segment. This is creating favorable conditions for marine product enterprises to promote exports to this market. Notably, exports of squid and octopus to this market are growing at a high rate. Particularly in May, Vietnam's octopus exports to the US are increasing at a "galloping" rate of 538% over the same period of 2020.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, the global food market is facing increasing volatility in logistics costs, energy prices, and supply chains. In the seafood sector, alongside ocean-caught products such as tuna, the surimi-based product group—including fish cakes, crab sticks, fish balls, and other imitation seafood products—has also been affected to some extent by these developments.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to the 2026 brackish-water shrimp farming calendar issued by the Da Nang Department of Agriculture and Environment, the 2026 crop started in early January and is expected to harvest in late June. However, stocking progress has been slower than planned as farmers remain cautious, focusing on pond renovation and production preparations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After the Lunar New Year of Binh Ngo 2026, commercial clam prices in Ha Tinh province surged sharply, nearly doubling compared to normal levels and standing about 20–30% higher than the same period last year. The spike has encouraged many aquaculture households to accelerate harvesting and sell large volumes to the market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In January 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 379.6 million, up 22% compared to the same period in 2025. The double-digit growth in the very first month of the year signals a relatively positive recovery in orders, particularly in Asian markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) From the very beginning of 2026, India’s shrimp industry has received a series of favorable trade signals: U.S. reciprocal tariffs have been reduced, while the successful conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU has opened prospects for eliminating nearly all seafood tariffs in the coming years. This shift not only enables Indian shrimp to quickly offset declines in the U.S. market, but also reshapes the global competitive landscape, placing greater pressure on Vietnamese shrimp exporters in terms of price, market share, and strategic positioning.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Entering 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is recording many positive signals, both in terms of raw fish prices and export prospects. Export turnover this year is projected to reach approximately USD 2.3 billion. Amid ongoing volatility in the global market, diversifying export destinations, reducing dependence on major markets, and effectively leveraging free trade agreements (FTAs) are considered key to maintaining sustainable growth and creating new momentum for the pangasius sector.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With forecasts indicating that weather conditions in 2026 may become more complex—featuring prolonged heatwaves, unseasonal rains, and increased salinity intrusion—the agricultural sector of Can Tho City advises brackish water shrimp farmers to strictly follow the seasonal farming calendar and strengthen pond environmental management to minimize risks and improve production efficiency.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On February 4, a working delegation led by the Authority of Telecommunications (Ministry of Science and Technology) met with the Management Board of Cat Lo Fishing Port (Phuoc Thang Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) to comprehensively review the installation of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), assess signal connectivity, and evaluate the effectiveness of information technology applications in fisheries management across the city.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 marked a significant milestone for China’s lobster market, with total imports reaching a record high and the supply structure undergoing major changes. Amid this surge, Vietnam’s lobster exports—especially green lobster—accelerated dramatically, reaching new highs and contributing substantially to Vietnam’s overall record shrimp export value.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With a range of synchronized solutions, from institutional improvements and strengthened communication to strict fleet control, Quang Ninh is stepping up efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, determined to join the country in soon having the European Commission’s (EC) “yellow card” lifted.
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