This growth reflects the recovery of demand in many major markets, particularly in Asia and CPTPP member countries. At the same time, Vietnamese companies’ strategies of expanding into niche markets and tapping non-traditional markets are proving effective.
Asia continues to play a leading role
South Korea remains the largest market with $42 million in exports, up 26% year-on-year. However, in June, exports to this market fell slightly compared to May, indicating a period of demand adjustment following the strong performance in the first and second quarters.
Thailand recorded $39 million, up 28%, continuing to serve as an ASEAN hub for surimi processing and re-export.
China & Hong Kong achieved the highest growth at 49%, reaching $22 million. This is the result of China imports for processing raw materials due to domestic supply shortages.
CPTPP and Japan see steady recovery
Exports to CPTPP member countries hit nearly $26 million, up 19%, driven by the recovery of orders from Japan (24% growth), Malaysia (6%) and Canada (21%). This is a positive signal showing that tariff preferences under the CPTPP agreement continue to help maintain the competitive advantage of Vietnamese seafood in these markets.
EU market shows strong but uneven growth
Total exports to the EU reached $13 million, up 3%, largely driven by Lithuania ($11 million, up 45%). Some smaller markets saw sudden growth compared to the same period such as Spain (840% growth, under $1 million) and Belgium (156%). Meanwhile, exports to France and Italy are still declining, but the rate of decline is slowing.
The U.S market slows down
Exports to the U.S in the first half of 2025 reached $6 million, up 15% year-on-year. However, in June alone, they fell sharply by 35.4% compared to the previous month. This decline raises concerns that the US may be adjusting its import policies or shifting orders to other suppliers, particularly as countervailing duties and subsidy investigations expand in the seafood sector.
Expanding exports to niche markets
Many small or emerging export markets for Vietnamese fish cakes and surimi are posting triple-digit growth rates, such as the UAE (up 470%), Mauritius (261%) and New Zealand (1,171%). This shows that there is still considerable market potential if businesses focus on products tailored to the preferences of each market.
However, the scale of these markets remains small and insufficient to offset losses if exports to large markets like the US or EU encounter obstacles.
While current growth is positive, Vietnam’s fish cake and surimi exports will face several challenges in the second half of the year. First, price competition from regional rivals such as India, Thailand and China. Secondly, logistics and raw material costs are expected to rise from Q3. Third, changing consumer preferences in developed countries, particularly declining consumption of ready-to-eat frozen products in the US and Europe.
If the current export momentum is maintained and strategies are adjusted flexibly, total fish cake and surimi export revenue in 2025 is forecast to continue growing. However, this is the optimistic scenario, which largely depends on trade policy developments in major markets, especially the US.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In recent years, Ninh Binh Province has intensified the application of science and technology in aquaculture in order to improve productivity, product quality, and economic efficiency.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 49 million, up 151% compared to the same period in 2025. This figure reflects an emerging export sector that is taking advantage of market gaps created by global trade disruptions, while larger producers are adjusting their strategies.
On the afternoon of May 28, the People’s Committee of Ho Thi Ky Commune signed a memorandum of understanding with Minh Phu Certified Shrimp Social Co., Ltd. (a member of Minh Phu Seafood Corporation) on cooperation to develop a black tiger shrimp farming area meeting international certification standards during the 2026–2030 period in the commune.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The “Moringa Noodles Salad” product by Sa Giang Import-Export Corporation was honored as one of the “Top 10 Winning Products” at the THAIFEX – Anuga taste Innovation Show 2026, held as part of THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026 in Bangkok.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a fairly strong upward trend in 2025, Vietnam’s clam exports entered 2026 with a mixed picture: strong growth at the beginning of the year, followed by a slowdown from March onward. According to Vietnam Customs data, Vietnam’s clam export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached more than USD 38 million, up 2% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is facing new opportunities to expand its development space as many localities and businesses begin promoting marine farming models aimed at diversifying farming areas and adapting to climate change. However, for pangasius to truly “go offshore” and develop into a large-scale industry segment, significant challenges related to technology, broodstock, and markets still need to be addressed.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports in April 2026 reached USD 11 million, up 92% compared to the same period in 2025. This strong growth indicates that Vietnamese tilapia products are continuing to penetrate and expand rapidly in international markets. Cumulative export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 49 million, up 151% year-on-year.
(seafood.vasep.com) At VietShrimp Asia 2026, disease management trends in shrimp farming are shifting strongly from treatment-based approaches toward proactive prevention through environmental and pond ecosystem control.
(vasep.com.vn) After a period of strong growth, with export turnover reaching USD 38 million in Q1/2026 — up 174% year-on-year — the sector’s rapid expansion clearly reflects growing market opportunities.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the ASEAN bloc reached USD 44 million, up 7% compared to the same period in 2025. After falling to the lowest level of the quarter at USD 9 million in February — reflecting the seasonal slowdown in orders after the festive period — exports recovered strongly to USD 18 million in March, the highest monthly value of the quarter. This development shows that import demand for pangasius in ASEAN remains relatively stable despite short-term fluctuations.
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