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.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam has strengthened its position in China’s massive seafood market, becoming the largest lobster supplier while maintaining a dominant share of the country’s imported pangasius.
(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.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
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