South Korea is currently the world's second largest producer of offshore tuna fishing. South Korean fishing vessels operate mainly in the western and central Pacific Ocean (WCPO). The total output of purse seine fishing vessels of this country reached 278,227 tons, of which about 20% of the output, from 120-130 thousand tons, landed for domestic consumption, 80% of fishing output, about 160 thousand tons exported to other countries, especially Thailand, to produce and process canned tuna. Therefore, the Korean tuna industry satisfies the demand for live/fresh tuna of this country.
Besides, Korea consumes less canned tuna than other Asian countries. The average consumption of canned tuna of Korea is only 1kg/person/year (5 boxes), equivalent to 260 million cans of tuna per year, correspond to US$370 million. Because of these reasons, Korea is not an attractive tuna market for tuna exporting countries.
According to statistics of Vietnam Customs, South Korea is not a big tuna importer of Vietnam, accounting for only 0.3% of Vietnam's total tuna exports. Export of tuna from Vietnam to Korea started from a very low level, at US$88 thousand in 2007. However, after 6 years, tuna exports to this market rose suddenly 8.370%, reaching over US$7.4 million (in 2012 ). In 2012, due to the decrease in the supply of tuna in the world market and the fishing ban in the WCPO area, South Korea increased the import of tuna from other countries, including Vietnam. However, export of tuna from Vietnam to this market decreased, although VKFTA took effect. Export value of Vietnamese tuna to Korea is only under US$2 million.
Vietnam is currently exporting mainly canned processed tuna to Korea, especially canned tuna, accounting for over 80% of the total export value. Vietnam 's fresh and frozen tuna has accessed this market. However, exports these products tends to decrease.
According to VKFTA, some Vietnamese tuna products exported to Korea are committed to reducing tariffs according to the roadmap. Specifically, the import tax imposed on frozen yellowfin tuna and bigeye tuna reduced to 0-5% by January 1, 2016 at the latest. The chilled bigeye tuna maintain the 20% base tax rate before January 1, 2016 and will reduce at least 20% of MNF tax rate applied under the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement.
Chilled yellowfin tuna gradually was eliminated tariff rate in 3 years from the base rate of 20% and to 0% from 01/01/2018. Particularly, tariff rate applied for canned processed tuna, Vietnam's main export item to Korea, remained at the base tax rate of 20%.
Korea currently imports tuna from over 39 countries around the world. Some leading exporters are China, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Italy, Japan, France, Spain, Vanuatu, Ghana and Kiribati. Vietnam are the 12 largest tuna supplier for the Korean market. In terms of tariffs, Vietnam has signed an FTA with Korea. However, Vietnamese products still have no advantage over those countries. Vietnamese enterprises can boost export of tuna to this market thanks to geographical advantages. However, Korea is a very strict country in quality product along with the commitment to sustainable development of the tuna industry, this country is increasingly concerned about tuna origin. Therefore, exporters need to pay attention to sources of tuna material and product quality.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the afternoon of March 19, Vice Chairman of the Ca Mau Provincial People’s Committee, Le Van Su, chaired a meeting to address bottlenecks and propose solutions to expand the super-intensive whiteleg shrimp farming model using low water exchange and high biosecurity standards (RAS-IMTA).
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On March 10, 2026, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee issued Decision No. 1377/QD-UBND approving the Aquatic Animal Disease Prevention and Control Plan for the 2026–2030 period. The decision takes effect from the date of signing and replaces previous plans for the 2021–2030 period that had been issued prior to the administrative merger in Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City.
(vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Chile imported more than USD 156 million worth of tuna, up 8.1% compared to the previous year and the highest level in the past five years. As the supply structure in this market is rapidly shifting, Vietnamese tuna is facing both opportunities to expand market share and increasing competitive pressure from Thailand, Colombia, and China.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vinh Long Province is stepping up efforts to develop brackish water shrimp farming in a sustainable direction, identifying it as a key sector in its agricultural structure. In 2026, the province aims to reach around 71,300 hectares of shrimp farming, with an output of over 314,000 tons.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ha Tinh Province is strengthening control over shrimp seed quality to minimize risks for the 2026 spring–summer farming season.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In February 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports reached USD 119 million, down slightly 5% year-on-year. However, thanks to strong performance in January, cumulative exports in the first two months of the year still reached USD 331 million, up 28% compared to the same period in 2025. Export activity slowed somewhat in February due to seasonal factors, particularly the Lunar New Year holiday, which disrupted production and shipments at many seafood processing enterprises.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Da Nang is accelerating the development of high-tech shrimp farming toward intensive production, disease control, and improved efficiency. Many shrimp farms have invested in automated environmental monitoring systems, continuously tracking indicators such as pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and salinity, enabling farmers to promptly adjust pond conditions and reduce disease risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 is considered a turning point for Vietnam’s shrimp seed industry as the sector faces the need for strong transformation in technology, production management, and gradual self-sufficiency in broodstock supply. These factors are seen as key to improving seed quality and strengthening the competitiveness of the shrimp industry amid increasingly demanding market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In February 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached nearly USD 310 million, up 17% year-on-year. Cumulatively for the first two months of the year, shrimp export value totaled USD 690 million, an increase of 20% compared with the same period last year. Compared with the 22% growth recorded in January, the pace of increase in February slowed somewhat, reflecting seasonal factors as the Lunar New Year holiday partially disrupted processing and shipment activities. Nevertheless, the nearly 20% growth in the first two months indicates that shrimp orders from Vietnam are maintaining a more positive trend than in the same period last year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to the latest statistics for January 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius export value to major market blocs recorded encouraging growth compared with the same period last year, indicating that consumption demand is gradually recovering.
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