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.
Building on over three decades of trusted leadership, VASEP is proactively shaping a Dynamic Knowledge Ecosystem where data is transformed into actionable value and forward-looking insights for the business community
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) An Giang is focusing on expanding climate-adaptive marine aquaculture models, aiming for safe and sustainable production. This approach not only enhances economic efficiency but also helps fishermen stabilize their livelihoods amid weather fluctuations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first 10 months of 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius export value to China (including Mainland China and Hong Kong) reached $483 million, up 1% compared to the same period in 2024. October alone posted $73 million, a strong 19% increase year-on-year. The Chinese market currently accounts for nearly 27% of Vietnam’s total pangasius export value.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to data from Vietnam Customs, the country’s lobster exports posted another strong month in October 2025, reaching $93 million - a 75% increase from the same month in 2024. This performance extends the sector’s impressive growth streak from earlier in the year, pushing cumulative exports for the first 10 months to $712 million, up an extraordinary 135% year-over-year. Within the product mix, green lobster remained the dominant driver, accounting for 98% of total export value, with $700 million recorded in the first 10 months - a 141% jump year-on-year. In contrast, exports of spiny lobster and other lobster varieties declined slightly by 22% and 1%, respectively, indicating that market demand is becoming increasingly concentrated on the most sought-after product line.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Currently, Da Nang City has no fishing vessels detained, sanctioned by foreign authorities, or criminally prosecuted for IUU fishing violations. Patrols, monitoring of marine fishing activities, and handling of violations have been prioritized by competent forces, significantly reducing nearshore fishing infringements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to statistics from Vietnam Customs, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Israel in the first nine months of 2025 reached just over USD 27 million, down as much as 49% compared to the same period in 2024. This is a steep and prolonged decline for many consecutive months, reflecting changes in import demand as well as shifts in the supply structure of this market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The first 700 tons of Vietnamese tilapia ordered and imported by JBS Group will initially be distributed through supermarket chains, the Horeca network and JBS’s product showrooms in Brazil.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In October 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius exports hit $217 million, representing an 8% increase compared to the same month in 2024. For the first 10 months of the year, total export value has surpassed $1.8 billion, up 9% year-on-year. This growth demonstrates clear positive momentum for the pangasius industry, despite continued declines in certain markets.
In recent days, the Central provinces of Vietnam have been suffering from historic flooding, with prolonged heavy rains, landslides, flash floods, and deep inundation causing extremely serious impacts on tens of thousands of households, as well as many VASEP member exporters located in the region. With the spirit of mutual support and solidarity, and in order to promptly assist residents and member exporters in the affected areas to stabilize their lives and restore production activities, VASEP calls on all seafood exporters, organizations, and individuals to extend supports to the people and member exporters in the flood-hit areas. We urge timely and practical material and spiritual contributions to help member exporters and local communities in the severely affected provinces overcome this difficult period.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the final days of October 2025, Vietnam’s domestic raw shrimp market remained generally stable, though slight adjustments were recorded in several sizes across key farming regions.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
Chịu trách nhiệm: Ông Nguyễn Hoài Nam - Phó Tổng thư ký Hiệp hội
Đơn vị vận hành trang tin điện tử: Trung tâm VASEP.PRO
Trưởng Ban Biên tập: Bà Phùng Thị Kim Thu
Giấy phép hoạt động Trang thông tin điện tử tổng hợp số 138/GP-TTĐT, ngày 01/10/2013 của Bộ Thông tin và Truyền thông
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 – (ext.203); email: kimthu@vasep.com.vn
Trụ sở: Số 7 đường Nguyễn Quý Cảnh, Phường An Phú, Quận 2, Tp.Hồ Chí Minh
Tel: (+84) 28.628.10430 - Fax: (+84) 28.628.10437 - Email: vasephcm@vasep.com.vn
VPĐD: số 10, Nguyễn Công Hoan, Ngọc Khánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 - Fax: (+84 24) 37715084 - Email: vasephn@vasep.com.vn