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) Biofloc technology is being piloted in several rice–shrimp farming models in Ca Mau Province, showing initial positive results in controlling pond environments, improving shrimp seed quality, and supporting sustainable aquaculture development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first four months of 2026, Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia together contributed USD 108 million to Vietnam’s pangasius exports, accounting for around 15% of the industry’s total export turnover. Amid tightening global whitefish supply and slowing demand in several traditional markets, Latin America is increasingly becoming an important expansion destination for the sector.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Alongside the development of high-tech shrimp farming, Ha Tinh Province is accelerating the cultivation of high-value freshwater aquatic species, with red tilapia emerging as an effective and sustainable farming model.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 81 million in April 2026, down 6% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of the year, export turnover totaled USD 289 million, down 4.8%. Although the overall export picture has yet to brighten significantly, market trends are becoming increasingly diversified rather than moving in a single direction.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is undergoing strong restructuring starting from the broodstock and fingerling segment in order to improve productivity, quality, and export competitiveness. This is considered a critical foundation for the sustainable development of the industry amid rising production costs and increasingly stringent market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, pangasius exports in April 2026 reached USD 206 million, up 18% compared to the same period in 2025 — marking another consecutive month of double-digit growth since the beginning of the year. Cumulative pangasius export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 720 million, up 17% year-on-year, reflecting the positive growth momentum of this key export product.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 maintained positive growth momentum, reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, behind this result lies diverging trends across markets, as the global shrimp industry continues to face pressure from inflation, high inventories, price competition, and increasing trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Vinh Tuy commune (Kien Giang Province), many shrimp farmers are adopting bottom aeration systems and reporting clear economic benefits, helping increase income and reduce production risks.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of crabs and other crustaceans reached more than USD 93 million, up 23% compared to the same period last year. The result shows that the sector is experiencing a fairly positive recovery, especially in its two key product groups: crabs and swimming crabs. However, behind the growth figures are several concerns: export markets remain highly concentrated, raw material supply is unstable, and trade barriers from the US and EU are becoming increasingly stringent.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Ca Mau province, many farmers are transitioning from traditional methods to high-tech shrimp farming, adopting recirculating systems with minimal water exchange to improve efficiency and reduce risks. In Hung My commune alone, there are about 260 super-intensive shrimp farming households covering more than 265 hectares, playing a key role in local economic development.
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