(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On October 28, 2026, the China Fisheries & Seafood Expo opened in Qingdao, China. The expo takes place over three days from October 28 to 30, 2026. This is a prestigious specialized seafood exhibition organized annually by Sea Fare Exposition Inc.
With the participation of VASEP and 13 enterprises, the Vietnam National Pavilion continued its presence at the expo, promoting products and affirming the message: "Vietnam - The sustainable destination for seafood".
The China Fisheries & Seafood Expo has surpassed the Seafood Expo Global to become the world's largest specialized seafood exhibition. In 2026, there are 26 national pavilions from Asia, Europe, Australia and the Americas present at the expo, representing countries such as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, South Korea, Russia, Spain, Turkey, Vietnam, etc. This is the first year Australia has built a national pavilion at this expo. Both the UK and India increased their national pavilion areas by 20%, while Turkey expanded its space by up to 90%. In 2025, the 3-day expo attracted 1,562 exhibitors from 51 countries and welcomed over 45,000 seafood industry trade visitors from 139 nations.
The Chinese Market – The Growth Engine for Vietnam's Seafood Exports
The China Fisheries & Seafood Expo is considered a hub connecting global seafood businesses. It also helps enterprises introduce their products and corporate images to Chinese and global customers, thereby expanding their market share in China. China's seafood import turnover in 2025 exceeded $20.3 billion, pushing the country into a seafood trade deficit for the first time in history as the demand for imported salmon, shrimp, crab, and lobster exceeded domestic supply. International banks forecast that China's seafood import market could reach $29 billion by 2030, making China the biggest growth opportunity in the global seafood industry, expected to account for about 40% of the world's seafood consumption growth this decade.
China is one of the top important markets for Vietnam's seafood exports. In 2025, Vietnam's seafood exports to China & Hong Kong reached $2.44 billion, a 28.5% increase compared to 2024, continuing to be the growth engine for the entire industry. The strong opening for fresh products via air and road is a key factor boosting exports to China. Additionally, the strong recovery in demand in the high-end restaurant segment, coupled with the gradual stabilization of quality control regulations, has facilitated rapid customs clearance.
Seafood consumption demand in China is massive and continues to grow due to its large population, rapid urbanization, and a consumer trend towards high-quality products. However, this market also presents challenges due to frequent changes in import regulations. Therefore, regularly updating new regulations on seafood exports to China, enhancing the understanding of each market segment's needs, and researching product designs, packaging, and labels are essential. Attending the China Fisheries & Seafood Expo provides a practical opportunity for businesses to update market information, find customers, and promote their products effectively.
Maintaining the National Pavilion, Spreading the Image of Sustainable Vietnamese Seafood
Participating in the China Fisheries & Seafood Expo, VASEP registered an area of 126 square meters (down 12.5% compared to 2025) to set up the Vietnam National Pavilion, aiming to create a space for businesses to introduce and display their products.
A total of 14 enterprises (including VASEP) are participating, consisting of 4 pangasius processing and exporting companies, 2 tuna enterprises, 2 shrimp enterprises and 5 other seafood processing and exporting businesses.
The cost of setting up the Vietnam National Pavilion was contributed by the enterprises. Despite having no state budget support, the goal of VASEP and the businesses is to maintain the Vietnam National Pavilion at the world's largest specialized seafood exhibition. It ensures the traditional placement of the Vietnam National Pavilion in Exhibition Hall B7-0707, an area gathering the national pavilions of major global seafood suppliers like Ireland, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, South Korea, and Russia.
The association utilized the slogan "Vietnam - The Sustainable Destination for Seafood" to affirm the industry's development. This reflects the commitment to sustainable seafood production, processing, and export, complying with the standards of both Vietnam and importing markets during a period when all nations are shifting towards a green economy and sustainable fishing.
