VIETNAM SEAFOOD EXPORTS RECOVER, BUT TUNA GROWTH STALLS

27/03/2026 16:18

Vietnam’s seafood industry has shown a positive start in 2026, with total export value reaching approximately USD 667 million in the first two months, marking a 15% year-on-year increase, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

However, this growth masks a clear divergence among product categories.

Uneven performance across segments
While products such as squid, octopus, mollusks, and crustaceans recorded strong growth ranging from 23% to 38%, tuna – one of Vietnam’s key export items – is showing signs of stagnation.

After increasing by around 13% in January 2026, tuna exports declined in February, reaching just over USD 53 million, down nearly 15% compared to the same period last year. As a result, total tuna export value for the first two months remained almost flat year-on-year.

Key challenges
The slowdown in tuna exports reflects broader industry challenges, including:

• Weakening demand in major markets, particularly the United States
• Stricter import regulations
• Rising logistics and insurance costs amid global uncertainties
• Increasing fuel and operational expenses

Emerging opportunities
Despite these challenges, opportunities remain. Demand in key Asian markets such as South Korea, Japan, and China continues to recover. At the same time, the shift toward processed and convenience seafood products is creating new growth potential for exporters

Fox Logistics Insight
In a fragmented and evolving market, exporters need to stay agile by stands as a trusted partner, providing flexible and cost-effective logistics solutions to help businesses navigate market volatility and sustain export growth.

Source: vneconomy.vn