Exports to major markets decline
In July 2025, Vietnam's tuna exports to several key markets experienced a decline.
In the US market, tuna exports to the U.S continued to falter due to concerns over new countervailing tariffs that came into effect in early August 2025. As a result, exports to this market saw a significant drop in July of nearly 38% compared to the same period last year, reaching approximately $21 million.
After five consecutive months of growth, tuna exports to Japan reversed course in July, declining by 23% compared to the same period last year.
In the Middle East bloc, the escalating conflicts in the Gaza Strip have impacted Vietnam's tuna exports to the region. Notably, exports to Israel saw a sharp decline, dropping by 43% in July, amounting to just over $2 million.
By contrast, tuna exports to the European market rebounded, rising 12% in July. Among the top importing markets in the EU, exports to the Netherlands surged by an impressive 133% year-on-year, while exports to Italy and Germany declined. Alongside the Netherlands, exports to Lithuania and Belgium also grew rapidly, by 105% and 56%, respectively.
In addition to the EU, exports to Canada maintained strong growth in July, rising by 39% compared to the same period last year. Exports to Mexico also saw a significant increase of 53% in the same month.
Market outlook
Starting August 7, 2025, the United States implemented new countervailing duties specific to each country. The disparity in duty rates applied to Vietnamese products compared to those from competitors like Thailand, Indonesia and Ecuador is eroding the competitiveness of Vietnamese tuna. This is expected to eroding tuna exports to the U.S market.
Additionally, geopolitical instability, logistical challenges and fluctuating demand in key markets such as Russia, Israel and Chile are having a considerable impact on Vietnam’s tuna exports to these regions.
Meanwhile, regulatory constraints related to fishing, processing, and exporting tuna in Vietnam remain unresolved. Vietnamese tuna businesses are facing numerous difficulties and challenges. Consequently, it is forecasted that Vietnamese tuna will struggle to make a breakthrough and maintain its market share this year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Egypt is emerging as one of the most promising destinations for Vietnamese tuna exports in 2026. During the first four months of the year, export turnover to this market exceeded USD 7.3 million, marking a sharp increase compared to the same period over the previous two years. As Egypt’s tuna imports continue to recover and demand for canned tuna remains strong, the market is becoming increasingly attractive for Vietnamese tuna processors and exporters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to CPTPP member countries reached nearly USD 128 million, accounting for 18% of the country’s total pangasius export value and increasing by 21% compared to the same period in 2025. Demand patterns varied significantly across the bloc: Mexico primarily imported fresh and frozen pangasius products, while Japan and Canada recorded substantial shares of processed products. Australia remained focused on frozen fillets but continued to maintain a portion of processed imports.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Despite the slow recovery of the U.S. market and continued trade-related challenges facing Vietnam’s shrimp industry, Minh Phu Seafood Corporation (MPC) has set ambitious targets for 2026. The company aims to produce 68,800 metric tons of finished shrimp products, generate consolidated revenue of VND 19.9 trillion, and achieve VND 1.059 trillion in pre-tax profit. If achieved, these figures would represent the highest revenue and profit levels in the company’s history.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) HungHau Foods Joint Stock Company (HungHau Foods) has been honored at the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Forum, receiving two prestigious awards: “Top 10 Outstanding Asia-Pacific Enterprises 2026” and “Top 10 Outstanding Entrepreneurs” awarded to HungHau Foods CEO, Ms. Nguyen Yen.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a period of sluggish imports in 2025, the Chinese market has returned with strong shrimp purchasing momentum in the first months of 2026. However, alongside rising demand comes an increasingly stringent import control system, covering quarantine requirements, food safety standards, registration procedures, and traceability. This makes China a market that offers both significant opportunities and growing risks for Vietnamese shrimp exporters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Recently, in Long Xuyen City, An Giang Province, the Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development (IPSARD) and the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) organized a workshop to announce the results of the project “Food Loss Assessment in the Pangasius Value Chain in the Mekong River Region.” The project aims to provide scientific evidence to support the sustainable development of Vietnam’s pangasius industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Shrimp prices in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta have recovered since early May, helping to improve farmers’ confidence and accelerate stocking activities for the 2026 farming season. However, farmers remain cautious due to rising input costs, unfavorable weather conditions, and disease risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On May 27, the Vietnam Trade Office in India, in collaboration with trade promotion agencies, industry associations, and businesses from both countries, organized the online seminar “Vietnam–India Seafood Trade Forum and Supply-Demand Connectivity 2026.” The event aimed to promote trade cooperation, investment, and seafood supply chain connectivity between Vietnam and India amid the ongoing restructuring of global markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In recent years, Ninh Binh Province has intensified the application of science and technology in aquaculture in order to improve productivity, product quality, and economic efficiency.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 49 million, up 151% compared to the same period in 2025. This figure reflects an emerging export sector that is taking advantage of market gaps created by global trade disruptions, while larger producers are adjusting their strategies.
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