Monthly export dynamics Exports to Brazil fluctuated significantly during the first half of the year. While January saw a 47% expansion, February and March experienced sharp contractions of 27% and 41%, respectively. April and May posted moderate to marginal recoveries of 13% and 2%, respectively, before retreating by 11% in June. By the close of the first half, cumulative turnover stood at $88 million, trailing the previous year's figure by 6%. Exports rebounded from July, generating approximately $17 million - a 63% year-over-year increase - and further expanded to $19 million in August. Two consecutive months of growth pushed cumulative exports for the first eight months into positive territory.
Vietnam maintains a strategic position in Brazil’s seafood supply
The recovery of Vietnam’s pangasius exports unfolds against a backdrop of Brazil’s substantial reliance on imported seafood. According to ABRAPES, the Brazilian Association for the Promotion of Aquaculture, Vietnam accounted for 24.8% of Brazil’s seafood import volume, positioning it as the second-largest supply partner. This underscores the significant and entrenched role of Vietnamese supply within the Brazilian seafood market. By species, pangasius constitutes 19.8% of total volume, ranking second only to salmon (40.8%). Vietnam’s supply complements domestic production and contributes to diversifying the supply of fish fillets available to Brazilian consumers.
Strong demand coupled with stringent regulatory requirements Demand for pangasius in Brazil is predominantly concentrated in the frozen fillet segment. In 2025, Brazil’s pangasius imports surged by 22% in value and 16% in volume year-over-year, making pangasius the country’s second-largest imported farmed fish species after salmon. Concurrently, the competitive landscape among supplying nations is intensifying, accompanied by heightened scrutiny over import regulations. Imported seafood products must comply with Brazil’s regulations on food safety and hygiene, approved lists of establishments eligible to export, registration with the relevant authorities and sanitary certification requirements. In light of these dynamics, the growth momentum sustained through July and August serves as a highly positive indicator for Vietnam's pangasius export sector. Moving forward, enterprises must continuously monitor localized purchasing power, supply-side competition, and shifts in Brazil's regulatory frameworks to proactively optimize their export strategies for the final months of the year.
(vasep.com.vn) Markets are changing faster, buyer requirements are becoming more demanding, and trade barriers are growing increasingly complex. In this environment, seafood businesses need more than an understanding of current market conditions. They need a longer-term perspective to answer a critical question: Where will growth opportunities come from in 2027–2029, and what should businesses do now to prepare? This is one of the key reasons why VASEP is organizing Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the Middle East reached US$113 million, up 7% year on year from the same period in 2025. Growth has become more pronounced in recent months. In August alone, exports to the region totaled US$20 million, an increase of 24%. This indicates that demand for Vietnamese pangasius in the Middle East is gradually recovering after a slowdown in March, although the pace of recovery varies across markets.
(vasep.com.vn) China’s shrimp imports continued to grow strongly in 2026, while Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the market also recorded notable growth. However, behind these positive figures lie two distinct trends: Chinese consumption is growing more slowly than imports, and lobster accounts for a substantial share of Vietnam’s shrimp exports to China, making its product mix significantly different from those of Ecuador and India. Exporters therefore need to assess each segment carefully to understand the opportunities and risks.
(vasep.com.vn) Changing markets, shifting buyer demand, and increasingly complex trade barriers are raising a key question for Vietnam’s seafood industry: Where will the new growth opportunities lie in 2027–2029?
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As of the end of August 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States reached $21 million, representing a steep 48% year-over-year decline and accounting for 23% of the country's total tilapia export turnover. Frozen fillets accounted for 78% with the remainder consisting of whole frozen tilapia and frozen cuts.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a volatile first half of the year, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to Brazil registered robust growth in July and August 2026. In August alone, export turnover reached $19 million, surging 73% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively for the first eight months, total export value reached $124 million, reflecting an 8% year-over-year increase.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Besides modifying their boats, many fishermen in Dak Lak province are making efforts to venture out to sea to harvest seafood during the rough sea season.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) At the Responsible Seafood Summit and TCRS Shrimp Summit 2026, organized by the GSA (Global Seafood Alliance) in Bangkok, Thailand, the conversation about the future of the shrimp industry began with one of its most important foundations: seedstock quality.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Lithuania surpassed $14 million, up 8% year on year. While the increase remains modest, it is notable given the continued pressure on Vietnamese tuna exports to the EU as a whole. More importantly, export turnover to Lithuania has shown a clearer recovery in recent months, making the market a destination worth monitoring for Vietnamese businesses in Europe.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s squid and octopus exports exceeded $527 million in the first eight months of 2026, marking a 15% year-on-year increase. This growth is particularly notable given the strong baseline established in 2025, when export turnover for the same period reached $458 million, a 13% rise from 2024.
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
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