(seafood.vasep.com.vn) China imported nearly $1.4 billion worth of Vietnamese seafood in the first half of the year, a 40% increase compared to the same period last year, surpassing the US to become the largest export market for the industry.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, seafood exports in the first six months of the year increased by more than 11% compared to the same period last year. China led the way, followed by the US and Japan in third place. Amidst high shipping costs to distant markets, China has become a more attractive option due to its close geographical proximity, low logistics costs, and quick return on investment.
In terms of markets, China (including Hong Kong) continued to be the largest importer of Vietnamese seafood in the first half of the year. It was also the market that provided the most significant growth impetus for products such as shrimp, pangasius, lobster, mollusks, and live and frozen seafood.
Overall, in the first six months, seafood exports to the United States reached $897.9 million, almost the same as the same period last year. Although June saw a strong increase, the results for the entire six months show that overall US demand is still not truly sustainable. Factors such as inventory levels, cautious purchasing power, price competition, tariff policies, and technical barriers continue to force businesses to maintain caution when exploiting this market.
Exports to Japan reached $787.5 million, up 0.7%, continuing to be an important market for shrimp, squid, octopus, tuna, surimi, and processed seafood products, although purchasing power remains slow due to high food costs and a weak yen.
According to VASEP, the positive results in the first six months of the year have created a favorable foundation for the double-digit growth target of seafood exports in 2026. However, to maintain the growth momentum in the second half of the year, the industry needs to continue to leverage its advantages in fast-growing markets such as China, ASEAN, and South Korea , while strengthening its ability to comply with requirements in the United States, the EU, and Japan.
Simultaneously, businesses must control input costs and logistics, increase the proportion of deeply processed products, and enhance risk management capabilities to adapt to the constantly fluctuating market environment.