AsemconnectVietnam - Despite of global economic fluctuations, Vietnam's seafood industry has recorded a strong breakthrough in the first half of 2026 with double-digit growth.

The shift in market structure, particularly the rise of the Chinese market, has become the main driving force propelling the entire industry towards sustainable growth.
According to VITIC's calculations, based on data from the Vietnam Customs Department, the total value of seafood exports nationwide in the first six months of 2026 reached US$5.76 billion, recording a growth rate of 12.68% compared to the same period in 2025. This was a very positive result, demonstrating the recovery of global consumption demand and the stable supply capacity of domestic enterprises.
Notably, the recovery entered a stable phase, with export value in June of 2026 reaching over US$1.09 billion, a 7.33% increase compared to the previous month. Maintaining exports above US$1 billion each month affirms the solid position of Vietnamese seafood on the international trade map.
The past six months have seen a shift in key markets. China (mainland) has officially surpassed the United States to become Vietnam's largest seafood export market. Specifically, the export value to this market reached US$1.39 billion, accounting for 24.17% of the country's total exports. With a growth rate of 38.69%, this market of over a billion people is opening up huge potential for key products such as shrimp and pangasius after trade policies were adjusted.
While the exports to China is surging, other traditional markets have maintained the necessary stability. The United States ranked second with a turnover of US$890.58 million, accounting for 15.46% of the total, despite a slight decrease of 0.77% compared to the same period last year.
Japan continued to be a high-quality consumer market with a turnover of over US$800.76 million, an increase of 2.38%. Notably, in June of 2026, the exports of seafood to this country increased by 18.68% compared to May, showing strong purchasing power in the middle of the year.
Conversely, some markets in Europe (EU) are still facing difficulties. The exports to the EVFTA-27 region decreased slightly by 1.17%, with Belgium down by 10.11% and Germany down by 0.31% compared to the same period last year.
Despite achieving impressive figures, the Vietnamese seafood industry still faces the challenge of market concentration. Currently, the three largest markets – China, the United States, and Japan account for over 53% of the country's total export value.
Experts believe that to maintain growth and expand market share in countries with stringent standards, domestic businesses need to continue improving quality control processes and better meet technical barriers regarding food safety.
CK
Source: VITIC