July 2, 2026
 

Vietnam's seafood exports reach US$5.8 billion in H1 2026 as China and US drive double-digit growth

Shrimp held the top position at US$2.3 billion, while crustaceans and shellfish posted the strongest growth rates in June, and the US market recorded a significant recovery after a period of stagnation.

Vietnam's seafood exports reached nearly US$5.8 billion in the first half of 2026, up 12.8% year-on-year, with June alone contributing close to US$1.1 billion - a 21% increase - driven by strong demand from China and a recovery in US orders, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

Shrimp remained the dominant export category, generating US$2.3 billion over the six-month period, up 13.6% and accounting for approximately 40.5% of total seafood export value. Growth in shrimp was led by the Chinese market, particularly for tiger shrimp, lobster and frozen shrimp serving high-end restaurant and consumer segments. In the US, shrimp exports continued to face competition from Ecuador and Indonesia.

In June, shrimp exports reached US$445.9 million, up 20.7%, while pangasius contributed US$209.1 million, up 7.7%. Among the fastest-growing categories in June, shellfish rose 77.8% to US$31.3 million, crabs, lobsters and other crustaceans surged 55.1% to US$45.3 million, tuna reached US$85.9 million, up 28%, and squid and octopus posted US$77.9 million, up 26.5%.

By market, China including Hong Kong was the standout performer with exports of US$256.6 million in June, up 32.2%. The US recorded a notable recovery, with June exports reaching US$195.3 million, up 48.3%. Japan posted marginal growth of 0.3% to US$150.2 million, the EU reached US$101.5 million, up 6.3%, South Korea contributed US$88.3 million, up 29.5%, and ASEAN generated US$69.4 million, up 16.5%.

VASEP said the strong first-half performance provides a foundation for achieving double-digit full-year export growth, but cautioned that sustaining momentum in the second half will require businesses to manage input costs and logistics, increase the share of value-added processed products, and strengthen compliance with import requirements in the US, EU and Japan.

- VASEP