Vietnam's seafood exports rise as China and shrimp drive growth

The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers reported that in June 2026, the country's seafood exports reached nearly US$1.1 billion, an increase of 20.6% compared with the same period in 2025.

In addition, during the first six months of the year, export value reached US$5.77 billion, up 12.7%. This suggests that maintaining double-digit growth in seafood exports in 2026 appears achievable.

Nevertheless, transportation costs, refrigerated container surcharges, fuel costs, storage fees, and schedule changes continue to put pressure on producers.

For example, in early July, rates on the Far East–West Coast of North America route stood at around US$7,100 per FEU, an increase of nearly 67% in one month. On the Far East–Northern Europe route, rates reached approximately US$5,500 per FEU, up nearly 43%.

The association also warns that the seafood sector needs government support to address challenges related to administrative procedures, certifications, traceability, logistics and market access.

These factors will be crucial for maintaining the sector's growth momentum and increasing export value during the remaining months of the year, as Vietnam seeks to achieve its US$12 billion seafood export target.

China remains the leading market, while shrimp is the star product

China continues to be the largest individual market for Vietnamese seafood, with exports worth US$1.39 billion in the first half of the year, an increase of nearly 39%.

In the US, exports increased by 43% to nearly US$189 million, which could signal a rise in shipping activity as importers accelerated shipments amid unpredictable changes in tariffs and trade policies.

Shrimp was the star product, making the largest contribution to exports at US$2.35 billion, up 14.2% and accounting for 40.7% of total seafood export value.

By contrast, tuna exports fell by 1.6%, while processed fish products and surimi declined by 2%. These decreases were driven by raw material availability, fishing certification, traceability requirements and regulations against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.