China and Hong Kong remained the largest market, with nearly US$250 million, an increase of 28.7%, driven mainly by stronger shrimp shipments for the Lunar New Year.

Japan followed with close to US$146 million, up 21.3%, continuing to be a stable market for processed shrimp, frozen pangasius fillets, and squid and octopus.

Exports to ASEAN reached around US$69 million, up more than 32%, pointing to growing intra-regional trade. Shipments to South Korea also increased, reaching over US$67 million.

By contrast, exports to the EU and the US declined due to weak demand and inventories carried over from late 2025. Exports to the EU stood at nearly US$72 million, down 6.3%, while shipments to the US fell by almost 10% to US$96 million. Exports to the Middle East also eased after a sharp rise at the end of 2025.

By product, shrimp remained the leading export item, generating US$331 million and accounting for nearly 38% of total exports. Pangasius recorded strong growth, with export value exceeding US$177 million, up more than 33%, supported by demand from China, ASEAN and Japan. Exports of squid and octopus also rose, while tuna and molluscs, including crabs and shellfish, dropped.

VASEP forecasts that exports in February 2026 may fall compared with January and edge down year on year, due to Lunar New Year disruptions to production and deliveries, the impact of trade measures in the US, and softer import demand from China after earlier stockpiling.

Vietnam’s aquatic exports to Japan rebound strongly

VOV.VN - Vietnam’s seafood exports to Japan have shown a strong recovery, bringing in nearly US$1.6 billion in the period from January to November this year, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).