VASEP data indicate that over the past ten months of 2025, Vietnam’s squid and octopus export turnover reached US$627 million, up 19% year-on-year. East Asian nations and ASEAN member states continue to be the major markets, accounting for 94% of total exports, with the Republic of Korea (RoK) as the largest importer at 38% and Japan at 23%.

Within ASEAN, exports to Thailand grew strongly by 39%, with dried squid and grilled ready-to-eat squid as the main products.

The association also noted that consumption in major markets is increasingly shifting toward convenience products. For example, the RoK, Japan, and Thailand are showing growing demand for ready-to-eat dried squid and frozen boiled octopus.

To boost export turnover, VASEP recommends that Vietnamese exporters focus on stable markets with strong growth potential, such as the RoK, Japan, and Thailand. Companies should also diversify processed products (HS16), which remain strategic items capable of increasing export turnover by 20-30% compared with raw products while maintaining market share.

Thailand among Vietnam’s top three export markets for squid and octopus

VOV.VN - Thailand has overtaken China to become Vietnam’s third largest export market for squid and octopus in the first four months of the year, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).