Vietnam’s seafood exports posted steady growth in the first quarter of 2026, reaching an estimated US$2.64 billion, up nearly 8% year-on-year, supported largely by strong demand from China despite mixed performance across major markets.

Vietnam’s exports of squid and octopus reached more than US$111 million in the first two months of 2026, up 23% year on year, reflecting a positive start for the sector and early signs of recovering demand across several markets.

VOV.VN - Vietnam’s seafood exports opened 2026 on a strong note, driven by a 20% rise in shrimp revenue to US$690 million, with lobster emerging as the standout performer, soaring 65% to US$259 million year on year.

The Vietnam Trade Office in the US, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) held talks with the US National Fisheries Institute (NFI) representatives on March 16 to address regulatory challenges for seafood exports to the US, especially the implementation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Fishing solidarity groups operating offshore are playing an increasingly important role in supporting Vietnamese authorities’ efforts to have the “yellow card” warning imposed on the country’s seafood exports by the European Commission over illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing lifted.

VOV.VN - Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are disrupting shipping routes along the Asia–Europe corridor, driving up logistics costs and increasing supply chain risks, creating significant pressure on Vietnam’s agricultural and seafood exports.

VOV.VN - European Union (EU) ambassadors and representatives have acknowledged Vietnam’s efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, as Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reaffirmed the country’s commitment to sustainable fisheries and closer cooperation with the EU.

In preparation for the fifth inspection by the European Commission (EC), An Giang is stepping up efforts to address shortcomings in combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, thereby contributing to nationwide attempts to have the EC’s “yellow card” warning on Vietnamese seafood exports lifted.

As a delegation from the European Commission (EC) is set to visit Vietnam to assess efforts against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, HCM City is accelerating efforts to complete fleet management and compile dossiers and data in a bid to help remove the EC’s “yellow card” on Vietnamese seafood exports.

VOV.VN - The Prime Minister has requested relevant ministries, agencies and coastal localities to take urgent and coordinated action to address outstanding shortcomings and secure the removal of the European Union’s “yellow card” warning on Vietnamese seafood exports.