MEKSEA.COM – Entering 2026, Vietnam seafood exports is facing a period filled with both promising opportunities and growing challenges. Despite global market fluctuations, seafood exports have shown strong momentum from the very beginning of the year. According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnam’s seafood export turnover in the first four months of 2026 was estimated at around USD 3.7–4 billion, marking a growth of 14–15% compared to the same period in 2025. This positive performance has been driven by recovering demand across Asian markets and the easing of trade barriers in the United States following recent administrative reviews.

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Vietnam Seafood Exports: Shrimp Strengthens Position in the U.S. Market

Shrimp continues to be Vietnam’s leading seafood export product, accounting for over 40% of the industry’s total export value. In the first four months of 2026, shrimp exports reached approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% year-on-year. This growth was supported by favorable developments related to trade remedy cases in the U.S. market.

Vietnam Seafood Exports: Shrimp Strengthens Position in the U.S. Market

The global market landscape is also creating new advantages for Vietnamese shrimp producers. Vietnam has increasingly strengthened its position in value-added and processed shrimp products that meet strict international requirements for food safety, HACCP compliance, and traceability standards such as SIMP. In addition, the sharp increase in lobster exports during early 2026 highlighted Vietnam’s ability to diversify seafood products and capture rising demand from China and other Asian markets.

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Pangasius Sector: Expanding Global Presence Through International Cooperation

Pangasius remained the second key pillar of Vietnam’s seafood exports, generating USD 734 million during the first four months of 2026, an increase of 19% compared to the previous year.

As inflation continues to affect consumer spending worldwide, Vietnamese pangasius has become an attractive alternative among whitefish products thanks to its competitive pricing, stable supply, and consistent fillet quality. The industry has also benefited from international trade agreements and improving market access in several major importing countries.

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Seafood & Shellfish Products Show Strong Growth Potential

Beyond shrimp and pangasius, other seafood products such as tuna, squid, octopus, and shellfish continued to contribute significantly to Vietnam’s export performance. These categories generated around USD 2 billion in export value during the first half of 2025, reflecting a 15% increase year-on-year.

Among them, shellfish products recorded the strongest growth in early 2026, surging by 26% to reach USD 102 million within the first four months. This remarkable growth reflects the rising global preference for sustainable aquaculture and environmentally responsible seafood consumption — trends that are increasingly shaping the future direction of Vietnam’s marine farming industry.

Meksea – The Leading Seafood Distributor in Vietnam 

As one of the leading seafood distributors and exporters in Vietnam, Meksea is committed to delivering high-quality seafood products that meet international standards for food safety, sustainability, and traceability. With a diverse product portfolio ranging from shrimp, pangasius, tuna, cephalopods to shellfish, Meksea continuously connects trusted Vietnamese seafood sources with global markets.

In the context of rapidly changing consumer trends and increasing demand for premium seafood, Meksea focuses on providing reliable supply solutions, stable quality, and customized services to partners worldwide. By combining Vietnam’s seafood strengths with international market expertise, Meksea aims to become a long-term strategic partner for importers, wholesalers, and distributors across the globe.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to explore more Vietnam  seafood!

Mr. Hoang Duy – Commercial Director

Mobile/WhatsApp/Wechat: + 84 903 872 469

Email: hoang@mekseaconnection.com

Joy Nguyen  (Meksea Team)

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