Vietnamese squid and octopus are becoming increasingly favored in international markets. In 2025, Vietnam’s exports of these products have shown notable growth. In the first five months of the year, the export value reached nearly USD 274 million, representing an increase of over 14% compared to the same period last year.

Several key export markets for Vietnamese squid and octopus have recorded impressive growth.

Cut Poulp Squid

Whole Round Squid

Baby Octopus

South Korea

In addition to Vietnam’s traditional export destinations, emerging markets are also showing promising signs. Among all, South Korea remains the largest importer, with the export value in the first five months of 2025 exceeding USD 100 million, accounting for 36% of Vietnam’s total squid and octopus export value. This figure marks a 6% year-on-year increase. South Korea mainly imports frozen cuttlefish and pre-boiled octopus products.

Japan

Several key export markets for Vietnamese squid and octopus have recorded impressive growth.

Japan continues to shine as a key market for Vietnamese squid and octopus. In the first five months of 2025, Japan imported nearly USD 69 million, up 19% compared to the same period in 2024. This growth highlights Vietnam’s strong supply capacity and enhanced product quality. Products used for sashimi preparation and boiled octopus, which require high standards of freshness and food safety, have been increasingly well received by Japanese buyers.

China

Japan is market have recorded impressive growth.for Vietnamese squid and octopus.

In China, imports of Vietnamese squid and octopus saw a sharp rise during the first two months of the year. The primary products imported were frozen squid and semi-processed items for the foodservice industry. In total, exports to China in the first five months reached over USD 26 million, representing a 2% increase year-over-year. This is largely attributed to China’s recent reopening, which has boosted import demand.

European Union (EU)

The EU is currently Vietnam’s fifth-largest importer of squid and octopus. The region has shown a growing trend in importing both squid and shrimp from Vietnam in recent months. Total export value to the EU in the first five months of 2025 reached nearly USD 15 million, up 11% compared to the same period last year. Notably, Italy, Spain, and Belgium were the top three importers within the EU, with growth rates of 6%, 71%, and 24%, respectively.

Growth Outlook

With this positive growth momentum, Vietnam’s squid and octopus exports are expected to continue rising in the coming months. The strong performance in the first five months of 2025 has laid a solid foundation toward reaching the USD 700 million export target for the year. Especially in the context of a recovering global market, Vietnamese enterprises are actively investing in deep processing, traceability, and expanding into emerging markets to enhance the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of this strategic seafood segment.

Leading Vietnamese Squid and Octopus Supplier – Mekong Seafood Connection

With over a decade of experience in seafood exports, Meksea (Mekong Seafood Connection) is proud to be one of Vietnam’s pioneering and most trusted suppliers of high-quality squid and octopus to the global market.

Meksea not only meets the demands for large and consistent supply volumes, but also continually improves its processing standards, strictly adhering to international regulations on food safety, traceability, and quality control. With a network of factories certified to global standards and raw materials sourced from key fishing areas, Meksea has affirmed its position in demanding markets such as Japan, South Korea, the EU, and the Middle East, among others.

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Do you look for a Mackerel seafood distributor? Please don’t hesitate to contact us. 

Mr. Hoang Duy – Commercial Director

Mobile/WhatsApp/Wechat: + 84 903 872 469

Email: hoang@mekseaconnection.com

Joy Nguyen  (Meksea Team)

(Reference: Vasep)

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