Seafood exports in Q1 2026 reached USD 2.64 billion but faced numerous trade barriers

According to data from the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnam’s seafood export turnover in Q1 2026 reached USD 2.64 billion, up 14.4% compared to the same period in 2025. Although many key product categories recorded positive recovery, the seafood industry is entering a highly challenging period with mounting pressure from technical trade barriers and fluctuating demand in major markets.

Structural shifts and growth momentum from the Chinese market

VASEP’s report shows that shrimp continued to maintain its position as the largest export category, generating more than USD 1 billion and accounting for 40.4% of total exports. Pangasius also recorded growth of 16.8%, reaching nearly USD 514 million. Niche products such as squid, octopus, shellfish, and crab also showed positive growth trends.

Export seafood processing activities at a factory.

In terms of markets, China and Hong Kong became the strongest growth drivers, with export turnover reaching USD 744 million, a sharp increase of 49%. Growth was mainly concentrated in premium fresh seafood products such as lobster, live crab, and certain marine fish products. Meanwhile, ASEAN countries and CPTPP members also created significant opportunities thanks to tariff advantages from free trade agreements.

Declining pressure in the U.S. and EU markets

In contrast to the boom in Asian markets, exports to the United States fell by 7.4%, while the EU market recorded only slight growth. The main reasons were identified as cautious consumer spending and the impact of stricter trade policies.

Vietnam’s seafood industry is currently facing three major challenges in 2026:

International competition: Increasingly fierce pressure from major competitors such as Ecuador, India, Indonesia, and Thailand, especially in the shrimp and whitefish segments.

Technical and legal barriers: Anti-dumping tax regulations in the U.S., MMPA requirements, new EU electronic catch certification regulations, and the unresolved IUU yellow card continue to create significant obstacles for businesses.

Demand fluctuations: Consumers in developed economies such as the U.S., EU, and Japan are becoming more price-sensitive while demanding stricter environmental, social responsibility, and product convenience standards.

Opportunities from free trade agreements

  

 

Despite the challenges, VASEP believes that 2026 still offers conditional opportunities. Effectively utilizing rules of origin and tariff incentives from agreements such as CPTPP, EVFTA, and UKVFTA will help Vietnamese businesses strengthen their competitive advantages.

In addition, shortages of whitefish and mollusk supplies in certain regions around the world are creating room for Vietnamese seafood products to expand market share. The shift toward deeply processed products with transparent origins and higher added value is becoming an inevitable direction to meet the evolving demands of the global market.

Source: baodanang

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