Vietnam seafood exports reach US$9.7 billion by October 15
Shrimp exports rose 11 per cent, while nine-month tra fish shipments increased 10.7 per cent, according to the industry association.
Vietnam exported US$9.7 billion worth of seafood by October 15, 2026, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. The sector is pursuing a record US$12 billion for the year, supported by demand for year-end festivities but facing pressure from prices, traceability requirements and compliance costs.
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) put shrimp exports at US$3.75 billion, an increase of 11 per cent from a year earlier. Its market expert Phung Thi Kim Thu said China and some markets covered by the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership had supported growth. However, shrimp shipments to the US declined in September, slowing momentum.
Tra fish exports generated US$1.74 billion over nine months, rising 10.7 per cent. September shipments were worth about US$214 million, up 18.6 per cent. VASEP Deputy Secretary General Le Hang said reduced availability of some whitefish species was creating opportunities for Vietnamese suppliers.
Domestic seafood production reached 7.89 million tonnes in January-September, increasing 3.9 per cent year on year and fulfilling 78.1 per cent of the annual plan, the ministry said. Aquaculture accounted for 4.86 million tonnes.
Tran Gia Long, Deputy Director of the ministry’s Planning-Finance Department, said seafood exports needed to bring in about US$1 billion monthly during the final months to help meet and exceed the 2026 agro-forestry and fisheries export target of US$74 billion. Shrimp was expected to remain the leading contributor.
