Vietnam’s Squid & Octopus Exports Surge Early 2026: China Up Over 85%, Asia Leads Growth
- Noel
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Vietnam’s squid and octopus exports rebounded strongly at the start of 2026. In the first two months, total export value exceeded USD 111 million, up 23% year-on-year. A surge in China-bound shipments was the key driver; Asian demand lifted overall volumes, while Europe remained weak—creating a clear “strong East, weak West” pattern.
1. China-Bound Exports Explode: +85% YoY, Standout Market
January–February 2026 shipments of Vietnamese squid and octopus to China jumped over 85% year-on-year, the fastest growth among all major markets. Chinese buyers restocked aggressively, releasing a wave of orders and accelerating trade velocity—directly fueling Vietnam’s export growth.
2. Product Split: Squid Leads, Octopus Steady
Squid: Over USD 64 million in exports, up nearly 30% YoY. Faster recovery in foodservice and processing channels made it the main growth engine.
Octopus: Around USD 47 million in exports, up 16%+ YoY, with moderate demand improvement.
3. Asian Markets Fire on All Cylinders; Europe Lags
Asia: Core Pillar, Broad-Based Gains
South Korea: Still the largest single market, ~USD 42 million (+23% YoY).
Japan: Second-largest, ~USD 26 million (+8% YoY).
Thailand: Fast-growing, +41%+ YoY, a bright spot in regional demand.
Europe: Persistent Weakness, Order Downturn
Exports to the EU fell 14.5% YoY on sluggish buying interest. The EU’s unresolved IUU “yellow card” restricts customs clearance and market expansion, making exporters cautious about European orders.
4. Cost & Regulatory Pressures Remain
Logistics costs spike: Middle East instability has lifted freight rates and extended transit times, complicating order fulfillment.
Fishing costs rise: High fuel prices affect raw material supply stability.
Regulatory barriers: The EU’s IUU yellow card continues to limit European market access.
5. Outlook: Asia to Stay Dominant, China Key for Growth
Vietnam’s squid and octopus exports will remain Asia-centric in 2026. China’s restocking, steady consumption in South Korea/Japan, and rising demand in Southeast Asia will be the mainstays. Europe is unlikely to recover soon; firms should prioritize Asia, optimize supply chains, and manage cost risks.
For Chinese buyers, Vietnamese squid/octopus offer reliable supply and price advantages—focus on squid, seize import windows, and monitor logistics/raw material volatility.
