Fluctuating seafood prices, exports face pressure from technical barriers and tariffs

In the Mekong Delta, raw shrimp prices remain high. Whiteleg and black tiger shrimp (20–30 pieces/kg) are ranging from 110,000 to 160,000 VND/kg. Stable prices are holding steady thanks to consistent orders from the EU and the U.S, despite signs of a slowdown in the Chinese market. However, businesses remain cautious about the second half of the year due to fluctuations in logistics costs and exchange rates, as well as tightening technical regulations in the EU.

In contrast, pangasius – one of Vietnam’s key export products – continues to face weak prices and demand. Raw pangasius prices in the Mekong Delta have dropped slightly to 30,000 – 33,000 VND/kg since early July. Demand from two major markets like the U.S. and EU has not improved and concerns are growing among exporters over the possibility of new U.S anti – dumping tariffs. Inventory levels are rising again, as current prices are not attractive enough to boost order volumes.

The ocean tuna market also remains sluggish. Frozen bigeye tuna prices in Japan – a key market – are hovering around 650 yen/kg, down around 13% from last year. Vietnam’s tuna exports are also facing difficulties as the IUU “yellow card” has yet to be lifted, causing delays or adjustments in EU orders and increasing costs.

On the other hand, squid and octopus show promising signs. The price of top – grade squid in Central Vietnam remains stable at 200,000 VND/kg, little changed from early July. Preliminary data indicates that squid and octopus export revenue reached approximately 101 million USD in Q2, up nearly 14% year-on-year, driven by recovering demand in South Korea and Japan for processed and frozen products.

Overall, seafood exports in the first half of July show signs of slowing. Fluctuating exchange rates, rising transport costs and stricter regulations on traceability, food safety and tariffs in various markets are making it difficult for businesses to sustain the export momentum seen earlier in the year. With many products facing localized oversupply, exporters are forced to restructure product lines or seek alternative markets in order to maintain output and revenue.

Source:  https://seafood.vasep.com.vn/