According to statistics from the Vietnam Customs, the export turnover of squid and octopus in the first four months of the year reached over 215 million USD. This is an increase of 18% compared to the same period in 2024. Especially, squid exports have been showing a growing trend.
Squid exports were 17,000 tons, worth 113 million USD, an increase of 14% in volume and 16% in value. Octopuses of all types helped the seafood industry earn over 100 million USD, equivalent to 12,000 tons, an increase of 3% in volume and 2% in value compared to the same period last year.
Japan, Thailand, and the United States are the three markets actively seeking squid and octopus from Vietnam.
Among the top major import markets, exports of squid and octopus to Japan, Thailand, and the United States have grown well; exports to South Korea and the EU have increased slightly, while exports to China and Hong Kong have decreased. Especially, the strong increase in exports in the early months of the year has helped Thailand surpass China and Hong Kong to become Vietnam’s third-largest squid and octopus import market during this period.
Currently, Vietnamese squid and octopus exporters continue to face many difficulties regarding raw materials and rising production input costs. In addition, the decline in consumption, tightening of budgets, ongoing conflicts in many regions, and rising shipping costs are reducing the profits of businesses.
In 2025, the global squid and octopus market is experiencing significant fluctuations, influenced by factors such as climate change, increased consumption demand, and sustainability issues. Specifically, the El Niño phenomenon has disrupted the reproduction of squid resources, leading to supply shortages in some areas by the end of 2024.
Additionally, the cephalopod industry is also facing issues of overfishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, requiring stricter management measures.
The VASEP forecasts that with stable demand from key markets and a trend of rising prices, Vietnam’s squid and octopus exports are expected to continue growing in the second half of 2025. However, markets such as the EU and the US are tightening regulations on traceability, transparency, and sustainability in the supply chain, which is expected to impact exports to these markets.