As of the end of April 2025, Vietnam’s squid and octopus exports continued to show positive growth, although the pace remains somewhat uneven. According to the General Department of Vietnam Customs, total export value for this product group exceeded USD 215 million, up 18% compared to the same period in 2024. Notably, squid has shown a more consistent growth trend than octopus.
Shift in Key Export Markets
Among Vietnam’s top export destinations, Japan, Thailand, and the U.S. recorded the strongest growth. Exports to South Korea and the European Union (EU) rose slightly, while shipments to China and Hong Kong declined.
Of particular note, Thailand has emerged as Vietnam’s third-largest importer of squid and octopus in the early months of 2025, overtaking China and Hong Kong during this period.
Vietnamese Exporters Under Pressure
Despite maintaining growth, Vietnamese squid and octopus exporters are facing a range of mounting challenges:
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Raw material shortages and rising input costs
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Weaker consumer demand in some markets as households tighten spending
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Geopolitical disruptions, such as the Russia–Ukraine war and Hamas–Israel conflict, which have driven up ocean freight costs and squeezed profit margins
Global Market Trends in 2025
The global squid and octopus market in 2025 is undergoing significant transformation, shaped by climate change, sustainability concerns, and shifting consumption patterns.
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El Niño conditions have negatively affected squid stock regeneration, leading to supply shortages in several regions since late 2024
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Overfishing and IUU fishing (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) continue to threaten cephalopod populations, prompting stricter enforcement and controls in key markets
Export Outlook for Late 2025
With demand from major markets such as Japan, South Korea, the U.S., and the EU expected to remain stable—and product prices trending upward—Vietnam’s squid and octopus exports are projected to continue growing in the second half of 2025.
However, tightening requirements from the EU and U.S. regarding traceability, supply chain transparency, and sustainability practices will present considerable challenges. Strict compliance with these standards will be critical for Vietnamese exporters to maintain and expand their market share going forward.
