Vietnam's tuna exports staged a strong recovery in June 2026, with turnover reaching nearly $88 million, up 31% year-on-year, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), which cited data from the Vietnam Customs.

The result marked the strongest monthly growth since the beginning of the year, following four consecutive months of decline from February to May.

Thanks to the June rebound, Vietnam's tuna export value in the first six months of 2026 reached approximately $455 million, narrowing the year-on-year decline to just 1.6%.

The US remained Vietnam's largest tuna market, importing more than $176 million worth of products and accounting for nearly 39% of the latter's total export turnover, although shipments to the market still fell 2.3% compared with the same period last year. Exports to the European Union also declined, down 18% to nearly $88 million.

Meanwhile, several emerging markets became key growth drivers. Exports to Russia surged 83%, followed by the Philippines (31%), Egypt (29%) and Israel (17%). Shipments to CPTPP member countries increased 6%, while exports to the Middle East rose 12%.

Vietnamese tuna products are currently exported to more than 100 markets worldwide. The four largest destinations—the US, the European Union, the Middle East and CPTPP economies—collectively account for 82–86% of the country's total tuna export value.

According to VASEP, the country's tuna reserves are estimated to exceed 600,000 tons with annual catches of more than 200,000 tons.

In recent years, Vietnam has also strengthened compliance with international standards for sustainable fisheries, including the European Union's regulations against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, along with other international certification requirements, to enhance competitiveness and expand export opportunities.