This year, the export value of octopus and squid from Vietnam has increased by 19% in the first ten months compared to the same period last year.

Vietnam's squid and octopus export market is still dominated by countries in East Asia and ASEAN, which together account for 94% of total exports. South Korea is the largest trading partner, accounting for 38% of total exports, followed by Japan with 23%. Although Thailand is an emerging market, its export value has increased by 39% over the past ten months, with the main products exported to Thailand including dried squid and ready-to-eat grilled squid. Consumer trends are strongly shifting towards convenient products such as instant dried squid, ordinary dried squid, and processed octopus products. Markets such as South Korea and Japan particularly favor these processed products, which have significantly driven the growth of Vietnam's squid and octopus exports. Although Vietnam's squid and octopus exports are expected to maintain positive growth by 2025, exports may face challenges in 2026 if the European Union's IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) yellow card warning and the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) red card warning are not lifted. Vietnamese export enterprises must focus on completing relevant certifications and improving traceability systems to overcome legal barriers and maintain stable export markets.