Squid and octopus exports set record thanks to convenient products

Squid and octopus exports increase sharply

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters andProducers (VASEP), in the context of many fluctuations in the international seafood market, Vietnam's squid and octopus exports continued to record positive numbers in the first 10 months of 2025.

By the end of October 2025, Vietnam's squid and octopus export turnover reached 627 million USD, up 19% over the same period last year. Although domestic raw material supply is still scarce, October is still the month with the highest export turnover of squid and octopus since the beginning of the year, reaching 83 million USD, up 25% compared to September and also up 25% compared to October 2024. International markets increase demand at the end of the year, especially for convenient, pre-processed products.

Vietnam's squid and octopus exports continue to record positive numbers in the first 10 months of 2025.

Vietnam's squid and octopus exports continue to record positive numbers in the first 10 months of 2025.

Vietnam's squid and octopus export market continues to be led by countries in the East Asia and ASEAN regions, accounting for 94% of total turnover. South Korea remains the largest partner, accounting for 38% of total exports, followed by Japan with 23%.

Thailand, although an emerging market, has had good growth, reaching 39% growth in the past 10 months, with main products being dried squid and ready-to-eat grilled squid.

Opportunities from processed products

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), one of the notable factors in the 2025 squid and octopus export picture is the change in consumption trends. Processed products, especially instant dried squid and frozen boiled octopus, are increasingly popular in key markets such as Korea, Japan and Thailand. These products are not only easy to use but also meet consumers' needs for convenience and food safety.

This opens up great opportunities for Vietnamese businesses processing and exporting squid and octopus, as the consumption trend of pre-processed products increases sharply.

"According to forecasts, if domestic raw material supply is stable, the fourth quarter of 2025 could witness an additional growth of 10-15% compared to the third quarter. Thailand is a potential market with high demand for instant dried squid and one-sun dried squid, which will be a bright spot in the export strategy in the last months of the year" - VASEP representative informed.

Although Vietnam's squid and octopus exports in 2025 will still maintain positive growth, in 2026, squid and octopus exports may face many challenges if the IUU yellow card from the EU market and the "MMPA red card" from the US market are not removed.

VASEP recommends that, in the context of facing many challenges, Vietnamese squid and octopus exporting enterprises should focus on stable markets with strong growth potential such as South Korea, Japan, and Thailand.

Instant dried squid, sun-dried squid and processed octopus products will continue to be strategic items, helping to increase export turnover and protect market share in these markets.

Diversifying processed products (HS16) is also a direction. These products can bring in 20-30% higher profit margins than raw products, meeting market demand for convenience and food safety. However, businesses need to focus on completing certifications and improving traceability.

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