Vietnam’s squid, octopus exports to Thailand surge 37% in H1

Of the total turnover, squid accounted for around $32.5 million, or 98.4 percent, and marking a 35.6-percent increase from the same period last year, while octopus made up the remaining $500,000.

Among exported squid categories, dried and grilled squid products — including ready-to-eat dried squid — reached $30.24 million, rising nearly 30 percent year on year and remaining the most popular product group in the Thai market.

Notable growth was seen in fresh and frozen squid, with export turnover approaching $2.28 million, a 254-percent rise.

Meanwhile, octopus exports to Thailand, despite their modest value, recorded impressive growth of 149.9 percent.

Processed octopus performed well, growing by up to 250.9 percent. 

Other types of octopus products also showed positive signs with a 43.4-percent surge.

Thailand currently accounts for 10 percent of Vietnam’s total squid and octopus export value and is potentially becoming a key market, VASEP reported.

“With few technical barriers and consumer preferences similar to Vietnam’s, Thailand is expected to become one of the most favorable destinations for Vietnamese seafood and could emerge as a key market for squid and octopus in the near future,” a VASEP representative elaborated.

This urges Vietnamese seafood exporters to consider further investment in and expansion of these two product lines, particularly highly processed items, the representative added.

However, businesses have warned that competition in Thailand is intensifying as the country diversifies its supply sources, especially from China, Argentina, India, and other countries where product prices are highly competitive.

Vietnamese exporters are advised to improve product quality while optimizing production and logistics costs to maintain their competitive edge.

In the final months of 2025, Vietnam’s seafood exports may face challenges due to the impact of the 20-percent reciprocal tariff imposed by the U.S..

Nevertheless, the overall outlook remains positive, supported by strong growth potential in deeply processed product lines and the recovery of markets such as China and Japan.