A new phase of cooperation between Vietnam and Russia is creating clear momentum for bilateral investment and trade activities. In the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector, tuna has emerged as a prominent bright spot, recording a breakthrough in turnover in this market.

Nevertheless, opportunities always come with challenges; hurdles regarding shipping costs, payment risks, and competitive pressure from international rivals require the seafood industry to adopt proactive adaptation strategies to sustain growth momentum.

Statistics from the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) show that the total value of tuna exports to Russia in the first seven months of 2026 reached approximately USD 33.4 million. Compared to the same period in 2025, this figure represents an exceptional surge of 72%. When compared against Vietnam's other major tuna consumption markets, Russia registered the fastest growth rate during this timeframe.

Notably, this turnover upswing did not stem from short-term spikes or a few large-scale shipments. Commercial activities proceeded stably and maintained a continuous pace over many months. This consistency reflects recovering practical consumer demand for tuna in Russia while affirming the increasingly effective market penetration capabilities of domestic exporters.

The two countries' agreement to consolidate their partnership in the new era has laid an important foundation for strengthening economic connectivity. For seafood—an industry that still holds plenty of untapped potential in Russia—this is a major opportunity to expand market footprint. Political determination from both sides helps clear procedural bottlenecks and enhances the sustainability of the supply chain.

In addition, commitments under the Vietnam-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement (VN-EAEU FTA) continue to deliver direct advantages. Thanks to preferential tariff schedules, Vietnamese goods gain additional headroom to compete on pricing. This is a practical lever helping enterprises negotiate contracts more favorably and gradually push canned and frozen tuna deeper into Russia's domestic distribution networks.

Despite welcoming many positive signals, the journey to realize the potential ofential of the Russian market still faces three main bottlenecks. First is the logistics and transport puzzle, as fluctuations in international maritime routes lengthen delivery times and drive up ocean freight costs, directly eroding corporate profit margins. Next are payment channel barriers, as complexities in international financial transactions force parties to seek alternative settlement solutions, incurring extra intermediary costs and exchange rate volatility risks.

Finally comes pressure from supply competition, as many major seafood-exporting nations are also stepping up their presence in Russia with distinct advantages in low-cost scale or closer geographic proximity.

Recommendations from VASEP emphasize the importance of proactive adaptation to safeguard growth achievements. Exporters need to diversify transport methods and negotiate flexible routing to cut shipping and handling costs. Concurrently, shifting the product mix toward deep-processed, canned lines with high added value will help optimize profits per order. Lastly, strictly complying with Russia's technical and food safety standards is a mandatory condition for smooth customs clearance and avoiding risks at destination ports.

The 72% increase in the first seven months of 2026 is a positive signal affirming the standing of Vietnamese tuna. Successfully resolving operational barriers will be the key for this industry to build a solid long-term foothold in the Russian market.

Source: Tap chi Doanh nghiep va Hoi nhap