Vietnam’s seafood exports to Canada are maintaining positive growth, with shrimp and pangasius serving as the two key staples accounting for the majority of export turnover to this market.

The Agency of Foreign Trade (Ministry of Industry and Trade) reported that, based on calculations from Customs Department data, Vietnam’s seafood exports to Canada in the first seven months of 2026 reached 25,700 metric tons, valued at USD 164.81 million, up 7.2% in volume and 10.6% in value compared to the same period in 2025.

Among commodities, frozen shrimp and frozen pangasius represent the two largest export lines, capturing nearly 70% of total physical volume and 71.13% of aggregate seafood export earnings from Vietnam to Canada.

Specifically, during the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam’s frozen shrimp shipments to Canada generated USD 90.2 million, while frozen pangasius yielded USD 27 million.

Notably, several secondary items posted notable growth rates. Frozen cod exports jumped 128.7% in volume and 334.4% in value; frozen flounder gained 114.3% and 196.2%, respectively. Canned tuna also advanced 37.1% in value. Conversely, frozen tuna export value contracted 2%, despite a 4% rise in shipment volume.

Looking ahead, Vietnam’s seafood exports to Canada are projected to sustain upward momentum, supported by favorable consumption demand across the market. In addition, an expanding Asian immigrant population is driving demand for diverse seafood categories. The consumer shift toward convenience-oriented, ready-to-cook, and canned seafood formats is also unlocking additional commercial headroom for Vietnamese exporters.

According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Canada represents a sizable import market for fish and seafood, despite possessing a well-developed domestic wild-capture and aquaculture sector. In 2025, Canada imported over 543,000 tons of fish and seafood products valued at approximately CAD 5.26 billion (roughly USD 3.79 billion), rising from 519,000 tons and CAD 4.94 billion recorded in 2024. Within the import mix, significant demand centers on shrimp, salmon, and tuna. Shrimp alone accounted for nearly 72,000 tons, exceeding CAD 905 million in 2025.

Canadian demand remains notably multifaceted, spanning everyday staples, high-value lines, and processed convenience products. The country's multicultural demographic base supports demand for diverse seafood varieties and varied culinary preparations. The sheer volume of imports indicates that Canada relies on external supplies to complement domestic production and meet local consumption needs, presenting clear opportunities for seafood-exporting nations, including Vietnam.

A distinct competitive advantage is that most of Vietnam’s staple seafood exports to Canada already enjoy 0% tariff rates or benefit from deep tariff phase-out schedules under existing trade arrangements, securing an edge over suppliers lacking a free trade agreement with Canada.

However, to capitalize fully on these advantages, Vietnamese enterprises must keep pace with escalating market expectations. Canada enforces stringent standards regarding food safety and traceability, alongside heightened scrutiny of sustainability certifications such as MSC and ASC, as well as carbon footprint reduction criteria. These factors will be critical for Vietnam’s seafood sector to maintain sustainable export expansion and build market share in Canada.

Source: Bao Nong nghiep va Moi truong