Despite intensifying competitive pressure, Vietnam’s exports of fish paste and surimi maintain a promising outlook for growth in 2026.

According to reports from Ms. Nguyen Ha of VASEP, export turnover for this processed food group reached US$63 million in the first three months of 2026, marking a 5% decrease compared to the same period last year. This slight decline is attributed to shifting demand in traditional strongholds and a more cautious approach to import costs globally.

Market Performance Shifts

Data from Vietnam Customs highlights a divergence in market performance:

• South Korea: Remains the largest importer but saw a significant 21% drop in turnover compared to 2025.
• Thailand & Japan: Experienced declines of 8% and 6% respectively, as purchasing power remains dampened by price competition.
• China: Emerged as a bright spot, with exports increasing sharply during the first quarter.

While traditional markets face headwinds, the surge in China and growth in emerging destinations suggest a rebound for Vietnam's convenient seafood products in the coming quarters of 2026.

The Superior Court of Justice of Asturias (TSJA) has issued a key ruling regarding public health protection in the region.

The high court granted the appeal filed by the Villaviciosa City Council, nullifying the resolution from the Ministry of Rural Affairs and Agricultural Policy that had authorized a clam fattening plant in the estuary.

Key Points of the Ruling:

• Affected Company: Asga Acuicultura, which had been granted a license in December 2024.
• The Project: A pre-fattening farm for carpet shell clams and Japanese clams covering an area of 2,420 square meters for a 10-year term.
• The Conflict: Regional authorities permitted the activity by arguing that the estuary's precautionary closure only applied to direct consumption. However, the TSJA supported the judicial expert’s view that public health risks persist even if the shellfish are relocated to other areas.

"If there is a risk derived from shellfish harvesting, there is also a risk in clam production, even if they are not marketed directly," states the ruling dated April 28.

The City Council reminded the court that the estuary has been closed to shellfish harvesting since 2011 due to very high levels of organic pollution, making any commercial exploitation in its waters unfeasible.

A new study has found that cultivating seaweed alongside marine finfish in integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems can significantly reduce, and even eliminate, key waste products from fish farming.

The research by the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science highlights how macroalgae species can utilise nutrient-rich effluent from fish production, offering aquaculture producers a practical pathway to improve environmental performance while generating an additional crop.

Source: Worldfishing | Read the full article here

Polar Systems, a global leader in food processing technology, is proud to announce the official launch of The Tailer Grader, a ground-breaking automated langoustine processing system. Following successful sea trials in the North Sea, this industry-first technology is now available to the commercial fishing fleet, marking a new era of efficiency, welfare, and precision for the Nephrops sector.

As the primary lead on the project’s engineering and development, Polar Systems has successfully transitioned conceptual AI technology into a rugged, sea-ready solution. 

Source: Fish Focus | Read the full article here

Norwegian seafood exports, including salmon, fell last month. The war in the Middle East and continuing problems over US tariffs were among the factors, but a rise in the value of the Norwegian krone played a big part, says the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Overseas seafood sales for Norway during April totalled NOK 13.4 billion (just over £1bn), down by 5% or NOK 742 million on April last year.

Seafood Council CEO Christian Chramer said there were several factors behind the decline: “The tariff unrest against the US and the war in the Middle East. 

Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here

The National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (Conapesca) has announced the start of the fishing ban periods for all shrimp species in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

Spain has established itself as the leading producer of farmed fish in the European Union (EU), contributing 25% of the total volume.

According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) analyzed at the Aquaculture Business Conference, the Spanish sector recorded an annual growth of 1.4%, contrasting with the 4% decline experienced across the rest of the community bloc.

Aurora de Blas (pictured), Director General of Fisheries Management and Aquaculture, highlighted that "one out of every four tons" produced in the EU originates from Spanish facilities. According to the industry association Apromar, national production reaches 268,000 tons annually, standing out not only for its volume but also for its species diversity.

With more than 5,000 establishments, the sector is key to territorial cohesion and the maintenance of rural communities. Looking ahead, the Government is promoting the EsAcui 2021-2030 strategy, focused on regulatory simplification, the effective use of funds, and the reinforcement of animal welfare as competitive pillars for the close of the 2024 fiscal year and beyond.