(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached $394 million in October 2024, up 24%. In the first ten months of this year, shrimp exports brought in $3.2 billion, up 13% compared to the same period last year. Exports to all major markets recorded double-digit growth in October.
Vietnam's shrimp exports to China and Hong Kong in October amounted to $91 million, up 44%. Accumulated by October 2024, shrimp exports to this market reached $676 million, up 31% year-on-year. Shrimp exports to this market are more promising, especially with lobster exports surging 157% to $298 million in the first ten months of this year. China's consumer stimulus policies have also contributed to boosting imports into this market.
Vietnam's shrimp exports to the US in October exceeded $80 million, up 17%. In the first ten months, shrimp exports to this market reached $646 million, up 10% year-on-year.
Shrimp imports into the US from the top three suppliers have all decreased, raising concerns about supply shortages. Improved market sentiment and an optimistics economic outlook, coupled with declining inventories and a balanced supply-demand situation, have led to expectations of higher US imports and improved shrimp prices in this market.
Proposals to increase import tariffs on goods into the US by President Trump after re-election have prompted US businesses to accelerate imports to stockpile goods ahead of potential duties. Therefore, in the short term, US demand for goods, including shrimp, is expected to continue to increase.
Vietnam's shrimp exports to two Asian markets, Japan and South Korea, also recorded positive growth of 18% and 28% respectively in October, after fluctuating in previous months.
Vietnam's shrimp exports to the EU rose by 32% in October, and accumulated exports in the first ten months reached $408 million, up 17% year-on-year. The EU's demand for Vietnamese shrimp imports has been quite stable this year, with continuous positive growth since April.
The export data from the first ten months of 2024 indicate promising trends across all major markets. Exports to the US and EU have demonstrated steady growth while China’s policies to stimulate consumption are expected to further boost demand for shrimp imports from Vietnam.
Export shrimp prices have shown signs of increasing, especially for whiteleg shrimp, enhancing profit margins for exporters. Raw shrimp prices are also at a favorable level, which will support production and exports.
The strong development of processed shrimp is a positive sign, indicating that businesses are shifting towards value-added items.
In 2023, global economic volatility, geopolitical tensions, high inflation, and tightened consumer spending led to a decrease in shrimp imports from major markets. In addition, global shrimp production rose sharply, with Ecuador’s explosive export growth creating oversupply and significantly lowering global shrimp prices.
In 2024, these adverse factors have improved: Inflation has eased, import demand from major markets is rebounding, shrimp production has not increased as rapidly as the previous year, and global shrimp prices have tended to increase. Despite internal and external challenges, Vietnam's shrimp export sector has achieved encouraging results. The target of $4 billion in export turnover in 2024 is entirely within reach.