The increase in Vietnam’s shrimp sales were attributable to higher demand from major markets thanks to stable supply-demand and lower inventories.
Among top 10 leading importers of Vietnam shrimp; shrimp exports to the US, EU, China, South Korea reported the positive growth in which exports to China & Hong Kong showed the sharpest rise of 34.3%; followed by the US with 17.4%. Exports to Japan, Australia, Canada, ASEAN, Taiwan and Switzerland downed in which Taiwan saw the deepest fall of 31.6%. However, the decline wasn’t affected to the positive growth in sales of the first 5 months of this year because these are small markets.
Whiteleg shrimp took the largest proportion of 57.8%, followed by black tiger shrimp with 33.7% and the next was marine shrimp with 8.5%. Compared to Jan-May 2015, the proportion of whiteleg shrimp and black tiger shrimp rose while that of marine shrimp downed. Among total shrimp products for exports, exports of processed black tiger (HS 16) reported the highest growth of 32% while exports of other canned shrimp (HS 16) reported the deepest dive of 54%.
Among top markets of Vietnam shrimp, the US remained the top position with the proportion of 22.6% out of total shrimp exports by Vietnam. EU ranked the 2nd with 18.9%; followed by Japan and China with the respective proportion of 17% and 16.6%.
Shrimp exports to the US in Jan-May 2016 reached US$249.3 million, up 17.4% year on year. The shrimp price in the US market downed thanks to higher supply that boosts summer consumption. Softer shrimp price also encourages restaurant chain in the US to purchase and restore for year-end holidays.
The US mainly imports frozen peeled shrimp. In Jan-Apr 2016, imports of the item into the US reached 72,881 MT, valued at US$669.7 million, up 13% in volume but down 2% in value. Among top 5 leading suppliers to the US in Jan-Apr 2016, shrimp imports from Vietnam up 13% in volume and equal in value on par with Jan-Apr 2015. Shrimp imports from Ecuador reduced 22% in volume and 24% in value. Ecuador reduced shrimp exports to the US to boosted exports to some Asian countries thanks to higher demand and lower duties. While the US reduced importing Ecuadorian shrimp and raised importing shrimp from Vietnam, India, Thailand because these suppliers can meet demand of the US for skewered shrimp products with reasonable price.
Vietnam shrimp exports to EU (the 2nd largest market of Vietnam shrimp) touched US$208.4 million in Jan-May 2016, up 8.2% year on year. Among single markets in the EU bloc, Germany was the leading one, followed by the UK and the Netherlands. Shrimp exports to these 3 markets rose 4.3%; 21.6% and 9.4%, respectively in which the UK reported the best growth.
Shrimp exports to China reported the most tremendous growth of 34.3% with the revenue of US$182.3 million. Due to fall in shrimp production and higher domestic consumption, China is boosting shrimp imports from Ecuador and some major producers in Asia.
Factors of supply and demand are favoring for Vietnam shrimp exports. It is expected that Vietnam shrimp exports in QII/2016 will reached US$780 million, up 10% year on year.
By Kim Thu
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2026 marks a period of strong growth for Vietnam’s tilapia industry, but it is also a time when international export competition is becoming increasingly intense. Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 99 million in 2025, up 140% compared to the previous year. In the first four months of 2026 alone, export value reached USD 49 million, a 151% increase year-on-year. As global demand for affordable whitefish continues to rise, Vietnam is emerging as a noteworthy competitor to traditional tilapia powerhouses such as China, Indonesia, Brazil, and Egypt.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With continued policy support, technological innovation and close coordination among authorities, businesses and farmers, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is expected to make a strong and sustainable breakthrough during the 2026–2030 period, reinforcing its position as the world’s leading exporter of the fish.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to Asian markets showed varying trends across regions and countries. The Middle East recorded strong growth, with Saudi Arabia emerging as the largest Asian market for Vietnamese tilapia. ASEAN markets also expanded significantly, driven primarily by Malaysia. Meanwhile, Japan maintained solid growth, while exports to South Korea declined compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Shrimp and pangasius continued to lead growth, helping seafood exports reach $4.67 billion in the first five months of the year; however, differentiation among product groups and increasingly stringent requirements from importing markets are posing many challenges for the industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Every day, the seafood processing industry in Ca Mau generates large quantities of shrimp heads and shells during processing operations. In the past, these by-products were largely treated as waste, increasing production costs and posing potential environmental risks. However, thanks to advanced processing technologies, materials once considered waste are now being transformed into high-value products, creating a circular economy model within the seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam Clean Seafood Corporation has invested in a 280-hectare super-intensive shrimp farming zone in Tran De Commune, Can Tho City, generating export value of approximately VND 3 billion per hectare per year—around 50 times higher than traditional agricultural production.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports reached USD 1.02 billion in May 2026, up 0.6% year-on-year. Cumulative exports in the first five months of 2026 totaled USD 4.67 billion, an increase of 11% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In a rapidly changing global seafood market, timely insights and reliable data are more critical than ever. The Report on Vietnam Seafood Exports in Q1/2026 provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in Vietnam’s seafood production, trade performance, and export trends, helping businesses navigate uncertainty and identify new growth opportunities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) While many major markets continue to experience slow growth, Russia has emerged as a brighter destination for Vietnamese tuna exports in early 2026. Export turnover to this market increased by nearly 55% in the first four months of the year, indicating a clear improvement in demand. Nevertheless, Russia remains a market that should be viewed with both optimism and caution.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius exports have shown encouraging signs of recovery in 2026. In the first four months of the year, total export turnover reached USD 720 million, up 17% compared to the same period last year. This result reflects improving demand across many markets, as well as the efforts of Vietnamese pangasius enterprises to maintain production, secure orders, and adapt to changing market conditions.
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