Shrimp exports to the EU reached 38 million USD in April this year, up 28% over the same period. Cumulatively, in the first 4 months of this year, export value to the market reached 119 million USD, almost equivalent to the same period last year.
In April of this year, shrimp exports to the EU were quite exciting. Export value to the main single markets in the bloc all grew by double digits. Exports to Germany, the Netherlands,and Belgium increased by 29%, 37%, and 39%, respectively; exports to Denmark increased sharply by 88%.
The Global Seafood Exhibition 2024 takes place in Spain in April with the participation of many Vietnamese shrimp exporters. Here, fresh value-added shrimp products from Vietnam were promoted to European consumers and importers. Instant shrimp products are processed by businesses into many diverse dishes and attracted visitors to enjoy right at the booths.
In 2023, Vietnamese shrimp exports to the EU decreased significantly compared to 2022. The Russia-Ukraine war, consumers spending frugally, rising prices, rising gasoline, and devaluing the EUR are the reasons for demand consumption in this market is slow.
In the EU market, Vietnamese shrimp have to compete strongly with Ecuadorian shrimp. Ecuador has the advantage of cheap shrimp and lower shipping costs. Ecuador is still the largest shrimp supplier to the EU market.
The EU market requires farmed shrimp to meet safety standards (ASC), requires suppliers to have solutions to reduce emissions (farming, processing), and requires full traceability (shrimp feed ingredients, shrimp broodstock), requiring animal welfare (brood shrimp do not have their eyes cut off during artificial reproduction, are raised at moderate density...). Shrimp exporters to this market need to have a more systematic market access strategy and further promote the marketing and promotional activities of their products.
In Northwest Europe (including markets such as Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, etc.), these markets are tending to convert to more convenient forms of shrimp products and value-added shrimp products.
In Southern Europe, including the markets of Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, etc., prices play an important role in determining market dynamics. Therefore, affordable white-leg shrimp products will be more popular.
With an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 7% in the coming years, the EU is also a shrimp consumption market that offers many opportunities. Adapting to changing market dynamics and product innovation is important to maintain competitiveness in this market.
(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.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 49 million, up 151% compared to the same period in 2025. This impressive growth reflects positive momentum in the tilapia sector, with Brazil emerging as a key driver of growth, while frozen tilapia fillets continued to be the industry's leading export product.
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