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) In March 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports recorded strong growth, reaching USD 15 million, up 109% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively, in the first three months of 2026, export value reached USD 38 million, an increase of 174% year-on-year. This result highlights the sector’s robust expansion and reflects rapid growth across multiple markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In March 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius export value reached USD 182 million, up 1% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively, exports in the first three months of 2026 totaled USD 514 million, an increase of 17% year-on-year, indicating that the growth momentum is being maintained despite signs of slowdown in some markets during March.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During peak heat periods, farmers raising pangasius, tilapia, and other freshwater fish in Dong Thap are implementing various technical measures to reduce risks and maintain stable production.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Japan continues to be one of Vietnam’s most important and stable shrimp markets. In recent years, shrimp exports to this market have fluctuated in line with Japan’s broader economic and consumption cycles, yet Japan remains a major, high-value destination with stringent standards.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Spain increased by 13% compared to 2024. This growth trend has continued into the first two months of 2026. According to Vietnam Customs statistics, export turnover to this market reached nearly USD 3 million in January–February 2026, up 101% year-on-year and significantly higher than the same period in 2024. This development indicates that Spain is once again becoming a notable destination for Vietnamese tuna amid strong demand for tuna raw materials and products in Europe.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The 2026 brackish water shrimp farming season in the Mekong Delta has started earlier than usual, mainly driven by positive market signals, as shrimp prices in 2025 remained high and supply was limited. Many enterprises and farms in Cần Thơ, Cà Mau, and Vĩnh Long have proactively stocked early to seize opportunities. By early 2026, stocking areas in many localities had reached a high proportion of planned targets, with intensive and high-tech farming models expanding rapidly.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States recorded remarkable growth in 2025, opening up major opportunities while also presenting considerable challenges. The U.S. remains the largest importer of Vietnamese tilapia fillets, with export turnover reaching USD 40 million—an increase of up to 499% compared to 2024. This impressive growth reflects strong demand in the U.S. market, as supply from competing countries such as China has been constrained by tariffs and rising production costs.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Pangasius remains a strategic export commodity in Vietnam’s seafood sector. Entering 2026, the industry faces a strong need to transition from volume-based growth to a value-driven development model, with a focus on quality, food safety, and sustainability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Following damage caused by Storm No. 13 in late 2025, brackish water shrimp farming in Gia Lai is being rapidly restored. In key farming areas such as Tuy Phước and Tuy Phước Đông, farmers are focusing on rehabilitating ponds, repairing infrastructure, and treating the environment in preparation for the 2026 crop.
(seafood.vasep.com) Facing the decline in fishery resources, Vietnam is accelerating livelihood transitions for fishermen to reduce fishing pressure and move toward sustainable development. Marine fish stocks have dropped significantly from 4.82 million tons in 2000–2005 to 3.95 million tons in 2016–2020.
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