The rise in the shrimp exports by Vietnam was thanks to stronger demand from main markets and upward trend of global shrimp price caused by supply shortage.
Markets
As of July this year, Vietnamese shrimp was exported to 76 markets. Top 10 key markets included the U.S., EU, Japan, China, South Korea, Canada, Australia, ASEAN, Taiwan and Switzerland. Shrimp exports to key markets saw the positive growth such as the U.S. up 16.3%; EU increased by 6%; China increased by 38%; Korea rose 9.3% excluding Japan fell 8.2%. Exports to smaller markets declined from 2.5%-28.6%.
Shrimp products for exports
The export value of all products of whiteleg shrimp and black tiger shrimp increased except for live/fresh/frozen black tiger shrimp (HS code 03) saw the y-o-y decline of 0.7%. Out of total shrimp exports in Jan-Jul 2016, the proportion of white shrimp increased by 1.5%; the share of black tiger shrimp fell 1.2% and marine shrimp downed 0.3% compared to the same period in 2015. The lower proportion of black tiger shrimp was partly because of decrease in supply caused by drought and salinity.
Of the total export value of shrimp, exports of canned other shrimp showed the deepest dive of 60%, however, this item accounted for a modest value of over US$1.7 million.
The U.S.
Vietnam shrimp exports to the U.S. maintained the growth thanks to higher demand from the market. While other suppliers to the U.S. such as India, Indonesia, Ecuador, Thailand saw the decrease in raw material supply, leading to higher export price. The U.S. also increased importing demand for black tiger shrimp while the harvests in both India and Indonesia fell. Now is the time for restaurants and retailers in the U.S. to launch the advertising strategy, trade promotion to boost consumption demand for shrimp. Vietnam shrimp exports to the U.S. in the first 7 months of this year reached US$364.8 million; up 16.3% over the same period last year.
The EU
Vietnam shrimp exports to the EU in the first 7 months of this year reached US$315.9 million; up 6% year on year. Inventories in the EU is low, importing demand for black tiger shrimp increased sharply while the supply of black tiger shrimp from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia to the market declined due to adverse weather.
In the EU bloc, importing demand for warmwater shrimp into the UK was still high due to lower supply of coldwater shrimp and its higher price. Vietnam shrimp exports to the UK increased by 6.6% in the period. Remarkably, in the EU bloc, Vietnam shrimp exports to the Netherlands showed the highest y-o-y increase of 25%.
China
Vietnam shrimp exports to China in the first 7 months of this year reached US$249.2 million; up 38% over the same period last year. Demand for importing shrimp by China is increasing strongly due to higher demand for domestic consumption, increase in people's incomes and down in domestic supply of shrimp.
Last year, China imported 300,000 MT of shrimp to meet the demand for fresh and processed shrimp in the domestic market. China is expected to remain high demand for importing shrimp in the coming period.
Japan
Shrimp exports to Japan as of July this year reached US$283.8 million USD; down 8.2% from the same period last year. Exports to this market went down due to higher price of shrimp imported into Japan despite yen’s strength. The higher price was attributable to decrease in raw shrimp supply from producers.
Vietnam shrimp exports in the coming months is expected to continue the rise in spite of unfavorable weather for domestic shrimp production.
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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