Vietnamese shrimp exports to China and Hong Kong continue to decrease by 24% of proportion, reaching 52 million USD in November 2023. The demand for China and HK is unstable, growing positively for 3 months from June to August, then returning to a downward trend in September, October, and November. However, the decline is not as strong as in the first months of the year. China and Hong Kong are the markets with the lowest decline among the main import markets.
The demand for Vietnamese shrimp from the Chinese and Hong Kong markets not only depends on economic growth and inventory in China and HK but also heavily depends on cheap supply from Ecuador. China's demand for shrimp imports is still increasing strongly, but because there are too many supplies "rushing" to China and Hong Kong at low prices, it is difficult for Vietnamese shrimp to compete on price. In the last month of this year, Vietnamese shrimp exports to China and Hong Kong are expected to still decrease compared to the same period.
Vietnamese shrimp exports to China and Hong Kong fluctuated from 543 million USD in 2019 to 664 million USD in 2022. In the past 5 years, shrimp exports to China and Hong Kong have fluctuated, but in China and the Hong Kong market remain that Vietnam is the third-largest shrimp importer after the US and Japan. Although shrimp exports to China and Hong Kong markets in 2023 will decrease compared to 2022 (the year when shrimp export turnover reached a record), they will still increase compared to previous years.
Potential market but fierce competition
The COVID-19 epidemic has ended, China's economy has shown positive signs, and demand for giant tiger shrimp and whiteleg shrimp is recovering. The geographical position is favorable for Vietnamese businesses exporting to China in terms of logistics costs.
China is promoting economic recovery, but it seems they do not spend much on domestic seafood production. Because China does not consider this a key industry with high profits. Therefore, this is an opportunity for Vietnam to increase exports to the market.
Economic experts assess that China will increasingly depend on imported seafood, similar to the model of Western countries.
China's shrimp consumption is large, even more than in the US and Europe. In 2023, it is estimated that China will import a huge amount of shrimp, up to 1 million tons, mainly for processing and domestic consumption, with almost negligible exports.
The Chinese Ambassador affirmed that the country is ready to expand imports of Vietnamese aquatic and agricultural products. The above statement was made in the context of Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent visit to Vietnam, opening up many bright prospects for trade cooperation between the two countries. China is the target market of many shrimp exporting countries, such as Ecuador and India, with a supply of cheap raw shrimp, so Vietnamese shrimp are under competitive price pressure. Besides, businesses also have to face competition from shrimp processors in the Chinese domestic market.
To take advantage of opportunities from China, B2B trade activities need to be further enhanced, and local-level trade needs to be given more attention. In addition, there needs to be an exchange and sharing of information about market needs and regulations, especially when there are changes in import and export policies.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp industry is entering a period of strong transformation with the emergence of various high-tech farming models, helping improve productivity and competitiveness. Over the past 5–10 years, farming practices have shifted from traditional methods to intensive and super-intensive systems, featuring lined ponds, environmental sensors, automated feeding, and data management.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With a focus on sustainable development, high-tech application, and climate change adaptation, An Giang Province aims to maintain its brackish water shrimp production in 2026 at a level equivalent to the previous year. Specifically, output is projected to reach over 155,510 tons, serving both domestic consumption and export processing, thereby sustaining the fisheries sector’s key role in the local economic structure.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the Mekong Delta, key pangasius farming provinces such as An Giang, Dong Thap, and Can Tho are accelerating the transition toward a circular economy model, contributing to higher product value and reduced environmental impact. Instead of focusing solely on farming and processing, the pangasius value chain is increasingly utilizing by-products and waste streams to generate added value.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s scallop exports are entering a phase of impressive growth, as the global market undergoes significant restructuring. In 2025, scallop export value reached nearly USD 66 million, up 49% from USD 44 million in 2024. This upward momentum has continued and accelerated into early 2026, with exports totaling USD 18.1 million in the first two months alone—an increase of 166% year-on-year. This represents an exceptionally high growth rate, reflecting the rapid expansion of a relatively new product segment within Vietnam’s mollusk export portfolio.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) – On March 19, at the Government Headquarters, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held a meeting with the European Commission (EC) inspection delegation on combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, led by Mr. Fernando Andresen Guimaraes, Head of Unit at the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE).
(vasep.com.vn) Australia is emerging as one of the most stable and promising growth markets for Vietnamese shrimp. Amid global trade disruptions driven by geopolitical tensions—particularly conflicts in the Middle East—strengthening and expanding into stable markets like Australia has become increasingly important for Vietnam’s shrimp industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first two months of 2026, Vietnam’s squid and octopus exports reached over USD 111 million, up 23% compared to the same period in 2025. This result indicates a positive start for the sector, reflecting early signs of demand recovery in multiple markets from the beginning of the year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first two months of 2026, Vietnam’s fisheries sector maintained positive growth momentum, with shrimp output exceeding 132 thousand tons. This result contributed to a strong increase in seafood export turnover, despite ongoing volatility in the global economy.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports maintained strong growth momentum in February 2026, with many markets recording sharp increases compared to the same period last year. In February alone, export value reached USD 8.4 million, up 148% year-on-year. Cumulatively, in the first two months of 2026, total tilapia export turnover hit USD 23 million, soaring 242% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In global seafood trade, sensory evaluation is increasingly becoming one of the key “technical barriers” in many importing markets-especially the United States. Issues such as filth, and signs of decomposition/spoilage are often detected through sensory evaluation methods and remain common reasons for seafood import alerts, detentions, or shipment rejections.
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