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) 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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