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) According to Vietnam Customs data, tuna exports in the first month of 2026 reached over USD 75 million, up 13% compared to the same period in 2025. Notably, exports increased in most key markets such as Japan, the EU, and Russia, while exports to the United States fell by 6%—a contrasting development amid ongoing adjustments in U.S. import tariff policies and new compliance requirements under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), which took effect at the beginning of the year.
(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.
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