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.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 81 million in April 2026, down 6% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of the year, export turnover totaled USD 289 million, down 4.8%. Although the overall export picture has yet to brighten significantly, market trends are becoming increasingly diversified rather than moving in a single direction.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is undergoing strong restructuring starting from the broodstock and fingerling segment in order to improve productivity, quality, and export competitiveness. This is considered a critical foundation for the sustainable development of the industry amid rising production costs and increasingly stringent market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, pangasius exports in April 2026 reached USD 206 million, up 18% compared to the same period in 2025 — marking another consecutive month of double-digit growth since the beginning of the year. Cumulative pangasius export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 720 million, up 17% year-on-year, reflecting the positive growth momentum of this key export product.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 maintained positive growth momentum, reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, behind this result lies diverging trends across markets, as the global shrimp industry continues to face pressure from inflation, high inventories, price competition, and increasing trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Vinh Tuy commune (Kien Giang Province), many shrimp farmers are adopting bottom aeration systems and reporting clear economic benefits, helping increase income and reduce production risks.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of crabs and other crustaceans reached more than USD 93 million, up 23% compared to the same period last year. The result shows that the sector is experiencing a fairly positive recovery, especially in its two key product groups: crabs and swimming crabs. However, behind the growth figures are several concerns: export markets remain highly concentrated, raw material supply is unstable, and trade barriers from the US and EU are becoming increasingly stringent.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Ca Mau province, many farmers are transitioning from traditional methods to high-tech shrimp farming, adopting recirculating systems with minimal water exchange to improve efficiency and reduce risks. In Hung My commune alone, there are about 260 super-intensive shrimp farming households covering more than 265 hectares, playing a key role in local economic development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cake and surimi reached USD 63 million, down 5% compared to the same period last year. Although total export value declined slightly due to decreases in some key markets, many other destinations continued to post strong growth, opening up room for this convenience-oriented processed segment in the coming quarters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Favorable weather conditions in the early months of 2026 have brought encouraging signs for fisheries activities in Quang Tri. Output has grown steadily, contributing to improved livelihoods for local residents.
Entering 2026, Vietnam’s seafood industry is facing a period of both high expectations and mounting pressures. Following the positive recovery in 2025, production and export activities in Q1/2026 demonstrated the strong adaptability of Vietnam’s seafood business community amid continued global trade volatility, intensifying international competition, and increasingly stringent compliance requirements in import markets.
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