World production of farmed shrimp fell to 2.5 million tonnes in 2011, nearly 20 percent less than 2010, because of supply shortfalls in Asia. With the new Asian 2012 season starting in April and May, supply is forecast to recover and prices to soften somewhat.
The market for shrimp however, should stay firm. In the United States, improved retail demand contributed to a marginal rise in imports. The, cold weather and the weak economy in early 2012 had a negative impact on European shrimp consumption although prices remained stable during the first quarter of 2012. EU imports dipped 1.2 percent to 610 000 tonnes, although Spain, Italy and the UK increased imports.
Asian markets were mixed with strong growth in the Republic of Korea and Malaysia and with Thailand and Viet Nam importing more for the processing industry. On the other hand, imports of frozen shrimp declined in China and Hong Kong. Domestic demand for fresh shrimp increased in some of the producing countries, including India. Supported by the strong yen and high demand for prepared shrimp products, Japan’s shrimp imports rose 1.6 percent last year to 285 300 tonnes, while in China, 2011 shrimp imports of 53 000 tonnes represented a 7.8 percent decrease from 2010.
In the coming months, more farmed vannamei is expected from Thailand, India and Viet Nam. Thai production in 2012 is forecast to increase to 700 000 tonnes whereas Indian production of black tiger may decline 40–50 percent to 60 000–70 000 tonnes. Indian vannamei producers, on the contrary, could reach 100 000 tonnes, a more than 30 percent increase from 2011. Supplies of vannamei are also expected to increase from Viet Nam, and the anticipated higher production will certainly put pressure on prices, particularly of medium-size product.
Main Shrimp Importing Markets
SHELLFISH AND CANNED MOLLUSC
Companies exporting molluscs to the EU experienced a successful year in 2011, as many consumers opted for frozen products, which cost less.
Mussels. Mussel imports to the EU increased by 9.6 percent to 208 000 tonnes in 2011, the highest in six years. Imports were particularly strong in Italy, Netherlands and Spain, which accounted for 58 300 tonnes, 46 700 tonnes and 34 200 tonnes, respectively. Spanish import volumes of Chilean mussels rose by 70 percent in 2011, reaching 18 200 tonnes. Spain now buys a third of all Chilean mussel exports.
Oysters. Oysters are still desired in most countries despite high prices. As oyster production in Europe has declined, prices have risen significantly. France, the main producer, saw its 2011 exports fall by 18 percent to 8 000 tonnes, the lowest level since 2008. New producers have now entered the market, including Mexico and Morocco.
Scallops. European scallop imports continued to grow in 2011, reaching 59 000 tonnes in 2011, valued at USD 770 million, with Peru and Argentina the biggest suppliers. Imports are dominated by France, the biggest market in Europe, followed by Spain, Belgium and Germany.
Shrimp Imports by Product (Japan)
On July 22, 2026, the Government issued Decree No. 292/2026/ND-CP detailing certain articles and providing measures for the organization and implementation of the Law on Foreign Trade Management. The Decree takes effect on September 5, 2026, replacing Decree No. 69/2018/ND-CP.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnamese pangasius producer Vinh Hoan has won the top prize at the 2026 Seafood Excellence Asia Awards for its Cured Panga Croquette, highlighting the growing potential of value-added pangasius products in international markets.
(vasep.com.vn) The Global Shrimp Forum (GSF) 2026 is taking place from September 1–3 in Utrecht, the Netherlands, bringing together around 585 delegates from 40 countries, representing approximately 300 companies and organizations across the shrimp supply chain. Representatives from VASEP are attending the event as part of the Vietnamese delegation, strengthening connections with partners across the global shrimp industry.
(vasep.com.vn) At the international B2B seminar (Hosted Buyer Program) held as part of Vietfish 2026, Mr. Nguyen Hoang Pham, Sales Director of Tai Kim Anh Seafood Processing Joint Stock Company, delivered a presentation entitled “Vietnam’s Shrimp Industry: Changing for Sustainability.” From the perspective of a seafood processor, the presentation highlighted that Vietnam’s shrimp industry continues to play a leading role in seafood exports, but is entering a new phase of competition in which change is no longer an option, but a prerequisite for growth.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) VIETFISH 2026 may have concluded after three dynamic days in Ho Chi Minh City, but conversations around the exhibition continue to resonate across international trade media, industry organizations, and the social media channels of participating companies.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia industry is maintaining strong growth momentum, with significant room for further expansion in the coming years. In 2025, total tilapia production reached approximately 420,000 tonnes, up 33% from 2024 and 2.2 times higher than in 2015. During 2015–2025, production grew at an average annual rate of around 8.4%. As production and exports continue to expand, food safety control is receiving increasing attention to ensure product quality, meet the increasingly stringent requirements of international markets, and provide a foundation for the sustainable development of Vietnam’s tilapia industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the afternoon of August 19, 2026, as part of the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026, the Hosted Buyer Program continued with the seminar “Vietnam Seafood Outlook 2026–2027: A Strategic Sourcing Destination,” followed by 1-to-1 B2B meetings between international buyers and Vietnamese seafood businesses.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of VIETFISH 2026 on August 19 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), U.S. Consul General Melissa Brown highlighted the important role of the exhibition in connecting Vietnam’s growing seafood industry with buyers, suppliers, and partners from the United States and around the world.
(vasep.com.vn) Tomorrow, August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026 will officially open at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. Taking place over three days, from August 19–21, Vietfish 2026 promises to provide a dynamic platform for business networking, trend updates, product experiences and comprehensive cooperation across the domestic and international seafood community.
(vasep.com.vn) The global tilapia market continues to grow, creating significant opportunities for countries with strengths in aquaculture, processing, and exports. Against this backdrop, Vietnam’s tilapia industry is gradually developing toward higher quality, greater product diversification, and broader market reach. At Vietfish 2026, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), together with the VASEP Tilapia Producers and Exporters Club, will host a joint booth to promote the image and potential of Vietnamese tilapia to domestic and international buyers.
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