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)
(vasep.com.vn) VASEP has officially announced the program for Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026 (VSS 2026), featuring five in-depth sessions covering industry outlooks, trade barriers, buyer demand, the domestic market, and solutions to improve productivity and reduce costs across the seafood value chain.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached US$3.7 billion in the first nine months of 2026, up 11% year on year. Although growth has been supported by China and several markets within the CPTPP, momentum is slowing as exports to the United States and the European Union decline. Tariff pressures, international competition, and raw material challenges are creating significant hurdles for exporters in the final months of the year.
(vasep.com.vn) Markets are changing faster, buyer requirements are becoming more demanding, and trade barriers are growing increasingly complex. In this environment, seafood businesses need more than an understanding of current market conditions. They need a longer-term perspective to answer a critical question: Where will growth opportunities come from in 2027–2029, and what should businesses do now to prepare? This is one of the key reasons why VASEP is organizing Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the Middle East reached US$113 million, up 7% year on year from the same period in 2025. Growth has become more pronounced in recent months. In August alone, exports to the region totaled US$20 million, an increase of 24%. This indicates that demand for Vietnamese pangasius in the Middle East is gradually recovering after a slowdown in March, although the pace of recovery varies across markets.
(vasep.com.vn) China’s shrimp imports continued to grow strongly in 2026, while Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the market also recorded notable growth. However, behind these positive figures lie two distinct trends: Chinese consumption is growing more slowly than imports, and lobster accounts for a substantial share of Vietnam’s shrimp exports to China, making its product mix significantly different from those of Ecuador and India. Exporters therefore need to assess each segment carefully to understand the opportunities and risks.
(vasep.com.vn) Changing markets, shifting buyer demand, and increasingly complex trade barriers are raising a key question for Vietnam’s seafood industry: Where will the new growth opportunities lie in 2027–2029?
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As of the end of August 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States reached $21 million, representing a steep 48% year-over-year decline and accounting for 23% of the country's total tilapia export turnover. Frozen fillets accounted for 78% with the remainder consisting of whole frozen tilapia and frozen cuts.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a volatile first half of the year, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to Brazil registered robust growth in July and August 2026. In August alone, export turnover reached $19 million, surging 73% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively for the first eight months, total export value reached $124 million, reflecting an 8% year-over-year increase.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Besides modifying their boats, many fishermen in Dak Lak province are making efforts to venture out to sea to harvest seafood during the rough sea season.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) At the Responsible Seafood Summit and TCRS Shrimp Summit 2026, organized by the GSA (Global Seafood Alliance) in Bangkok, Thailand, the conversation about the future of the shrimp industry began with one of its most important foundations: seedstock quality.
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