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)
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Gia Vien district, tilapia farming—particularly the “duong nghiep” strain—is expanding rapidly and gradually becoming an efficient production model for local farmers. Hatcheries in the area are supplying high-quality, uniform, and disease-free fingerlings, meeting the growing demand for commercial farming.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the afternoon of March 19, Vice Chairman of the Ca Mau Provincial People’s Committee, Le Van Su, chaired a meeting to address bottlenecks and propose solutions to expand the super-intensive whiteleg shrimp farming model using low water exchange and high biosecurity standards (RAS-IMTA).
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On March 10, 2026, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee issued Decision No. 1377/QD-UBND approving the Aquatic Animal Disease Prevention and Control Plan for the 2026–2030 period. The decision takes effect from the date of signing and replaces previous plans for the 2021–2030 period that had been issued prior to the administrative merger in Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City.
(vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Chile imported more than USD 156 million worth of tuna, up 8.1% compared to the previous year and the highest level in the past five years. As the supply structure in this market is rapidly shifting, Vietnamese tuna is facing both opportunities to expand market share and increasing competitive pressure from Thailand, Colombia, and China.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vinh Long Province is stepping up efforts to develop brackish water shrimp farming in a sustainable direction, identifying it as a key sector in its agricultural structure. In 2026, the province aims to reach around 71,300 hectares of shrimp farming, with an output of over 314,000 tons.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ha Tinh Province is strengthening control over shrimp seed quality to minimize risks for the 2026 spring–summer farming season.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In February 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports reached USD 119 million, down slightly 5% year-on-year. However, thanks to strong performance in January, cumulative exports in the first two months of the year still reached USD 331 million, up 28% compared to the same period in 2025. Export activity slowed somewhat in February due to seasonal factors, particularly the Lunar New Year holiday, which disrupted production and shipments at many seafood processing enterprises.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Da Nang is accelerating the development of high-tech shrimp farming toward intensive production, disease control, and improved efficiency. Many shrimp farms have invested in automated environmental monitoring systems, continuously tracking indicators such as pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and salinity, enabling farmers to promptly adjust pond conditions and reduce disease risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 is considered a turning point for Vietnam’s shrimp seed industry as the sector faces the need for strong transformation in technology, production management, and gradual self-sufficiency in broodstock supply. These factors are seen as key to improving seed quality and strengthening the competitiveness of the shrimp industry amid increasingly demanding market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In February 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached nearly USD 310 million, up 17% year-on-year. Cumulatively for the first two months of the year, shrimp export value totaled USD 690 million, an increase of 20% compared with the same period last year. Compared with the 22% growth recorded in January, the pace of increase in February slowed somewhat, reflecting seasonal factors as the Lunar New Year holiday partially disrupted processing and shipment activities. Nevertheless, the nearly 20% growth in the first two months indicates that shrimp orders from Vietnam are maintaining a more positive trend than in the same period last year.
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