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) The year 2025 marked a pivotal milestone for Vietnam’s seafood industry in its restructuring process toward sustainability, transparency, and higher value creation, amid continued uncertainties in the global economic and trade environment. Prolonged inflation in major economies, the rising trend of trade protectionism, and increasingly stringent requirements related to environmental standards, traceability, and social responsibility have posed significant challenges to seafood production and exports. Nevertheless, overcoming these pressures, Vietnam’s seafood sector has gradually demonstrated its adaptability, maintained growth momentum, and laid an important foundation for the next stage of development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Amid the increasingly evident impacts of drought and saltwater intrusion, the shrimp-rice production model in Ca Mau province continues to prove itself as a viable direction, contributing to higher farmer incomes, improved soil conditions and the promotion of ecological and sustainable agricultural development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The management of fishing vessels, monitoring of fishing activities, and handling of violations in the fisheries sector in Lam Dong province have continued to be implemented in a synchronized and stringent manner, contributing to raising awareness of legal compliance among fishermen and aiming to end illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Can Tho’s fishery industry sustained steady growth in 2025 with total aquatic and marine output reaching nearly 783,000 tons, fulfilling 100% of the annual target. Aquaculture, capture fisheries and fishing fleet management were further strengthened, aiming for sustainable development in the coming years.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius export turnover reached nearly USD 2.2 billion, up 8% year-on-year. This result indicates that pangasius exports maintained their growth momentum despite significant volatility in the global market environment. In December 2025, pangasius export value reached USD 200 million, up 10% compared to December 2024. This solid performance in the final month of the year reflects increased import demand for consumption and inventory replenishment in key markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Spain experienced significant fluctuations. According to Vietnam Customs, during the first 11 months of 2025, export turnover for the first 11 months of the year edged up by 0.3% year-on-year, reaching nearly $15 million.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son has signed Decision No. 16/QD-TTg, dated January 5, 2026, approving the implementation plan for the Vietnam-Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA). Under the plan, in the coming period, ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government-affiliated entities and People’s Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities must institutionalize and execute tasks focused on the dissemination of information regarding VIFTA and the Israeli market; legislative and institutional development, as well as enhancing competitiveness and human resource growth...
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Beyond achieving double-digit growth, Vietnam’s fish cake and surimi exports are showing a notable year-end "inflection point": the EU his accelerating with nearly twofold growth, China & Hong Kong are rising sharply, while the largest market, South Korea, signaled a slowdown in November. According to Vietnam Customs data, export turnover of fish cake and surimi reached $327 million in the first 11 months of 2025, up 22% year-on-year; November 2025 alone accounted for $35 million, marking a 5% increase. This serves as a critical foundation for exporters to reassess market structures and competitive intensity while finalizing order strategies for 2026.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ca Mau, widely regarded as the nation’s “shrimp capital”, continued its strong performance in 2025 as shrimp output reached nearly 600,000 tons, maintaining its position as Vietnam’s leading shrimp-producing locality.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On December 29, 2025, at the 2025 Pangasius Industry Review Conference held in Can Tho City, the Vietnam Pangasius Association announced that fingerling prices have surged to record levels due to acute supply shortages.
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