Germany led with USD 96 million (+23%), followed by Belgium (USD 79 million, +20%) and the Netherlands (USD 74 million, +3%). France recovered with USD 23 million (+14%), while Denmark rose to USD 25 million (+9%). The data reflect diverging trends: Germany, Belgium, France, and Denmark are expanding retail channels, while the Netherlands focuses more on re-exports.
EU shrimp demand heading toward record levels Eurostat data show the EU imported 342,509 tons of shrimp from Asia, Latin America, and Africa in the first 7 months of 2025, up 15% year-on-year, worth EUR 2.28 billion (+19%). Frozen raw shrimp remained dominant (217,700 tons, +21%), while value-added products also grew (31,602 tons, +21%), driven by both foodservice and retail demand. Full-year imports are forecast to approach 400,000 tons, the highest in years, creating major opportunities for suppliers including Vietnam. France is expected to import 111,000 tons in 2025, nearly matching Spain (120,000 tons), opening prospects in Southern Europe’s retail and restaurant sectors.
Ecuador and India: Vietnam’s main rivals Ecuador continued to dominate with 140,055 tons (+38%) shipped to the EU in 7 months, while India ranked second with 50,860 tons (+25%). Vietnam followed with 30,715 tons (+19%), equivalent to EUR 240 million (+22%). Ecuador’s surge in both volume and value-added products is intensifying competition in Vietnam’s core segments. Meanwhile, India has pivoted toward the EU after the US imposed high duties in late August 2025, but faces strict EU antibiotic regulations effective September 2026—a potential “window of opportunity” for Vietnam.
Outlook for late 2025 With 17% growth through August and positive demand prospects, Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the EU are expected to rise 12–15% year-on-year in the remaining months, lifting full-year value 15–18% above 2024. Germany, Belgium, and France will continue to drive growth, while the Netherlands maintains a stable transit role. Key product groups include peeled vannamei, convenient processed shrimp, and certified sustainable black tiger shrimp—segments less exposed to direct competition from Ecuador and India.
Strategic directions for Vietnamese exporters To sustain and expand market share, Vietnamese exporters need to compete on quality, transparency, and sustainability rather than price. Certifications such as ASC, organic, and carbon-smart are becoming essential for EU retail access. Targeting Germany, Belgium, France, and Denmark will help optimize resources in high-value markets, while diversifying value-added products (cooked-peeled, rings, marinated, ready-to-eat) will enhance competitiveness.
At the same time, exporters should proactively strengthen antibiotic controls, exceeding EU requirements ahead of 2026, to reinforce European buyers’ trust. Flexible export contracts with price-adjustment mechanisms, rational delivery schedules, and partnerships with green retail chains will also improve resilience. Digital traceability can further enhance positioning.
As EU demand surges, Vietnam has opportunities to consolidate its presence. Yet, fierce competition from Ecuador and India and stricter sustainability standards demand agile strategies. Vietnam’s strength lies not in low prices but in quality, product storytelling, and compliance beyond standards—the keys to defending and expanding its share in this demanding yet promising market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Currently, Da Nang City has no fishing vessels detained, sanctioned by foreign authorities, or criminally prosecuted for IUU fishing violations. Patrols, monitoring of marine fishing activities, and handling of violations have been prioritized by competent forces, significantly reducing nearshore fishing infringements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to statistics from Vietnam Customs, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Israel in the first nine months of 2025 reached just over USD 27 million, down as much as 49% compared to the same period in 2024. This is a steep and prolonged decline for many consecutive months, reflecting changes in import demand as well as shifts in the supply structure of this market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The first 700 tons of Vietnamese tilapia ordered and imported by JBS Group will initially be distributed through supermarket chains, the Horeca network and JBS’s product showrooms in Brazil.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In October 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius exports hit $217 million, representing an 8% increase compared to the same month in 2024. For the first 10 months of the year, total export value has surpassed $1.8 billion, up 9% year-on-year. This growth demonstrates clear positive momentum for the pangasius industry, despite continued declines in certain markets.
In recent days, the Central provinces of Vietnam have been suffering from historic flooding, with prolonged heavy rains, landslides, flash floods, and deep inundation causing extremely serious impacts on tens of thousands of households, as well as many VASEP member exporters located in the region. With the spirit of mutual support and solidarity, and in order to promptly assist residents and member exporters in the affected areas to stabilize their lives and restore production activities, VASEP calls on all seafood exporters, organizations, and individuals to extend supports to the people and member exporters in the flood-hit areas. We urge timely and practical material and spiritual contributions to help member exporters and local communities in the severely affected provinces overcome this difficult period.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the final days of October 2025, Vietnam’s domestic raw shrimp market remained generally stable, though slight adjustments were recorded in several sizes across key farming regions.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 498 million in October 2025, up 26% from the same period last year. This is one of the highest monthly revenues since the beginning of the year, reflecting solid demand in major markets and faster shipment schedules by exporters. From January to October, shrimp export value reached USD 3.9 billion, up 22% compared to the same period in 2024.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On October 31, 2025, the US Court of International Trade (CIT) officially issued an order to suspend the case filed by the National Fisheries Institute (NFI), the National Restaurant Association (NRA), and several US seafood companies against the US Government concerning the implementation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) An Giang’s fisheries sector has maintained stable growth momentum during the first nine months of 2025, making an important contribution to the province’s socio-economic development. Despite facing numerous challenges, the province is implementing various measures to enhance production efficiency, expand markets, and promote sustainable fisheries development toward deeper integration into the global economy.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius export value in September 2025 reached USD 181 million, up 5% compared to the same period in 2024. The overall trend for the pangasius industry remains positive, with total exports in the first nine months of 2025 reaching nearly USD 1.6 billion, an increase of 9% year-on-year.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
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