Shrimp exports in the first four months of this year increased by 14% over the same period last year, reaching US$1 billion. In particular, exports of whiteleg shrimp reached US$687 million, accounting for 67.5% (compared with 63% compared to the same period last year), while exports of black tiger shrimp gained US$229 million, accounting for 22.5% (compared with 27% in the same period of 2017). In the structure of shrimp export products of Vietnam, sales of whiteleg shrimp inched up 25%, those of marine shrimp increased by 15% while those of black tiger shrimp dipped by 10% compared with the same period last year.
In the first 4 months of 2018, Vietnamese shrimp was sent to 76 markets. Exports to the top 8 importers of Vietnamese shrimp all increased except for Japan with a drop of 9.3%. Exports to South Korea and Australia recorded the highest growth of 34.4% and 26%, respectively. Exports to the U.S and China grew by 1.4% and 4%, respectively.
In the period, Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the EU touched US$189.6 million, up 11%. Exports to the three main importing markets (the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium) rose by 83.4%, 50% and 28% respectively. Shrimp exports to the EU remained stable due to the reduction of imports from India. Besides, Vietnamese exports to the EU currently enjoy the EU's Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which provides developing countries preferential access to the EU market through reduced tariffs.
This time, shrimp exports to Japan reached US$175.3 million, down 9.3% over the same period last year due to the strong competition with Indian shrimp in this market.
Shrimp exports to the U.S in the first four months of this year totaled US$160 million, a slight increase of 1.4% due to low shrimp demand in the market because of the inventory and strong competition with India. Shrimp exports to the U.S in the coming time still have to face high anti-dumping tax and Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP). As of December 31st Dec 2018, shrimp importers must comply fully with the requirements of the SIMP program.
The export value of Vietnamese shrimp in April decreased by 0.4%, reducing the growth rate of shrimp exports in the first 4 months, was partly driven by a fall in the price of shrimp in the country and the world. In April, the price of whiteleg shrimp sized 80-100 pcs/kg in some provinces in the Mekong Delta has shown signs of decrease compared to previous months. The main reason was the increase in world supply while the inventory remains in importing markets.
The price of the domestic raw shrimp forecasted to recover in the coming time. Major shrimp producing countries (India, Bangladesh, and Thailand) have been over-harvested and expected to reduce supplies in QIII and QIV this year. In addition, many shrimp exporters of Vietnam have begun to sign large orders for the holidays of the end of 2018 so shrimp prices are expected to increase again in August and September this year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports maintained strong growth momentum in February 2026, with many markets recording sharp increases compared to the same period last year. In February alone, export value reached USD 8.4 million, up 148% year-on-year. Cumulatively, in the first two months of 2026, total tilapia export turnover hit USD 23 million, soaring 242% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In global seafood trade, sensory evaluation is increasingly becoming one of the key “technical barriers” in many importing markets-especially the United States. Issues such as filth, and signs of decomposition/spoilage are often detected through sensory evaluation methods and remain common reasons for seafood import alerts, detentions, or shipment rejections.
Shrimp has been the most important export product of Vietnam’s seafood industry for many years, typically accounting for 35–45% of the country’s total seafood export value. With a well-developed farming, processing, and export system, Vietnam has become one of the world’s leading shrimp exporters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, the global food market is facing increasing volatility in logistics costs, energy prices, and supply chains. In the seafood sector, alongside ocean-caught products such as tuna, the surimi-based product group—including fish cakes, crab sticks, fish balls, and other imitation seafood products—has also been affected to some extent by these developments.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to the 2026 brackish-water shrimp farming calendar issued by the Da Nang Department of Agriculture and Environment, the 2026 crop started in early January and is expected to harvest in late June. However, stocking progress has been slower than planned as farmers remain cautious, focusing on pond renovation and production preparations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After the Lunar New Year of Binh Ngo 2026, commercial clam prices in Ha Tinh province surged sharply, nearly doubling compared to normal levels and standing about 20–30% higher than the same period last year. The spike has encouraged many aquaculture households to accelerate harvesting and sell large volumes to the market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In January 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 379.6 million, up 22% compared to the same period in 2025. The double-digit growth in the very first month of the year signals a relatively positive recovery in orders, particularly in Asian markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) From the very beginning of 2026, India’s shrimp industry has received a series of favorable trade signals: U.S. reciprocal tariffs have been reduced, while the successful conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU has opened prospects for eliminating nearly all seafood tariffs in the coming years. This shift not only enables Indian shrimp to quickly offset declines in the U.S. market, but also reshapes the global competitive landscape, placing greater pressure on Vietnamese shrimp exporters in terms of price, market share, and strategic positioning.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Entering 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is recording many positive signals, both in terms of raw fish prices and export prospects. Export turnover this year is projected to reach approximately USD 2.3 billion. Amid ongoing volatility in the global market, diversifying export destinations, reducing dependence on major markets, and effectively leveraging free trade agreements (FTAs) are considered key to maintaining sustainable growth and creating new momentum for the pangasius sector.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With forecasts indicating that weather conditions in 2026 may become more complex—featuring prolonged heatwaves, unseasonal rains, and increased salinity intrusion—the agricultural sector of Can Tho City advises brackish water shrimp farmers to strictly follow the seasonal farming calendar and strengthen pond environmental management to minimize risks and improve production efficiency.
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