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) The year 2026 marks a period of strong growth for Vietnam’s tilapia industry, but it is also a time when international export competition is becoming increasingly intense. Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 99 million in 2025, up 140% compared to the previous year. In the first four months of 2026 alone, export value reached USD 49 million, a 151% increase year-on-year. As global demand for affordable whitefish continues to rise, Vietnam is emerging as a noteworthy competitor to traditional tilapia powerhouses such as China, Indonesia, Brazil, and Egypt.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With continued policy support, technological innovation and close coordination among authorities, businesses and farmers, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is expected to make a strong and sustainable breakthrough during the 2026–2030 period, reinforcing its position as the world’s leading exporter of the fish.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to Asian markets showed varying trends across regions and countries. The Middle East recorded strong growth, with Saudi Arabia emerging as the largest Asian market for Vietnamese tilapia. ASEAN markets also expanded significantly, driven primarily by Malaysia. Meanwhile, Japan maintained solid growth, while exports to South Korea declined compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Shrimp and pangasius continued to lead growth, helping seafood exports reach $4.67 billion in the first five months of the year; however, differentiation among product groups and increasingly stringent requirements from importing markets are posing many challenges for the industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Every day, the seafood processing industry in Ca Mau generates large quantities of shrimp heads and shells during processing operations. In the past, these by-products were largely treated as waste, increasing production costs and posing potential environmental risks. However, thanks to advanced processing technologies, materials once considered waste are now being transformed into high-value products, creating a circular economy model within the seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam Clean Seafood Corporation has invested in a 280-hectare super-intensive shrimp farming zone in Tran De Commune, Can Tho City, generating export value of approximately VND 3 billion per hectare per year—around 50 times higher than traditional agricultural production.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports reached USD 1.02 billion in May 2026, up 0.6% year-on-year. Cumulative exports in the first five months of 2026 totaled USD 4.67 billion, an increase of 11% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In a rapidly changing global seafood market, timely insights and reliable data are more critical than ever. The Report on Vietnam Seafood Exports in Q1/2026 provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in Vietnam’s seafood production, trade performance, and export trends, helping businesses navigate uncertainty and identify new growth opportunities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) While many major markets continue to experience slow growth, Russia has emerged as a brighter destination for Vietnamese tuna exports in early 2026. Export turnover to this market increased by nearly 55% in the first four months of the year, indicating a clear improvement in demand. Nevertheless, Russia remains a market that should be viewed with both optimism and caution.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius exports have shown encouraging signs of recovery in 2026. In the first four months of the year, total export turnover reached USD 720 million, up 17% compared to the same period last year. This result reflects improving demand across many markets, as well as the efforts of Vietnamese pangasius enterprises to maintain production, secure orders, and adapt to changing market conditions.
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