In July this year, shrimp exports recorded growth in most major consuming markets such as the US, China, and the EU. In July, markets like Japan and South Korea, which had seen declines or only slight increases in the previous months, recorded double-digit growth rates.
Reduced inventory and increased demand for imports to serve the year-end holidays caused these markets to increase their imports. In addition, the price of raw shrimp from producing countries around the world and Vietnam is also trending upwards, which positively impacts the export shrimp prices.
For the US market, Vietnam's shrimp exports to the US increased by 16% to $89 million in July. Cumulatively in the first 7 months, shrimp exports to this market reached $391 million, up 4% compared to the same period last year.
Inventory levels in the US have decreased, and retailers need to replenish their stocks before the year-end holiday season. Positive news about the US economy, such as a slight increase in retail sales in July compared to the same period last year, as well as growth in consumer spending, business investment and exports, wage increases, and low unemployment rate, indicate that inflation in the US is showing signs of cooling down. Frozen shrimp remains the leading product among the best-selling retail items in the US.
US shrimp import demand is expected to continue growing in the third quarter, and prices are expected to increase slightly from July onwards.
According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the US, in the first 6 months of the year, the US imported 351,025 tons of shrimp, valued at $2.7 billion, down 3% in volume and 6% in value compared to the same period in 2023.
For the China & Hong Kong market, Vietnam's shrimp exports to this market have shown a recovery trend in July with double-digit growth compared to the same period last year. Cumulatively in the first 7 months, shrimp exports to this market reached $399 million, up 18% compared to the same period last year.
Vietnam's shrimp exports to China have resumed growth thanks to increased import demand from this market. In addition, Ecuador (Vietnam's main competitor in the Chinese market) has faced strict inspections from China, and some of its shipments were rejected in June due to residues of sodium metabisulfite. This has affected Ecuador's shrimp exports to China.
Export enterprises continue to face challenges such as rising sea freight costs and global conflict risks. Shrimp farming activities in August and September will also be affected by heavy rains, which may lead to a lower supply of commercial shrimp from now until the end of the year. However, enterprises have also developed their own strategies, such as securing contracts for the whole year and increasing raw material inventory. It is expected that in the last months of the year, the global economy and key import markets will show better signals, allowing the shrimp industry to achieve its goals for 2024.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In March 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports recorded strong growth, reaching USD 15 million, up 109% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively, in the first three months of 2026, export value reached USD 38 million, an increase of 174% year-on-year. This result highlights the sector’s robust expansion and reflects rapid growth across multiple markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In March 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius export value reached USD 182 million, up 1% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively, exports in the first three months of 2026 totaled USD 514 million, an increase of 17% year-on-year, indicating that the growth momentum is being maintained despite signs of slowdown in some markets during March.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During peak heat periods, farmers raising pangasius, tilapia, and other freshwater fish in Dong Thap are implementing various technical measures to reduce risks and maintain stable production.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Japan continues to be one of Vietnam’s most important and stable shrimp markets. In recent years, shrimp exports to this market have fluctuated in line with Japan’s broader economic and consumption cycles, yet Japan remains a major, high-value destination with stringent standards.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Spain increased by 13% compared to 2024. This growth trend has continued into the first two months of 2026. According to Vietnam Customs statistics, export turnover to this market reached nearly USD 3 million in January–February 2026, up 101% year-on-year and significantly higher than the same period in 2024. This development indicates that Spain is once again becoming a notable destination for Vietnamese tuna amid strong demand for tuna raw materials and products in Europe.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The 2026 brackish water shrimp farming season in the Mekong Delta has started earlier than usual, mainly driven by positive market signals, as shrimp prices in 2025 remained high and supply was limited. Many enterprises and farms in Cần Thơ, Cà Mau, and Vĩnh Long have proactively stocked early to seize opportunities. By early 2026, stocking areas in many localities had reached a high proportion of planned targets, with intensive and high-tech farming models expanding rapidly.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States recorded remarkable growth in 2025, opening up major opportunities while also presenting considerable challenges. The U.S. remains the largest importer of Vietnamese tilapia fillets, with export turnover reaching USD 40 million—an increase of up to 499% compared to 2024. This impressive growth reflects strong demand in the U.S. market, as supply from competing countries such as China has been constrained by tariffs and rising production costs.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Pangasius remains a strategic export commodity in Vietnam’s seafood sector. Entering 2026, the industry faces a strong need to transition from volume-based growth to a value-driven development model, with a focus on quality, food safety, and sustainability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Following damage caused by Storm No. 13 in late 2025, brackish water shrimp farming in Gia Lai is being rapidly restored. In key farming areas such as Tuy Phước and Tuy Phước Đông, farmers are focusing on rehabilitating ponds, repairing infrastructure, and treating the environment in preparation for the 2026 crop.
(seafood.vasep.com) Facing the decline in fishery resources, Vietnam is accelerating livelihood transitions for fishermen to reduce fishing pressure and move toward sustainable development. Marine fish stocks have dropped significantly from 4.82 million tons in 2000–2005 to 3.95 million tons in 2016–2020.
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