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) According to Vietnam Customs data, pangasius exports in April 2026 reached USD 206 million, up 18% compared to the same period in 2025 — marking another consecutive month of double-digit growth since the beginning of the year. Cumulative pangasius export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 720 million, up 17% year-on-year, reflecting the positive growth momentum of this key export product.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 maintained positive growth momentum, reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, behind this result lies diverging trends across markets, as the global shrimp industry continues to face pressure from inflation, high inventories, price competition, and increasing trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Vinh Tuy commune (Kien Giang Province), many shrimp farmers are adopting bottom aeration systems and reporting clear economic benefits, helping increase income and reduce production risks.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of crabs and other crustaceans reached more than USD 93 million, up 23% compared to the same period last year. The result shows that the sector is experiencing a fairly positive recovery, especially in its two key product groups: crabs and swimming crabs. However, behind the growth figures are several concerns: export markets remain highly concentrated, raw material supply is unstable, and trade barriers from the US and EU are becoming increasingly stringent.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Ca Mau province, many farmers are transitioning from traditional methods to high-tech shrimp farming, adopting recirculating systems with minimal water exchange to improve efficiency and reduce risks. In Hung My commune alone, there are about 260 super-intensive shrimp farming households covering more than 265 hectares, playing a key role in local economic development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cake and surimi reached USD 63 million, down 5% compared to the same period last year. Although total export value declined slightly due to decreases in some key markets, many other destinations continued to post strong growth, opening up room for this convenience-oriented processed segment in the coming quarters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Favorable weather conditions in the early months of 2026 have brought encouraging signs for fisheries activities in Quang Tri. Output has grown steadily, contributing to improved livelihoods for local residents.
Entering 2026, Vietnam’s seafood industry is facing a period of both high expectations and mounting pressures. Following the positive recovery in 2025, production and export activities in Q1/2026 demonstrated the strong adaptability of Vietnam’s seafood business community amid continued global trade volatility, intensifying international competition, and increasingly stringent compliance requirements in import markets.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 1.069 billion, up 17.5% compared to the same period in 2025. This is a positive result amid an uneven global shrimp market recovery, intensifying competition among major suppliers, and continued volatility in the international trade environment. However, this growth does not reflect a broad-based recovery across the entire sector, but rather is driven mainly by strong performance in a few markets and specific product segments—most notably lobster exports to China.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports continued to decline in March 2026. Cumulatively, in the first three months of the year, export value reached USD 208 million, down 4% compared to the same period in 2025. The export landscape shows clear divergence across markets: while the U.S. and EU remain challenging, markets such as Russia, the Middle East, Egypt, the Philippines, and Mexico have emerged as growth bright spots.
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