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.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first nine months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the EU reached approximately $148 million, up 12% compared to the same period in 2025. In September 2026 alone, export turnover to this market hit $18 million, a 27% year-on-year increase. Despite diverging demand across member states, the EU remains a market with growth potential for Vietnamese pangasius, particularly as supplies of several traditional whitefish species face mounting pressure.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports to the US are showing a clear recovery after a difficult start to the year. However, the rebound is taking place against a backdrop of declining US tuna imports and a shifting supply structure, posing new challenges for Vietnamese businesses.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first nine months of 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports to Japan reached US$440.9 million, up 6.4% year on year. This result is noteworthy as Japan’s total shrimp imports continued to decline slightly and competition among suppliers intensified. Demand for convenience foods and processed products continues to create opportunities for Vietnamese exporters, but capitalizing on these opportunities requires stronger competitiveness and the ability to meet increasingly specific market requirements.
(vasep.com.vn) After slowing in the first months of the year, Vietnam’s tuna exports have shown a clear improvement since June 2026. However, behind September’s double-digit growth lies a notable reality: export value is recovering, but pressures from markets, trade policies, and competition among suppliers remain.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius export value reached US$1.7 billion in the first nine months of 2026, up 11% year on year. In September alone, exports totaled US$210 million, an increase of 16%. China, the United States, and Brazil were the three largest markets, accounting for 49% of total export value. While China and Brazil maintained their growth momentum, exports to the US remained below the level recorded in the same period last year.
(vasep.com.vn) On November 11, 2026, in Can Tho, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) will organize the Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026 (VSS 2026) under the theme “Seafood Market Outlook 2027–2029: Opportunities and Headroom for Double-Digit Export Growth.”
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Business leader Do Ngoc Tai, General Director of Tai Kim Anh Seafood Processing Joint Stock Company, was honored by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) with the title “Outstanding Vietnamese Entrepreneur – Thanh Giong Cup 2026” at a ceremony celebrating Vietnam Entrepreneurs’ Day (October 13). The event took place on the evening of October 11, 2026, at the National Convention Center in Hanoi.
(vasep.com.vn) The global tilapia market is becoming increasingly segmented, not only among producing countries but also by product type and destination market. Supply is divided into groups with distinct competitive advantages: large volumes of whole fish and frozen fillets from Asia, high-value fresh fillets from Latin America, and substantial domestic consumption in several major producing countries.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports to the UK grew in the first eight months of 2026, despite signs of slowing import demand in the market. However, sharp fluctuations in orders, competition from major suppliers, and new traceability requirements are creating challenges for Vietnamese exporters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam is stepping up efforts to combat illegal fishing, protect marine ecosystems, expand digital monitoring, and develop science-based management to ensure the sea can support communities and the economy for generations to come.
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