By the end of the first quarter, the US still accounted for the highest proportion in the total shrimp exports of Vietnam with over 20%, reaching 134.6 million USD, up 16.5% over the same period last year. Japan ranked second with 126 million USD, accounting for 19%, but compared to the same period in 2020, it decreased 4%, due to a sharp decline in the first 2 months of the year, although exports to this market in March were equivalent to the same period last year.
Shrimp exports to the EU increased by 8% to 95 million USD, accounting for 14.5% of which exports to the main markets of the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium all grew 2 digits (up 10%, 16% and 10% respectively). These markets also increased strongly Vietnam shrimp imports in March: up 15%, 33% and 38% respectively. These three markets account for over 70% of Vietnam's shrimp exports to the EU.
The two markets Australia and the UK are accounting for a remarkable proportion in the total shrimp exports of Vietnam in the first 3 months of this year with 6.2% and 6.1%, worth $40.9 million and $40.4 million, increase 46% and 11.5% respectively over the same period in 2020.
In addition to the UK, shrimp consumption in Russia also increased sharply, making shrimp imports from Vietnam up 102% in the first quarter, reaching $11.2 million.
In the first quarter of 2021, whiteleg shrimp is still the most popular in the markets. In the context of the Covid epidemic, the consumption trend focuses on retail channels and supermarkets, so small shrimp suitable for home processing has more demand than large, high priced shrimp. Vannamei exports in the first quarter reached $ 507 million, up 15% over the same period last year, accounting for nearly 77% of shrimp export turnover. In which, processed whiteleg shrimp (HS code 16) gained a higher proportion with 263 million USD, up 22%, while frozen shrimp (HS 03 code) reached 243 million USD, up by 8%.
Meanwhile, black tiger shrimp exports continued to decline by 26%, reaching nearly 92 million USD and only accounting for 14% of shrimp exports. Japan, China and the US - the three largest markets, all sharply reduced the import of black tiger shrimp from Vietnam, down 24%, 30% and 41% respectively over the same period last year.
Export of marine shrimp accounted for 9.5% of the total export of shrimp, reaching US$ 62.7 million, down 3% over the same period last year. In which, the export of processed shrimp and frozen shrimp decreased by 8.7% and 10%, respectively. Meanwhile, the export of dried shrimp increased sharply by double compared to the same period last year.
(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.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 49 million, up 151% compared to the same period in 2025. This impressive growth reflects positive momentum in the tilapia sector, with Brazil emerging as a key driver of growth, while frozen tilapia fillets continued to be the industry's leading export product.
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