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.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 81 million in April 2026, down 6% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of the year, export turnover totaled USD 289 million, down 4.8%. Although the overall export picture has yet to brighten significantly, market trends are becoming increasingly diversified rather than moving in a single direction.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is undergoing strong restructuring starting from the broodstock and fingerling segment in order to improve productivity, quality, and export competitiveness. This is considered a critical foundation for the sustainable development of the industry amid rising production costs and increasingly stringent market requirements.
(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.
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