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) Lobster exports to China continued to surge in the first half of this year, putting the lobster industry on the verge of reaching an export value exceeding $1 billion.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) More than five years after the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) took effect, Vietnamese seafood is steadily expanding its market share in the United Kingdom, one of Europe’s major seafood import markets with stable and diverse consumer demand.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) At Van Hung Commune, Khanh Hoa Province, the Khanh Hoa Agricultural Extension Center, in collaboration with the Northern Aquaculture Research Center and the Van Hung Public Service Center, organized a technical training course on the industrial-scale production of disease-free golden pompano (Trachinotus falcatus) seed for local marine fish farmers.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s squid and octopus exports maintained a strong recovery in the first five months of 2026, reaching more than USD 302 million, up 17% compared to the same period in 2025. Growth was primarily driven by Asian markets, including South Korea, Japan, Thailand, and China, while exports to the United States and the European Union continued to face headwinds from cautious consumer demand and increasingly stringent compliance requirements.
Vietnamese seafood giant Minh Phu Group has inaugurated a VND1.5 trillion (US$57.4 million) seafood processing plant in Ca Mau Province.
(vasep.com.vn) From 19–21 August 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition (Vietfish 2026) will take place at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. Under the theme "Innovation – Sustainability", Vietfish 2026 continues to serve as Vietnam's flagship annual seafood event, bringing together seafood producers, exporters, importers, buyers, industry experts, government agencies, and stakeholders from across the domestic and global seafood value chain.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports maintained strong growth momentum in May 2026, reaching USD 14 million, up 18% compared with the same month last year. Cumulative export value for the first five months of 2026 totaled USD 62 million, representing a remarkable 101% increase over the same period in 2025, highlighting the sector’s strong recovery in international markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 367 million in the first five months of 2026, down 7% compared to the same period in 2025. While the decline is not yet severe, the more concerning issue is that pressure is mounting in key markets such as the United States and the European Union, just as ocean freight rates are rising sharply on long-haul routes. The current situation is therefore not merely about slower orders, but rather a clear restructuring phase for Vietnam’s tuna industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2026 marks a period of strong growth for Vietnam’s tilapia industry, but it is also a time when international export competition is becoming increasingly intense. Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 99 million in 2025, up 140% compared to the previous year. In the first four months of 2026 alone, export value reached USD 49 million, a 151% increase year-on-year. As global demand for affordable whitefish continues to rise, Vietnam is emerging as a noteworthy competitor to traditional tilapia powerhouses such as China, Indonesia, Brazil, and Egypt.
(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.
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