In August this year, shrimp exports continued to record double-digit growth in most major consumer markets, such as the US, China, and the EU. Markets such as Japan and South Korea recorded a slight increase.
Reduced inventories and the need to import goods for the holiday season have caused markets to increase imports. In addition, raw shrimp prices from producing countries around the world as well as Vietnam tend to increase, positively affecting shrimp export prices.
For the US market, Vietnam's shrimp exports to the US increased by 21% to 91 million USD in August. In the first 8 months, shrimp exports to this market reached 482 million USD, up 7% over the same period last year.
Inventory levels in the US have decreased; retailers need to replenish inventory before the year-end holiday season. Positive information about the US economy has also helped Vietnam's shrimp exports to the US to be more positive.
For the Chinese and Hong Kong markets, Vietnam's shrimp exports to this market continued to recover in August with double-digit growth compared to the same period last year. In the first 8 months, shrimp exports to this market reached 477 million USD, up 21% compared to the same period last year.
Vietnam’s shrimp exports to China have increased again 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 shipments were rejected in June due to sodium metabisulfite residues. This has affected Ecuador’s shrimp exports to China.
According to China Customs, in the first seven months of this year, the volume of frozen warm-water shrimp imported into China decreased by 11% and 23% compared to the same period last year to 529,116 tons, equivalent to 2.5 billion USD. The economic situation in China is not very positive, reducing consumer purchasing power. However, the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays in China are expected to boost shrimp consumption here.
Raw shrimp prices and export prices both tend to increase
In the second week of September 2024, the price of whole chilled whiteleg shrimp increased by about 20% compared to the same period in 2023. Compared to the beginning of August 2024, the price of 30-count and 40-count shrimp increased by about 40%. Smaller shrimp increased by 13%–19% compared to the beginning of August.
The export price of Vietnamese white-leg shrimp to the US has been on an upward trend since February this year. The export price of white-leg shrimp to the Japanese market is also expected to increase due to the popularity of Vietnamese value-added and processed products and the appreciation of the yen.
Although in August, market demand was more positive and shrimp prices also tended to be positive, the Vietnamese shrimp industry still faced many challenges, especially in the farming stage when facing diseases in shrimp farming such as EHP. The shrimp industry needs the cooperation of management agencies and the entire chain to ensure the source of raw materials at the end of the year for processing and export.
(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.
(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.
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