Vietnam shrimp exports in February 2022 reached 244.8 million USD, up 55% compared to February 2021. Shrimp exports in February decreased from that in January, as it was around the Lunar New Year period. In the first 2 months of the year, Vietnam shrimp exports reached nearly 558 million USD, up 48% year-on-year. Shrimp exports in January and February had a remarkable growth compared to the same period in previous years.
In the structure of Vietnam's shrimp exports in the first two months of this year, exports of white leg shrimp and black tiger shrimp grew by double digits, at 49% and 54% respectively. Exports decreased only for some marine shrimps. Export of processed shrimp (HS code 16) witnessed the strongest growth of 119%.
The US continues to be Vietnam's largest single shrimp import market, accounting for 21% of the country's total shrimp export turnover. Shrimp exports to the US continued to maintain the growth momentum of 2021. In the first two months of this year, shrimp exports to the US reached 117.5 million USD, up 61% over the same period last year. As the US market reopened after Covid-19, the demand for seafood imports, including shrimp, continued to rebound. Vietnam is still the fourth largest shrimp supplier in the US market after India, Ecuador, and Indonesia.
After a sharp decline of 22% in 2021, there have been signs of recovery for exports to China in the first 2 months of this year. In February 2022, Vietnam's shrimp exports to China reached 21.3 million USD, up 41% compared to February 2021. In the first 2 months of this year, exports to this market reached 39.7 million USD, up 14% over the same period last year.
China is one of the world's largest shrimp-consuming markets with huge food service channels. China's shrimp imports are forecasted to increase sharply in 2022. However, China's regulations and barriers are still strict, especially given the time when China's customs authorities are tightening supervision of imported food products during the COVID-19 pandemic. Enterprises exporting to this market need to ensure the control and prevention of Covid-19 during the production and export of shrimp to China.
It is forecasted that shrimp exports will continue to grow by about 40% in March 2022 thanks to strong market demand. Full-year exports are expected to reach more than 4 billion USD, up 3% compared to 2021.
However, the price of gasoline and oil has increased to a record high in recent years, causing transportation costs to increase, greatly affecting production costs and profits of enterprises. In addition, enterprises still have to face many difficulties such as the high cost of input materials for production, international shipping fees continuing to increase, increasing production costs, and dwindling competitiveness compared to competing countries such as India, Ecuador, Indonesia...
In 2022, the US, EU, and Japan will still be the main export markets for Vietnam's shrimp. Besides, focus on other potential markets such as Canada, Australia, the UK, etc. Russian market will be interrupted due to the risks of payment and transportation and it will be difficult to recover in a short time.
The war between Russia and Ukraine has more or less affected shrimp exports to Russia and Ukraine, although these two markets only account for a very small proportion of Vietnam's total shrimp exports: Russia accounted for 1%, Ukraine accounted for 0.03%. However, this conflict will increase gasoline prices and lead to a series of other input cost increases, affecting prices and profits of processing and exporting companies.
Compiled by Minh Trang
(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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