Exports to the US, EU, and Korea reversed
In April this year, Vietnam's shrimp exports saw a change in import trends in the main markets. If in previous months, exports to the US and China and Hong Kong recorded strong growth rates, in April this year, exports to the US decreased and to China and Hong Kong only increased slightly.
Exports to the Korean market increased slightly again after decreasing in the previous two months. After 2 months of deep decline, exports to the EU market recovered growth in April. The EU is the main market, recording the best growth in April this year.
Shrimp exports to the US in April 2024 decreased by 15% after still growing slightly in March. In the first 4 months of this year, Vietnamese shrimp exports to the US reached 168 million USD, up 5% over the same period.
Shrimp imports into the US from supply sources in the first quarter of this year recorded an increase in volume and a slight decrease in value. In March of this year, the US again skyrocketed shrimp imports from Ecuador, with an increase of 25% and 24% in volume and value, respectively. This may cause the US to reduce imports from other sources.
Vietnam's shrimp industry is in the "suspense" stage due to information related to countervailing duties. Currently, the US is considering recognizing Vietnam as a market economy, hoping to achieve positive results that will help remove countervailing duties barriers and relieve the burden on Vietnamese shrimp exporters that go to America.
Vietnamese shrimp exports to China and Hong Kong markets increased by 1.7% to 64 million USD in April this year. Accumulated in the first 4 months of the year, shrimp export turnover to this market reached 192 million USD, an increase of 41%. Shrimp exports to Korea also recorded a slight increase of 4% in April this year, and the turnover in the first 4 months of this year to this market reached 95 million USD, down 10%.
EU was the bright spot in April
Shrimp exports to the EU reached 38 million USD in April this year, up 28% over the same period. Accumulated in 4 months, the export value reached 119 million USD, almost equivalent to the same period last year.
In April, shrimp exports to the EU were quite exciting. Export value to the main single markets in the bloc all grew by double digits. Exports to Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium increased by 29%, 37%, and 39%, respectively; exports to Denmark increased sharply by 88%.
The Global Seafood Exhibition 2024 takes place in Spain in April with the participation of many Vietnamese shrimp exporters. Here, fresh value-added shrimp products from Vietnam were promoted to European consumers and imports. Instant shrimp products are processed by businesses into many rich and diverse dishes and invited to enjoy right at the booths.
Vietnam's shrimp exports in the first 4 months of the year recorded an increase of 10% over the same period, a sign that inventories in markets have reduced. However, actual consumer demand has not yet shown a clear recovery. In the context of still facing many challenges, Vietnam's shrimp industry should promote the production of value-added products, focusing more on the farming stage to increase productivity, reduce costs, and increase competitiveness to increase export turnover. this year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In March 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports recorded strong growth, reaching USD 15 million, up 109% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively, in the first three months of 2026, export value reached USD 38 million, an increase of 174% year-on-year. This result highlights the sector’s robust expansion and reflects rapid growth across multiple markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In March 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius export value reached USD 182 million, up 1% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively, exports in the first three months of 2026 totaled USD 514 million, an increase of 17% year-on-year, indicating that the growth momentum is being maintained despite signs of slowdown in some markets during March.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During peak heat periods, farmers raising pangasius, tilapia, and other freshwater fish in Dong Thap are implementing various technical measures to reduce risks and maintain stable production.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Japan continues to be one of Vietnam’s most important and stable shrimp markets. In recent years, shrimp exports to this market have fluctuated in line with Japan’s broader economic and consumption cycles, yet Japan remains a major, high-value destination with stringent standards.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Spain increased by 13% compared to 2024. This growth trend has continued into the first two months of 2026. According to Vietnam Customs statistics, export turnover to this market reached nearly USD 3 million in January–February 2026, up 101% year-on-year and significantly higher than the same period in 2024. This development indicates that Spain is once again becoming a notable destination for Vietnamese tuna amid strong demand for tuna raw materials and products in Europe.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The 2026 brackish water shrimp farming season in the Mekong Delta has started earlier than usual, mainly driven by positive market signals, as shrimp prices in 2025 remained high and supply was limited. Many enterprises and farms in Cần Thơ, Cà Mau, and Vĩnh Long have proactively stocked early to seize opportunities. By early 2026, stocking areas in many localities had reached a high proportion of planned targets, with intensive and high-tech farming models expanding rapidly.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States recorded remarkable growth in 2025, opening up major opportunities while also presenting considerable challenges. The U.S. remains the largest importer of Vietnamese tilapia fillets, with export turnover reaching USD 40 million—an increase of up to 499% compared to 2024. This impressive growth reflects strong demand in the U.S. market, as supply from competing countries such as China has been constrained by tariffs and rising production costs.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Pangasius remains a strategic export commodity in Vietnam’s seafood sector. Entering 2026, the industry faces a strong need to transition from volume-based growth to a value-driven development model, with a focus on quality, food safety, and sustainability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Following damage caused by Storm No. 13 in late 2025, brackish water shrimp farming in Gia Lai is being rapidly restored. In key farming areas such as Tuy Phước and Tuy Phước Đông, farmers are focusing on rehabilitating ponds, repairing infrastructure, and treating the environment in preparation for the 2026 crop.
(seafood.vasep.com) Facing the decline in fishery resources, Vietnam is accelerating livelihood transitions for fishermen to reduce fishing pressure and move toward sustainable development. Marine fish stocks have dropped significantly from 4.82 million tons in 2000–2005 to 3.95 million tons in 2016–2020.
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