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) 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.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 49 million, up 151% compared to the same period in 2025. This impressive growth reflects positive momentum in the tilapia sector, with Brazil emerging as a key driver of growth, while frozen tilapia fillets continued to be the industry's leading export product.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
Chịu trách nhiệm: Ông Nguyễn Hoài Nam - Phó Tổng thư ký Hiệp hội
Đơn vị vận hành trang tin điện tử: Trung tâm VASEP.PRO
Trưởng Ban Biên tập: Bà Phùng Thị Kim Thu
Giấy phép hoạt động Trang thông tin điện tử tổng hợp số 138/GP-TTĐT, ngày 01/10/2013 của Bộ Thông tin và Truyền thông
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 – (ext.203); email: kimthu@vasep.com.vn
Trụ sở: Số 7 đường Nguyễn Quý Cảnh, Phường An Phú, Quận 2, Tp.Hồ Chí Minh
Tel: (+84) 28.628.10430 - Fax: (+84) 28.628.10437 - Email: vasephcm@vasep.com.vn
VPĐD: số 10, Nguyễn Công Hoan, Ngọc Khánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 - Fax: (+84 24) 37715084 - Email: vasephn@vasep.com.vn
