Whiteleg shrimp remains the key driver, marine shrimp surges sharply
Whiteleg shrimp continues to dominate, generating over $2.2 billion - accounting for 65% of total export value, posting 9% growth year-on-year. Notably, processed whiteleg shrimp (HS16) reached nearly $1 billion, up 12%.
Black tiger shrimp recorded $343 million, a modest 2% increase, supported by steady demand from Japan and China for large-size and eco-labeled products.
Remarkably, other shrimp categories (including lobster and slipper lobster) skyrocketed by 91% to nearly $870 million, reflecting portfolio diversification and growing demand in China, the Eu and high-income markets.
Market spotlight: China leads the charge
China & Hong Kong remains the standoutdestination, hitting $966 million (+65%) and capturing nearly 30% of Vietnam’s total shrimp exports. The surge is fueled by demand for live shrimp, premium lobster and high-end products. However, rising import inventories in China may signal a market adjustment in Q4.
The United States, the third-largest market, reached $587 million (+4%). Although consumption improved, the industry faces significant pressure from impending anti-dumping duties expected by year-end. As a result, exporters are exercising caution on long-term U.S contracts and shifting volume to the EU and Asia to mitigate risk.
The CPTPP bloc delivered nearly $941 million (+34%), led by Japan ($426 million, 12% share), Australia and Canada. Japan’s consistent demand for convenient, sustainably certified processed products.
In the EU, exports rose 21% to $434 million, with Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands posting 6 - 28% gains. Demand for ASC-certified, organic or low-carbon products continues to strengthen Vietnamese shrimp’s presence in premium retail chains.
South Korea and Taiwan achieved double-digit growth (13% and 36%, respectively), while Russia and Canada showed signs of leveling off.
In major shrimp farming hubs, raw shrimp prices remain stable due to strong year-end domestic and export demand, while supply is limited during the off-season.
Shrimp exports in Q4/2025 are expected to moderate, primarily due to U.S. market challenges. However, Indonesia’s tightened U.S. access opens a short-term window for Vietnam. Additionally, Ecuador’s heavy focus on the China eases supply pressure in Japan, the EU and South Korea - allowing Vietnamese shrimp to command premium pricing through Q4.
Looking to 2026, competitive pressures are set to intensify as rivals recalibrate. Sustaining momentum will hinge on Vietnam’s ability to accelerate green transformation, digitize supply chains and invest in value-added innovation.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the United States (1995–2025). In parallel with the nation's progress in international economic integration, bilateral seafood trade has followed a remarkably impressive growth trajectory, expanding from an initial scale of just tens of millions of US dollars to nearly $2 billion annually. This growth has positioned the United States as Vietnam’s largest seafood export market for many consecutive years.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On December 12, 2025, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Processing and Export (VASEP) issued document 231/CV-VASEP regarding strengthening measures to combat IUU fishing and working with the Government to lift the EC's IUU yellow card warning.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Tilapia is easy to farm and provides high economic and nutritional value, making it a sought-after export commodity in many countries.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports in the first 10 months of 2025 recorded significant progress, reaching more than USD 9.5 billion, up 15% year-on-year. This result reflects the sector’s persistent efforts amid a highly volatile market, especially policy shocks from the US Although signs of slowdown emerged in the third quarter due to countervailing taxes, key product groups still maintained strong momentum and created a foundation for full-year exports to reach USD 11 billion.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s agreement with the United States on a framework for reciprocal, fair, and balanced trade—reached during the 2025 ASEAN Summit in Malaysia—has generated strong optimism for Vietnamese exports, including tuna. Numerous positive points in the joint statement have raised high expectations for Vietnamese export goods, but turning these expectations into tangible benefits remains a long and challenging journey.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) At the conference on “Linking the Production and Consumption Chain of Ca Mau Crab 2025,” Vice Chairman of the Ca Mau Provincial People’s Committee Lê Văn Sử posed a central question: how to shift the province’s crab exports toward official trade channels, instead of relying heavily on small-scale border trade with China as currently practiced.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The whitefish market in Japan is showing a clear divergence among supplying countries, in which Vietnam continues to affirm its role as a stable and high-potential exporter. Vietnam currently ranks third after the US and Russia in whitefish export value to Japan. Thanks to tariff incentives and the ability to meet Japan’s strict standards, Vietnamese pangasius continues to record a stable and positive growth trend.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The People's Committee of Ca Mau Province has just issued a plan to expand the super-intensive, low-water-exchange, biosecure white-leg shrimp farming model (RAS-IMTA) for whiteleg shrimp farming to a scale of 1,500 hectares, aiming to develop high-tech, sustainable and environmentally friendly shrimp farming.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Sa Giang Import-Export Joint Stock Company (HNX: SGC) plans to issue over 7.1 million shares to raise nearly 465 Billion VND for Hoan Ngoc M&A Deal.
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