Shrimp exports in the first nine months: Strongest growth in three years, Q4 outlook clouded by volatility

News 09:15 07/11/2025
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first nine months of 2025 surpassed $3.4 billion, up 22% year-on-year - marking the highest growth rate in three years. The surge is driven primarily by rebounding demand in major markets including China, the U.S, the EU and the CPTPP bloc, along with exporters’ flexible adaptation in product mix and market strategy despite ongoing U.S. tariff pressures.

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.

shrimp q4 shrimp exports

TIN MỚI CẬP NHẬT

Vietnamese tilapia to Brazil: growth recovers but challenges remain

 |  13:31 01/10/2026

(vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Brazil became the largest market for Vietnamese tilapia, with export value reaching US$44 million, up 22,142% year-on-year and accounting for 49% of Vietnam’s total tilapia exports. In August alone, exports to Brazil reached US$4 million. However, behind this remarkable growth is a market that is imposing increasingly stringent requirements on imported supplies.

Vietnam’s tuna exports return to growth but headwinds remain

 |  08:46 30/09/2026

(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports sustained their upward trajectory in August 2026, though the pace remained modest at just 2%. The month saw divergent trends across key markets: the US maintained its leading position, Japan and Canada improved, Russia surged and the EU continued to experience a steep downturn. These developments suggest that exporters are entering the final months of the year amid a market environment marked by greater uncertainty.

Spain's Congalsa acquires Lenger Seafood Vietnam

 |  08:00 30/09/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Congalsa has acquired the entire charter capital of Lenger Seafood Vietnam, giving it full ownership of the business and its Nam Dinh processing facility.

Ninh Binh determined not to have IUU fishing violations left unresolved

 |  09:02 29/09/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ninh Binh Province is entering a peak period of action against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, focusing on thoroughly addressing violations, closely monitoring fishing vessels at ports and preventing vessels from violating regulations and operating illegally in foreign waters ahead of the European Commission’s (EC) upcoming inspection in 2026.

Biotechnology elevates pangasius seed quality

 |  08:52 25/09/2026

(vasep.com.vn) The application of biotechnology in seed production is increasingly viewed as a strategic imperative to upgrade pangasius fingerling quality, optimize farming efficiency and anchor sustainable industry development.

VASEP and ASC update new standards, address practical challenges for seafood businesses

 |  08:51 23/09/2026

(vasep.com.vn) On September 15, 2026, in Can Tho, VASEP and ASC jointly organized a training course titled “New ASC standards: updates and practical implementation guidance for farms, businesses and aquafeed mills”. Beyond briefing stakeholders on updated ASC requirements for aquaculture facilities and feed production, the workshop dedicated substantial floor time to directly addressing on-the-ground compliance bottlenecks encountered by Vietnamese enterprises.

Vietnamese tilapia explores new segments and markets

 |  10:10 21/09/2026

(searfood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports continued to post positive results in the first eight months of 2026, with total export value reaching US$90 million, up 43% year-on-year. However, exports in August alone stood at US$11 million, down 8%, reflecting uneven market developments. Brazil remained the leading market, while Japan recorded notable growth, opening up new opportunities for Vietnamese tilapia products.

Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first eight months of 2026: positive growth continues as competition shifts toward efficiency and value

 |  10:35 19/09/2026

(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached US$3.3 billion in the first eight months of 2026, up 12% year on year. However, growth has begun to slow and become more differentiated across markets, while the U.S. and EU continue to present significant challenges. The latest insights from the Global Shrimp Forum 2026 (GSF 2026), held in early September, also indicate that the final months of the year will remain highly competitive as global supply continues to expand and buyers increasingly focus on quality, product specifications, supply stability and the ability to meet market-specific demand.

August 2026 seafood exports: Growth slows, momentum continues to pivot to Asia

 |  15:28 17/09/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In August 2026, Vietnam’s seafood exports reached $1.14 billion, up 6% year on year. Cumulative eight-month exports rose 11.8% to $8.00 billion, though momentum has cooled compared to the 12.8% growth seen through July. China - Hong Kong and ASEAN are offsetting weakness in the U.S, EU and partly Japan. This divergence will likely widen in Q4 as trade tariffs and traceability requirements directly weigh on new orders.

Vietnamese tuna gains wider access to Russia amid a new phase of cooperation

 |  15:38 15/09/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam–Russia relations are entering a new phase of cooperation, with a focus on expanding trade, investment and economic connectivity. Against this backdrop, tuna is emerging as one of the seafood products with significant growth potential in the Russian market. Export data for the first seven months of 2026 show strong growth in Vietnamese tuna exports to Russia. However, turning this momentum into sustainable market share will require businesses to address challenges related to logistics, payment and supply competition.

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

© Copyright 2020 - Mọi hình thức sao chép phải được sự chấp thuận bằng văn bản của VASEP

DANH MỤC