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) In Quang Ngai Province, shrimp farming costs are rising sharply due to लगातार increases in feed, fuel, and input material prices, while farm-gate shrimp prices are declining. This has significantly reduced farmers’ profit margins and increased production risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports are experiencing impressive growth, reflecting expanding global demand as well as the sector’s development potential. However, behind the strong growth figures lie limitations in production capacity and supply chains, highlighting the need for sustainable development in the coming period.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the Middle East in 2025 and early 2026 have shown notable growth. However, escalating geopolitical tensions in the region have increasingly impacted export activities since March. This situation presents a challenge of balancing market expansion opportunities with rising trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The Quang Tri Department of Agriculture and Environment has instructed localities to base their stocking schedules on actual conditions in each farming area, while developing plans, allocating resources, and implementing synchronized measures for disease prevention and disaster risk management in aquaculture production.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first two months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cakes and surimi exceeded USD 45 million, up 7% compared to the same period in 2025, indicating a positive outlook for this product segment amid recovering demand in many markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During the week from April 4th to 10th, 2026, Quang Ngai province intensified its monitoring and law enforcement activities with the determination to eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Thanh Hoa’s shrimp sector is undergoing a strong transformation by accelerating the adoption of high technology, helping to improve productivity, increase profits, and meet market demands. The province currently has about 4,100 hectares of shrimp farming, with output continuing to rise despite stable farming area, mainly due to the shift from traditional methods to intensive and super-intensive farming.
(vasep.com.vn) Amid ongoing volatility in global seafood trade, Vietnam’s crab exports have made a fairly positive start to 2026. According to Vietnam Customs statistics, export turnover in the first two months of 2026 reached nearly USD 55 million, up 24% compared to the same period in 2025 and more than 2.2 times higher than in the same period of 2024. This indicates that crab exports are entering 2026 with stronger growth momentum, particularly in Asian markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Da Nang City has fully implemented all recommendations from the European Commission (EC) regarding the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, creating an important foundation for the removal of the “yellow card” in the near future.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Hoa Vang district (Da Nang City), red tilapia farming is demonstrating clear economic efficiency, becoming a promising livelihood that helps many households increase their income. A notable example is the model of Mr. Huynh Ngoc Nam, who operates two red tilapia ponds covering more than 4 hectares, generating stable annual income.
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