In September 2020, except exports to Japan dipped, Vietnam's shrimp exports to other major markets hiked such as the US (+ 39.6%), China (+ 22.9%), EU (+35.4 %), South Korea (+ 3.2%), UK (+ 54.3%), Canada (+ 47%), Australia (+ 50.7%). Notably, Vietnam's shrimp exports to the EU in September 2020 reached the highest growth rate since the beginning of the year thanks in part to the positive impact from the EVFTA Agreement. The main import markets of Vietnamese shrimp increased imports to serve year-end festivals.
In the first 9 months of 2020, whiteleg shrimp accounted for 72% of Vietnam's total shrimp exports, black tiger shrimp made up 16%, and the rest was marine shrimp. The total value of whiteleg shrimp exports lifted by 15% while that of black tiger shrimp fell by 15%. Exports of processed whiteleg shrimp (HS code 16) and live/fresh/ frozen whiteleg shrimp (code HS 03) increased by 24% and 7%, respectively. Export of other processed black tiger shrimp (HS16) surged by 38% while that of live/fresh/frozen black tiger shrimp (HS03) plunged by 20%.
The US: The US is the leading market for Vietnamese shrimp imports, accounting for nearly 24%. Vietnam shrimp exports to the US in September 2020 grew well by 39.6% compared to September 2019. In the first 9 months of this year, shrimp exports to this market reached over US$634.4 million, up 33% over the same period in 2019. Despite being affected by the Covid-19 epidemic, Vietnam's shrimp exports to the US remained positive in all the months of the first 9 months of 2020. The US is considered the market with the most stable demand for Vietnamese shrimp imports in the first 9 months of 2020. US shrimp import demand has been good to serve the retail segment.
According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in the first eight months of this year, the US imported 460,070 MT, worth US$3.9 billion, up 6% in volume and 8% in value over the same period in 2019. In the US market, in the first 8 months of this year, Vietnamese shrimp has a competitive advantage over rival suppliers such as India and Ecuador thanks to faster production stability after COVID-19. Shrimp prices at farms of all sizes in India continued to increase as packers in India faced a serious shortage in the supply of raw shrimp.
In the first 8 months of 2020, imports of shrimp into the US from major sources went up, in which the US sharply increased imports from Ecuador, Indonesia, Argentina, and imports from India rose slightly.
EU: EU is the 4th largest shrimp importer of Vietnam after the US, Japan, and China, accounting for 13.8% of the total value of Vietnam's shrimp exports. After decreasing in the previous months, Vietnam's shrimp exports to the EU started to grow well in the third quarter of this year thanks to the positive impact from the EVFTA Agreement which took effect from the beginning of August 2020. In September 2020, Vietnam shrimp exports to the EU reached US$57.6 million, up 35.4% over the same period in 2019. In the first 9 months of 2020, shrimp exports to this market reached over US$371 million, up 2.3%.
In the EU, restaurants, and food services are gradually reopening. Travel has also resumed. Meanwhile, retail or online sales continue to increase, and demand shrimp for the retail segment will increase in preparation for the year-end holiday season. EU is a market that has a good rate. It will also be the market that many enterprises focus on to boost export in the last month. Vietnam shrimp exports to the EU from now to the end of the year are expected to continue to jump.
With positive signals in Vietnam's shrimp exports in the first 9 months of this year, Vietnam's shrimp exports for the whole year 2020 are expected to reach $ 3.7 billion, up 9.8% compared to 2019.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2026 marks a period of strong growth for Vietnam’s tilapia industry, but it is also a time when international export competition is becoming increasingly intense. Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 99 million in 2025, up 140% compared to the previous year. In the first four months of 2026 alone, export value reached USD 49 million, a 151% increase year-on-year. As global demand for affordable whitefish continues to rise, Vietnam is emerging as a noteworthy competitor to traditional tilapia powerhouses such as China, Indonesia, Brazil, and Egypt.
(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.
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