Shrimp exports to Japan: Opportunities in processed and value-added segments

Vietnam maintains growth in shrimp exports

According to Vietnam Customs data, shrimp exports to Japan reached US$52.3 million in September 2026, up 8.6% year on year. Cumulative exports for the first nine months totaled US$440.9 million, up 6.4%, accounting for 11.8% of Vietnam’s total shrimp export value. Japan remained Vietnam’s third-largest shrimp export market, after China and the United States.

Meanwhile, according to International Trade Centre (ITC) data, Japan imported approximately US$1.25 billion worth of shrimp in the first eight months of 2026, down 3% year on year. Imports from Vietnam totaled nearly US$330 million, broadly unchanged from the same period in 2025, accounting for approximately 26.4% of Japan’s total shrimp import value.

Vietnam remained Japan’s largest shrimp supplier by value, followed by Indonesia at US$194.6 million, down 6%; India at US$193.8 million, up 5%; Thailand at US$153.1 million, down 25%; and Ecuador at US$87.9 million, down 8%.

These figures show that although Japan’s overall shrimp imports declined, Vietnam maintained its position among the country’s leading suppliers. However, the increase in imports from India also highlights growing competitive pressure in this market.

Import demand shifts across product categories

In the first eight months of 2026, Japan imported US$737 million worth of frozen warm-water shrimp, down 4% year on year. Meanwhile, imports of prepared or preserved warm-water shrimp not in airtight containers reached nearly US$423 million, up 1%. Frozen cold-water shrimp imports totaled US$56 million, down 13%.

These developments indicate that frozen raw shrimp is facing greater pressure, while processed shrimp products have remained relatively stable.

According to an analysis by Minato News, processed shrimp accounted for approximately 31% of Japan’s total shrimp import volume in 2025, excluding certain peeled and stretched shrimp products classified under frozen goods.

Labor shortages, the need to reduce preparation time, and the growing preference for convenient foods continue to influence purchasing decisions among Japanese importers, retailers, and foodservice operators.

However, demand has not increased uniformly across all product categories. In the first half of 2026, imports of boiled shrimp, including sushi shrimp, rose 5%, while breaded shrimp imports fell 6%. This suggests that exporters need to monitor demand in individual segments rather than assume that all processed products offer equal growth potential.

Competition among suppliers intensifies

Japan’s shrimp market is increasingly differentiated across raw materials, semi-processed products, and value-added processed shrimp.

India benefits from competitive raw material prices and its ability to meet Japanese customers’ detailed processing specifications. According to Minato News, India’s peeled and stretched shrimp products still have room for growth, while the market for shell-on shrimp is trending downward.

Ecuador has a strong position in headless, shell-on whiteleg shrimp supplied to the retail channel. According to estimates by Nosui, approximately 80% of Ecuadorian products in this category sold in Japan are distributed through retail networks, supported by freezing methods suited to thawing and supermarket display requirements.

Vietnam, meanwhile, has a strong position in peeled shrimp and, together with Thailand, holds advantages in value-added products such as boiled shrimp, sushi shrimp, and products processed to customers’ specific requirements.

This indicates that competition in Japan is determined not only by selling prices but also by suppliers’ ability to meet the specific needs of different customer groups and distribution channels.

Vietnamese exporters need to capitalize on processing advantages

According to Vietnam Customs data, Sao Ta led Vietnamese shrimp exporters to Japan in the first nine months of 2026, followed by Minh Phu – Hau Giang and Minh Phu Seafood Corporation.

Several other companies, including Tai Kim Anh, Thuan Phuoc, Hai Viet, and Quang Minh Seafood, also recorded positive growth.

As Japan’s market is unlikely to achieve strong growth in import volumes, opportunities for Vietnamese exporters will increasingly depend on adding value to products and meeting demand for convenient, ready-to-use shrimp.

Peeled shrimp, stretched shrimp, boiled shrimp, sushi shrimp, and products processed to customers’ specific requirements remain promising segments. At the same time, exporters need to control raw material costs, improve processing productivity, accelerate automation, and maintain consistent quality to compete with suppliers that enjoy price advantages.

Japan remains an important market for Vietnamese shrimp, particularly in the processed and value-added segments. Going forward, closely monitoring consumer trends, developing products tailored to market demand, and maintaining stable relationships with importers will be key to strengthening Vietnam’s position in this market.