Up in whiteleg shrimp exports
Sales of whiteleg shrimp remained to occupy a large share of 67.6% in Vietnam’s total shrimp exports, those of black tiger shrimp took up 23.4% and those of marine shrimp picked up 8.9%. Compared with the first half of 2017, the proportion of whiteleg shrimp increased while that of black tiger shrimp decreased.
In the first 7 months of 2018, the export value of whiteleg shrimp increased by 7%, while that of black tiger shrimp fell by 8% and that of marine shrimp dropped by 20% compared to the same period last year.
Down in shrimp exports in July
In July this year, Vietnam’s shrimp exports to major markets decreased compared to July last year. Exports to China fell by 47% while those to Japan and the U.S decreased by 15% and 18%, respectively. Export to the EU and South Korea also decreased by 15% and 10%, respectively.
The fall in shrimp exports in QII/2018 was believed to be driven by the impact of the drop in raw shrimp prices, which has affected the export price; meanwhile, high inventories also resulted in lower import orders from major markets.
The domestic raw shrimp price in QII/2018 decreased compared with the previous months. The price in the major producing countries such as India, Thailand, Indonesia, and China ... also fell sharply in the context of the bulk of the harvest which led to an oversupply.
The EU
The EU remained as a large importing market of Vietnamese shrimp in the first 7 months of this year, accounting for 24.9%. Vietnam’s shrimp exports to EU grew well in the first 6 months of the year. However, exports to this market in July began to fall by 14.6% to reach US$74 million. Exports to the EU as of July this year reached US$479.8 million, up 26% over the same period last year.
Exports to the three major markets (the Netherlands, the UK, Germany) rose by 46%, 20% and 36% in the first seven months of this year. Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the EU market still enjoy GSP incentives and benefits when the two competitors (India and Thailand) strongly reduced their exports to this market.
The U.S
In the first seven months of this year, Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the U.S decreased by 9.5% to hit US$311.8 million. A rise in the anti-dumping duty partly caused a fall in Vietnam’s shrimp exports to this market.
In terms of total U.S shrimp imports, after a continuous increase in the last 14 months, the U.S shrimp imports had decreased in May and June this year. High inventories and difficulties in all major sources had reduced shrimps supplies to the U.S market.
In the first half of this year, the U.S imported 303,637 MT of shrimp, worth by US$2.8 billion, up 6% in volume and 3% in value over the same period in 2017. Top 5 biggest suppliers to the country included India (21.7%), Ecuador (12.2%), Thailand (7.2%) and Vietnam (7.1%).
In the remaining months of this year, when the demand from key markets and shrimp prices stabilize, Vietnam’s shrimp exports for the full year expected to reach about US$4 billion.
(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.
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